Listening to her crying, my internal battle of emotions ends. Empathy wins, big time. I don’t want to upset Mom any more for one day, so I’m extra-quiet while getting ready for school. Even Betsy’s on her best behavior; she doesn’t kick or buck as I drive away. The day zooms by in a blur of classes and chatting with Cissy. I forget all about Mom’s sadness.

When I walk through my front door again, I find Mom’s still in her room with the door closed, quietly sobbing. My heart sinks. Finding out about Mom’s past is sure different than I thought it would be.

8

Cissy and I sit in our usual seats in the back row of Biology class, waiting for the other students to settle in. My best friend bobs up and down in her chair. “Did I tell you Zeke’s parents are back from their trip?”

Only twelve times. “Yes, you mentioned it, Cissy.” The day after I first visited the Ryder library, Zeke’s parents went on a week-long diplomatic tour. Before leaving, they called Cissy’s house, saying that under no circumstances should she visit the mansion. For a few days, she and Zeke tried hanging at her place, but her parents are still having issues with Zeke’s reputation. Long story short, they’ve been counting the days until the Ryders return.

And if I’m being totally honest with myself, they’re not the only ones counting. I can’t wait to get back into the library and see what I can find out about my mother’s past and father’s identity.

Cissy doodles in her notebook. “I’m going over to the Ryder mansion after school. You coming?”

“Hells, yeah.” I didn’t realize it was a question. “Why wouldn’t I?”

Cissy chews her bottom lip. “I wasn’t sure if you’d still want to. Last week you left pretty early. I was worried you didn’t like hanging out in the library.”

Oh that? Only when thrax Princes show up. “No, I’m totally into it. I’ll be there after school.”

“Good news.” Cissy leans across the aisle and taps my desk. “Hey, did you see that?” She nods toward the front of the class.

Craning my neck, I spy a large glass case by the teacher’s desk. It’s a three-foot cube that’s perched on a small silver table. “Cool. The Lady always keeps it interesting.”

The Lady is LDY-99, our Biology teacher. With charcoal skin that stretches over her skeletal frame, the Lady looms seven feet tall in her hooded black robes. Her distinguishing marks are her halo-like afro, oversized eyes, and little round glasses. She’s definitely the coolest teacher at school.

“Today, I’ve a surprise for you all.” The Lady steps up to the empty glass case. “We’re going to learn about Reperio demons.”