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Chapter Eight

ANGEL SINCLAIR

One week later, I waited nervously on the couch inside my apartment with two small suitcases, my laptop bag, Mr. Toodles, and my mom.

“I feel like you’re forgetting something,” my mom said, jumping up for the hundredth time and looking around the apartment.

“We’ve had this same conversation a dozen times in the past hour, Mom. They said they’re providing pretty much everything for us. They are even sending a driver for me. Look, I promise I’m not forgetting anything. I’ve got everything I need.”

“What about your phone charger? Extra batteries? Your gloves?”

“I’ve got all those things. Besides, if I did forget anything, you can bring them to me. I’m only going to be two hours away, remember?”

“But they said it will be at least four weeks before I can visit.”

My heart skipped a beat nervously. In four weeks I’d know whether I was in or out. If I failed, my mom wouldn’t have to visit. I’d be coming home on my own. “They just want us to get acclimated. It will be fine. I can survive four weeks without whatever I forgot.”

She sighed, pulling me in close for a hug. “I’m not ready for an empty nest. It’s all happening so fast.”

“I promise I’ll call and text as often as I can, okay?”

“You’d better.”

“I will.”

The doorbell rang and Mr. Toodles barked like the fierce dog he is, with tiny little yaps and yips. My mom scooped him up as I opened the door.

A man in a white dress shirt, dark slacks, and sunglasses stood there. “Good morning. Ms. Sinclair, are you ready?” he asked.

I never once imagined that I would be escorted to college by a US government driver. It was both super cool and super weird. Still, I tried to act like it was no big deal. “Yes, I’m ready. Thank you for coming.”

He nodded, then tipped his head toward my mother. “Good morning, ma’am. I’m here to escort your daughter to the academy.”

“Oh, it’s so nice to make your acquaintance. Would you like to come in? Do you have time for some coffee?”

He smiled slightly. “Thank you. I appreciate the offer, but I’ve got two other students waiting in the car.” He pointed to my suitcases. “Are these yours?”

“They are,” I confirmed.

He nodded once more at my mom and rolled my suitcases out the door. I slipped my laptop bag and purse over my shoulder and gave Mom and Mr. Toodles one last hug. My mom looked dangerously close to tears.

I headed for the door but hesitated, suddenly not sure what to say, or if I could say anything to make my decision to leave any easier. Was I suddenly having doubts?

“I’ll text you when I get to the campus and get settled in, okay? I promise.”

My mom suddenly straightened, giving me a smile. “Of course you will. You’re so smart and strong—you’ll do great. I love you, Angel.”

“I love you, too, Mom.”

It was harder than I thought it would be to walk out the door. I had to swallow hard a few times to keep my composure. Luckily, I was distracted when I saw the limo and Wally and Frankie in the back, practically bouncing off the seats.

“Angel, will you look at this?” Wally said as I climbed in with them. “We’re riding to school in style. It even has a refrigerator and free snacks.” He opened the door, pulled out a Coke, and shoved one at me. “Drink up.”

“I’ve never been in a limo before,” Frankie said, pushing some buttons. “There’s a television here.”

“No alcohol, though,” Wally said. “Dang.”

“We’re all underage,” I pointed out.