Winter Term by J J Krzemien

Author:J J Krzemien [Krzemien, J J]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wednesday Ink, LLC
Published: 2019-12-02T16:00:00+00:00

13

Caprice

I followed the well-lit pathway to Academy Hall and hoped May was in her office this time. We hadn’t really spoken much since my birthday party, and that was my fault. More guilt flooded my chest. Lana was becoming a good friend, but May had been with me since the beginning—she knew me better than anyone, except for the guys.

She opened on the first knock. “Caprice. What’s up?” Her tone was light and friendly. I let out the breath I’d been holding.

I shut her door behind me. “I need someone to talk to.”

“Okay. You’ve caught me at a good time. Spill.” She sat down in one of the upholstered chairs, brushing her strawberry colored hair over her shoulder.

I sat too. “Ms. Duinn attacked me in the hall a few hours ago. She caught me coming out of Jaxon’s office and threatened to tell the Tromara what we’ve been up to.” The story tumbled out. I’d lost the flowers and chocolates in the encounter, which seemed kind of silly to make such a big deal about. But this was my first Valentine’s Day with the guys, and Ms. Duinn had ruined it so thoroughly. I told May about the visit to the dean and how I couldn’t hang out with Jaxon and Liam anymore.

When I finally finished, May was staring at her clasped hands in her lap. “I’m sorry she got to you, too. I know how that feels.”

“I know you do, that’s why I wanted to talk to you.” I tried to catch her eye, but she wouldn’t look up. “You never really told me what happened with…you and Ms. Duinn and your boyfriend, and all that.”

“I know it was her, but she never directly confronted me. She went to my parents instead with the letters from Josh.” May sniffed. “There’s something you need to understand about my father.” Her gaze lifted to mine. Her lips were set in a firm, straight line. “First, you need to promise to never, ever tell anyone else what I’m about to tell you, okay?”

I warily nodded. I knew that both May and Liam didn’t get along with their parents—especially their father—so what as the big secret?

May’s fingers clenched the hem of her sweater. “He never laid a finger on us when we were growing up.” Her voice hitched. “He made us do it ourselves. He’d use compulsion on us to punish ourselves, and he was always creative with whatever was around. Belts, rods, bricks…chains. Mother was always a gifted healer.”

I sat rigidly in the chair, horrified. What could I say to that? Saying I’m sorry, seemed flippant.

I reached for her hand, hoping physical contact would show my support. She didn’t react to my touch.

“He made me break up with Josh,” she whispered. “He compelled me to do it. I’d hoped that all of that was over—I’m an adult for fuck’s sake! Yet he made me, just as if I were still a child.”

My horror was replace with anger. I squeezed her hand and she returned the gesture.

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