Flunked (Fairy Tale Reform School, #1)(41)

Someone throws their hands over my eyes. “Surprise!”

“Anna?” I sputter. My sister uncovers my eyes, and I see she is standing in front of me in a cobbler uniform resembling my mother’s. She looks taller than she did a few weeks ago (is that possible?), and I can smell her Rapunzel hair perfume. (“It sparkles and smells great! Just like me!” Rapunzel says in the ad.) Around her neck, Anna has the tiny locket I stole—I mean got—her for her last birthday. “What are you doing here?”

“Anna was so proud. She couldn’t wait ’til you got home to see you!” Mother says as my sister dances around me. “The others are home planning a big hero’s welcome at the boot. Felix, Hamish, and Han are already making signs, and Trixie…” Mother laughs. I can’t recall the last time I heard her do that. “Trixie started to make you a cake even though we were out of eggs and….” She touches my cheeks with both hands. “You’ve only been here three weeks and already you’re changing.”

I glance at Father. He puts a hand on my shoulder and gives it a squeeze. I can’t remember the last time he did that. “We’re proud of you, Gillian.”

Whoa. I don’t think Father’s ever said those words to me in my entire life.

My cheeks color as I think of the words “hero,” “proud,” and “party” being used about me. Thieving got me riches, but I’ve never received praise like this before. I don’t know what to say.

“Did you really save Sleeping Beauty?” Anna asks excitedly, her cocoa-colored eyes shining. “I’ve been telling all my friends at trade school! You’re going to be practically royal in the village. Tell us exactly what happened and don’t leave out a word.”

My family looks at me expectantly, but I can’t lie to them like I have to others. “It wasn’t really a big deal.”

Father is watching me closely.

“It’s a huge deal!” Anna says, squeezing my hand. She hasn’t let go since she got here. “Why don’t you seem excited? You’re coming home today!”

This is what I wanted. To get home to my siblings, to make Anna proud, to get some respect from Father. And yet none of this praise feels exactly right and that is why I know now, more than ever, that I’m doing the right thing.

Mother frowns. “Gillian, where is your suitcase? Didn’t you pack? Your professor said we needed to leave the grounds immediately because they’re doing final preparations for the ball tonight.”

I plant my feet firmly on the oriental rug under my feet and take a deep breath. This is much harder to say with Anna hanging on me. “I didn’t pack because I’m not leaving today.”

Mother looks baffled. She shows me the release scroll. “But it says here we can take you home. Professor Harlow said—”

“I know what Professor Harlow said,” I say gently as Anna’s face deflates, “but I can’t go home just yet.” I eye Miri’s glowing mirror in the corner. “I’m sorry you closed the shop and had to make the trip over here, but there are things I have to do before I’m released and they could take a while. Dark things are happening in Enchantasia,” I say quietly, “things I can’t talk about now, but I’m trying to help stop them. Others are too. People in here are depending on me,” I say, being cryptic. “I wouldn’t feel right if I left them now when they need me more than ever.”

Anna drops my hand. “We need you!” she yells, her voice full of disappointment. I feel a pang. I can’t even look at Father. “Mother has papers that say you can go home! We don’t have enough to eat, and I don’t know how to pluck from royals like you do. My first attempt failed.”

“Anna!” Mother says in shock, and my heart sinks. What have I taught my sister?

“Anna, don’t become a pickpocket like me,” I tell her. “Just because the royals are easy to steal from doesn’t mean it’s right.” Father looks at me with a note of pride.

Anna, however, is furious. “What has this place done to you? Now you think you can stop villains too? I don’t know who you are. Mother, if she’s not coming home, then I can’t even look at her. I’m waiting outside.” She stomps out the front doors before I can stop her. I’m not sure I would reason with her even if I could.

Anna, please forgive me, I think. I’m doing this for you.

“Gillian, you’re not making any sense,” Mother says, waving the scroll in her hand. “How can you stay when they want you to leave? I don’t think I can just leave you here to help your little friends. We have an order.”

My heart sinks. I know she’s right, but I can’t bail now.

I hear a ripping sound and look up. Father has surprised Mother and me by tearing the scroll to pieces. “I don’t see any release scroll,” Father says and Mother’s jaw drops. “I say she stays right where she is.” Father touches my chin. “Staying here means a lot to you, doesn’t it?”

“Yes, I’m trying to do something good, Father,” I say, my voice wavering.

“Then I think you should,” he says with a small smile. “You obviously have more work to do at Fairy Tale Reform School. Stay and make us proud.”

“I will.” I throw my arms around him and squeeze. I don’t know when, if ever, I’ve hugged him, but he deserves a hug now. I’m not going to let my family or anyone inside these walls down.