Chapter 56

Dad’s waiting for me in the visitor parking lot, standing next to his rusted-out Ford with his hands in his jeans pockets. He smiles at me, but I’m having a hard time smiling back. Climbing out of the air-conditioned leather palace of the academy car, my pleated skirt billowing gently in the wind, I feel like I’m straddling two realities.

“Hey,” I whisper as his eyes take in my hair. I hadn’t thought to mention it. I was too pissed about Parents’ Week, and honestly, it didn’t seem like he had the emotional capacity to handle any of my crap. He’s struggling enough on his own. The driver gets out and shuts the car door behind me before taking off.

Then it’s just me and Dad, standing alone in an empty parking lot.

“Your hair looks nice,” he says, and at least I think he actually means it. He’s dressed in a plaid button-down and new jeans, and it seems like he’s actually trying. Charlie seems sober, too, which is a relief. Last night was fun, if a little confusing, and