Page 37 of Until Presley

“I don’t care; it’s the only one I don’t have.”

“I know.” I smile before he leans down and takes my lips in a deep kiss.

“Hello, kids, I’m still here.” Flo laughs, and we pull apart. “What time are your parents calling, Presley?” she asks me, and I look down at my watch and cringe. My father has been mad at me for weeks now.

My application to change my advisor was denied, and the university declared that I must return to Miami. My father wants me to go, but I don’t. I’m tired of arguing with him. Professor Blackman and he have been talking, trying to get me to focus completely on my studies. I’m doing well and am still on track to graduate a year from May, exactly when I’m supposed to. But my father wants me to push to graduate earlier because he’s got a research team in Australia that wants me to come down there. I don’t want to.

I called Morgan in New York to wish her a Merry Christmas. She and I discussed what’s going on with my dad. She’s mad at him and said he better come around or she’ll kick his butt.

“They should be calling in about thirty minutes.” I move off Ham’s lap, and he tries to grab for me again. I giggle and start cleaning up the living room.

Our small tree is lit up, and there are even twinkle lights over the pool. We are going to Walker and Hanna’s later for Christmas dinner. Not only did her parents come down, but so did her brother, his wife, and their daughter.

When my phone rings exactly twenty minutes later, I answer it and move outside.

“Hello, Dad, Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas, Presley,” he says, but his voice is tight.

“Merry Christmas, Thea,” I say, hearing her in the background.

“Merry Christmas, sweetie,” she says, and I hear her move away from the line.

“Did you call Griff and your sister?” he asks, and I bite my lip.

“I called Griff as soon as I woke up. He’s missing everyone.”

“He’ll be okay. These are the sacrifices he’ll have to learn to make for a career. Sacrifices you don’t seem to understand anymore.” His tone is bitter, and I want to argue, but what’s the point? Instead, I defend my little brother.

“He’s only ten, Dad. Give him a break. Let him be a kid. Please. He doesn’t need to be raised like Clara and I were.”

“I’m his father, just like I’m yours. I know what’s best for you kids. Speaking of which, I have an update for you.”

“Sean, we discussed this.” I hear Thea again. “This isn’t the time, and it’s her choice.”

“Thea, she’s my daughter. I’ll tell her what’s best for her.”

I hear a huff, followed by a door slamming in the background.

“Dad, what’s going on?”

“Professor Blackman and I have spoken to the doctoral board. Your request to change advisors and your path of study has been denied. However, if you return to Miami and take over teaching a class for one of the professors, you doctoral hours can be accelerated so you can graduate in December of next year, instead of a year and a half from now. There’s an Introduction to Marine Biology class starting in January that would be perfect for you. Professor Blackman is looking forward to working with you on this course.”

“No, Dad. I’m appealing the decision. I think Dr. Miller would be a better advisor. He looks out for what’s in my best interest, not yours.” I defend myself for the first time ever. “Besides, Dad, I don’t want to go back to Miami. I just got a call from the FBI agents; another body was found. This one was petite and looked like me, but they dyed her hair blond. I don’t want to risk myself or others.”

“Clara told Thea there isn’t a serial killer. She said you’re making it up for attention. Darling, what do I need to prove to you to show that you don’t need attention like that?” His words hurt because it’s not true. The only thing I’ve ever wanted from him is his time and complete attention, even if for just a moment. That’s all, just a short moment.

“Someday you’ll believe me. Just look it up.” I’m about to hang up, but he stops me.

“Presley, think about what your mother would want you to do. You only have until the January term starts to make this decision. Merry Christmas.” He hangs up, and I just sit there, staring at the phone. I can’t believe he just said that to me. He hasn’t mentioned my mother in years, and this is when he does it.

Ham

Istep out through the sliding glass doors and see Presley sitting on the lounger. She’s staring at her phone, and tears are rolling down her face. I don’t know why her father is so against us being in a relationship. I overheard her arguing with him recently, saying I’m not keeping her from her studies.

“Presley.”

She startles when I say her name. I walk over, slide onto the chaise behind her, and pull her into my chest. She is stiff at first, but then softens and leans back into me.

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