Page 13 (1/2)

It worked It really worked

Dad, oblivious to what has just happened, walks up to her and rests a hand against her lower back "It sounds as if Greer has everything under control, Helen" He throwsdays I’ll have Natasha call the housekeepers in the , and the house will be back to norht"

"Of course" I s to appear positive when I knoill have to be the one to talk to Natasha because Dad will be at the office before dawn I will take care of it, as I always do

Mother just looks at him, her face still oddly blank, and she lets Dad lead her to the stairs up to their second-floor bedroouides her into the stairway, he looks back atshtly odd behavior, he doesn’t coht to Dad and wait until I hear their bedrooy coiled up insideme, but I have to face the rest of the cleanup first Yes, I will s look when Mother cos will be for everyone in the household

As I htening portraits of ancestors who no longer belong to me, I can’t keep the treive me the confidence, I just told myto be too callous and selfish for iant,faster that I can keep up with, and for the first time in my life, I’m not 100-percent certain I can handle it

There are little cracks for in my controlled facade, and I’ht’s sleep to repair theh, they’ll have to suffice

CHAPTER 5

GRACE

Despiteoutside Ms West’s office first thing the next ot to school before the front doors were open The custodian leton the front steps, and then the secretary let me into the office so I could wait for Ms West on the bench outside her door

One reason for erness is that I want to talk to Ms West and find out for certain if she’s the Gorgon Sthenno I’m pretty sure--as sure as I can be--but it pays to be cautious Especially after last night I have to be a little strategic

But the other reason is that I wanted to get out of the house before Mom and Dad were up I knew Mo about my irresponsible behavior, but I couldn’t face the prospect I couldn’t sit there and listen to them explain how disappointed they are in ht they could trust me It breaks my heart that I can’t tell theht It breaks my heart that this new part of ical legacy,a crack in the relationship I have with my parents It killsthem is not an option I have to keep my shadows to myself

"Grace?" Ms West asks as she arrives at her door "Is soant, poised Wearing a crisp suit in a soft shade of gray and heels that would old jewelry Sah she hasn’t changed since yesterday, the way I’ at her has I see the little details Ifros And, most of all, the wisdom in her soft blue eyes The wisdom of soe she presents