I stand up and feel a bit wobbly on my feet. “Thank you.”

“Speak up!” someone else shouts at me.

“Thank you,” I say louder. “Ah, I’m not good with public speaking, but it means a lot to me that you are all here. I know many of you have memories about me from when I was little, and I’m sorry I don’t remember them. I’ve missed a lot, but we have plenty of holidays and other occasions to make new ones. And I look forward to that.”

It’s true. There can be a future with my Florida family. I’ve got my whole entire life to make up for lost time. Thing is, it doesn’t need to be right now. Family bonding can’t be forced. It’s something that will happen gradually.

There’s some applause as Paula wraps her arms around me. “Oh, sweetie. That means so much to me.”

I pull away so I can look her in the eye. “I mean what I said. It doesn’t matter where I go to college or where I live, I’m still your daughter. We get to make new memories. And I never meant to hurt you.”

She touches my cheek. “I know, baby. I only want what’s best for you.”

“Me too.”

Chapter Forty-Three

Chapter

FORTY-THREE

I look around the bedroom. It’s surprising how little I feel about it, compared to my room back home. I place the note for Paula on the bed and touch it lightly before I put my backpack on and walk quietly to the door. Maybe I’m doing it the coward’s way, but this will probably be best for everybody.

At least that’s what I’m telling myself.

My cell phone chirps and I smile. I open the door and look around the quiet hallway. I tiptoe to the stairs and then hear a click behind me.

I turn around to find Sarah standing outside her room, rubbing her eyes. “What’s going on?”

I freeze. “Nothing,” I whisper. “Go back to sleep.”

Sarah looks at me, fully dressed with a backpack on and carrying a suitcase, and realizes I’m full of it. She drops her hands and walks to me. “You’re leaving?”

“Listen, I’m just going back home to testify for my dad and finish school. I know I promised that I’d stay until graduation, but I can’t. I just can’t do it. I will be back. And, well, I left a note to explain everything. I also said I’m going to call later this morning when she’s had a chance to read everything I have to say. I’m going to talk to her every day. You too.” I wrap Sarah in a hug. She hesitates before hugging me back. “I’m going to miss you, Sarah. But I have to do this.”

She pushes me away. “No.”