The Similars (The Similars #1)(69)

“It’s nearly complete,” I catch Ransom saying to them. “Months. Possibly even weeks. I couldn’t be more pleased with the data thus far.”

“And it’s all being completed in the research lab?” Bianca asks under her breath.

“Yes,” says Ransom. “We are almost ready. Thanks to your generous donation, of course.”

The Huxleys made a donation? To what? I wonder.

Before I can overhear more, Madison appears next to me.

“I know what you did,” she says simply.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I say.

“The injective. The science building. I remember it all.”

“So what? You did the same thing to me, to all of us, at the midnight session. Looks like we’re even.” I walk off, a lot less calm than I am trying to project, leaving Madison glaring as Ransom clangs on his glass for everyone’s attention.

“It’s been a pleasure hosting all of you here tonight. Thank you again for coming. Please, make your way back to your dorms and hotel rooms safely. I look forward to the rest of our weekend eagerly.”

I try to catch Jaeger as we collect our coats and head out into the cold night, but Pippa blocks my way to say good night, her voice strained. Jaeger shakes my father’s hand, promising to keep him posted on Pru’s continued recovery. I want desperately to ask him about his note, but when I make eye contact, he shakes his head.

Levi and Pippa start down the path back to the main campus, followed by Jaeger. I excuse myself from my dad and catch up with Jaeger. “Please. Tell me what your note meant! Why do you want me and Pippa to stop searching for Pru? Where is she? Is Prudence—” I force myself to say the words out loud. “Is she dead?”

Jaeger sighs like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. “Pru is not dead. She is doing much better, in fact.”

I’m stunned. She is? “Then where is she? Why isn’t she back at school? Why hasn’t she buzzed me?”

“It’s not safe for her at Darkwood. Not after she was attacked. Her mother and I want to keep her home where we’re sure she won’t be in danger. Rest assured, Pru is recuperating nicely, and she sends her love. But we would prefer that she and her health not be the center of conversation on campus. You should get back to your father.” He leaves me standing on the paved walkway. I watch as the Huxleys, the Leroys, Maude, Theodora, and all the others stream by.

It’s only me and my father now.

“I’ll walk you to your dorm,” he offers. “I’m leaving in the morning. I hope you understand that I can’t stay for the rest of the events.”

“Fine,” I say quietly. We begin to walk, efficiently, quickly.

“I have no choice but to be firm on this issue, Emmaline. The Similars aren’t good friends for you.”

I wheel on him. I can’t hold in my fury any longer. “With all due respect, Dad—if you even deserve to be called that, given how distant you’ve been—you can’t tell me what to do. Make whatever recommendations you like, but I will make my own decisions about whether or not I associate with the Similars.”

My father stops in his tracks, looking bewildered. “You agreed with me at dinner just thirty minutes ago. Are you in love with him?” he demands.

“What?” My voice catches. I can hardly breathe.

“Is that what this is about? Was that some kind of lovers’ quarrel back there?”

“Jesus, Dad! No.”

He says quietly, “I’ve been contemplating whether to have you stay at Darkwood or come home. Continuing your education here with the opportunities it affords you has been the better choice, I was sure of it. But now… Dammit, Emmaline. This isn’t going to end well.”

We stand there in silence.

“I’m sorry, Dad,” I finally say. “I know you never wanted to raise me alone. I know it’s not what you signed up for. You thought Mom would be here. But she isn’t.” I force the tears back, not wanting him to see me cry. “I know you never would have agreed to this if…if you’d known what it would be like.”

His voice is gentle. “Agreed? Emma, honey, agreed to what?”

“To being a dad. To being my father,” I say.

“Is that what you think?” he asks quietly. “That if I could go back in time, I wouldn’t have had you? Emmaline. You were—you are—the best thing that ever happened to me.”

I shrug my shoulders, toughening up like I always do. “Then why were you so cold when Ollie died this summer? My best friend dies and you practically ignore it. No offense, but I think I’m good on my own.”

I continue to my dorm, and he doesn’t call after me or follow me. In the morning, he’s gone.

*

The rest of February is gray and gloomy. After the Ten dinner, I have little contact with any of the Similars, even Maude. Ever since our discovery of the holograms in the research building, I’ve felt closer to her. But she remains radio silent. I don’t talk much to Pippa either, and she sits exclusively with the Similars in the dining hall. I’ve gotten used to eating with my textbooks, but I still miss Pippa. My friend.

Even with as much work as I have for my classes, I can’t get the holograms out of my head. I’d give my right arm to get back in the research lab, but as far as I can tell, there’s a security guard stationed there twenty-four seven. So I hole up in my room outside of class hours with only Dash to keep me company.