The Similars (The Similars #1)(66)
My own father arrives in time to attend the all-school assembly in the Darkwood chapel. We sit together, and as I get a whiff of his scent—lemon and soap—a dull, unwelcome ache settles in my chest. He and I weren’t always so distant. We used to have fun together when I was a little girl. It’s hard for me to grasp exactly what happened between us as I got older, but we became more like roommates than family. He’s always sad when he is with me. I could never make him happy, I remind myself. I could never fill the hole left by my mother when she died.
Ransom gives a speech much like the one he gave at the start of the school year, and I zone out, scanning the room. This is the only day students sit with their parents or other family members instead of their preferred cliques. I look for Levi, but I can’t spot him from where I sit. I wonder if Jane and Booker flew out to support Levi like Jaeger has Pippa. Given everything that happened with the stock of Ward, Inc., I highly doubt it.
With Jane and Booker in mind, I feel for Oliver’s key around my neck. My own father and I have been invited to a dinner at Headmaster Ransom’s house. It’s for current members of the Ten and their families. It’s another Darkwood tradition, and one of the “perks” of being a Ten: exclusive events and a chance to socialize with the other Ten members’ families. For me, it’s the perfect opportunity to find out more about John Underwood. After tonight, hopefully I’ll finally figure out the significance of “him”—Ollie’s biological father.
In the fading light, my father and I walk to Ransom’s house. We are joined by Pippa and Jaeger. I’m surprised when my father leans in close to his old schoolmate, resting a hand on his shoulder.
“How is she?” he asks, skipping over the formalities to inquire about Pru.
“The same, old friend.” Jaeger’s voice is tight. “But we continue to be optimistic.”
I can’t wait. “Your note,” I blurt. “Why did you tell me to—?”
Jaeger silences me with a look. I’ll have to find him later.
Ransom greets us at the door and ushers us inside, where we hang up our coats and convene in the living room. I’m instantly reminded of my foolish night seeking Ransom’s counsel.
We are the first to arrive but are soon joined by the Huxleys, who exchange pleasantries with my father and Jaeger, and by Maude and Theodora, who arrive together, parentless, of course. Madison and Maude don’t speak to each other. They stay on opposite sides of the room as the Huxleys whisper loudly that Ransom should have held a separate dinner for the clones. My father mumbles something about how the Huxleys always were bigots, and I feel a surge of pride standing next to him.
The other Ten members and their families drift in—Angela and Sunil with their families, and Archer with his dads—and, finally, Levi. As he shakes Ransom’s hand and joins Maude and Theodora by the fireplace, my heartbeat quickens. I wonder if he’ll reach for Theodora’s hand or, worse, put his arm around her. I’m relieved that he does neither of those things. I force myself to look away, toward the door, instead. That’s when I see Tessa stride in with her mother, Frederica, and her father, Damian.
“Ransom,” coos Frederica as she sweeps in, air kissing him on each cheek. “Pleasure, as always. Can someone take my coat?” Flinging her stole at the nearest waiter, she blows past Ransom. I take one look at Tessa’s father and am stunned by what I see. Though he still wears an expensive suit and gold rings, dark shadows circle his unfocused eyes, and his skin hangs on his haggard face. He no longer projects the appearance of a powerful media mogul. My gaze turns to Jaeger to gauge his reaction, given their history. He adjusts his jacket collar, unfazed.
Frederica greets the Huxleys, but from what I can tell, it’s all pleasantries, and her husband’s impending time in prison isn’t part of their conversation.
After some mingling and a few more passed hors d’oeuvres, Ransom announces dinner and we filter into the dining room, where several round tables have been set up for us, complete with formal place cards. The Huxleys are thick as thieves with Headmaster Ransom, which strikes me as odd. Weren’t they angry with him at the beginning of the year for inviting the Similars to Darkwood? What’s changed? I try to listen in on their conversation, but there are too many people talking and I can’t hear.
The Leroys stick to themselves in a corner, hovering near their table. Damian turns white as a sheet as he scans the place cards. I can’t figure out why until Theodora approaches the same table. She’s been seated with her DNA family. I have no idea how they feel about Theodora, since Tessa’s never said anything about her Similar one way or another, but from the look on Frederica’s face and from Damian’s ghostly pallor, they are not pleased.
Taking my eyes off the Leroys, I follow my father, who has found our table and gestures me to the seat next to him. I glance at the card to see who will be sitting to my left. It’s Levi.
The Last Supper
“Ransom must have a sick sense of humor,” I mutter as I pull out my chair and sit.
“I was just thinking the same thing,” Levi responds.
Does he look amused?
Pippa and Jaeger are across from us. I’m relieved. Maybe the two of them will talk enough for the whole table.
“Look,” I say to Levi. “I’m sure you’d much prefer I were Theodora, but she’s sitting over there, and I’m here, so…” I shrug.