Page 165 of Finding Us

“I made you change schools. Moorhurst had a good science department and now you’re stuck going here and I don’t know anything about the classes or the professors.”

“I told you they had a good science department.”

“I want you to have more than good. I want you to have the best. My dad does, too. So I don’t mind that he’s doing this. I’m actually happy about it.”

“What if other students find out? They’ll think we’re getting special treatment, like better grades, because of what your dad did.”

“They won’t find out. Since we’re trying to keep a low profile here, my dad will make sure his donation is anonymous.”

A half hour later, Adler appears again with my dad. They walk back toward the middle of campus.

“Give me a call and we’ll set up a time,” I hear my dad say.

“Will do,” Adler says. “Enjoy the rest of your day.

My dad walks over to Jade and me. “Sorry that took so long. Ready to go?”

As we’re driving back to the house, Jade says to my dad, “So what did you think of the science building?”

“It could use some improvements. They need some new equipment. It’ll be ordered next week.” My dad’s sitting up front with me. He turns back to Jade. “If you need anything else, don’t hesitate to call. I’ll have it taken care of.”

I check the rearview mirror and see Jade sitting there stunned that my dad is doing this. She’s not used to the way he just steps in and does stuff like this. I don’t think anything of it.

We go out for dinner again that night. Then on Saturday morning, my dad stops by the house to say goodbye before he leaves. He brings over a big box of donuts he picked up at a bakery.

“Thanks for the donuts.” Jade hugs my dad.

He gives her a funny look. He has no idea how excited she gets over donuts.

“You’re welcome.” He sits down at the kitchen table.

I hand him a cup of coffee. “You just made her day. Jade loves donuts.”

“I’ll keep that in mind for future visits.” He sips his coffee.

Jade takes the seat next to him and grabs a donut. “When do you think you’ll come back here again?”

He sighs. “Probably not for a while. Work is getting busy and I have—well, you know. Other commitments to take care of.”

He means stuff for the organization. I think they’re making him do even more for them now because they blame him for fake Garret’s bad behavior last spring.

“Do you think you two will make it out to Connecticut this fall?” He looks at Jade when he asks it.

“Um, I’m not sure yet.” She glances at me to answer.

“We’ll talk about it and let you know.”

“Have you made plans for the holidays?” My dad looks at me this time.

“We’re going to Des Moines for Thanksgiving. I’m not sure about Christmas.”

My dad nods. “I understand.”

He seems hurt. I didn’t mean to make him feel bad. This isn’t about him. It’s about the rest of my family. I know Jade doesn’t want to go back to my house for Christmas. That’s the absolute last place she’d want to spend the holidays and I don’t blame her. She shouldn’t have to endure being treated like shit from both Katherine and my grandparents.

“Dad, it’s not like we don’t want to. It’s just—”

“You don’t have to explain, Garret.”

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