“But why should Ally be punished?” Sheriff Gleason counters.

“Yeah,” I say aloud.

“I don’t see how her living with her own family is punishing her,” Paula replies, a stubborn determination on her face.

The room is silent again as the tension continues to rise. I didn’t think today was going to be easy, but I definitely didn’t think it would go this badly. I ball my hands into fists and let my nails dig into my palms.

Sheriff Gleason studies Paula, probably thinking about his hostage negotiation training. I certainly feel like a hostage at this current moment. I have absolutely zero control over what’s going to happen to me. “Okay, I hear you. I simply think we need to take a minute—”

“No.” Paula cuts off Sheriff Gleason, her face crimson. “Enough!”

My entire body goes numb. I collapse down on the couch. This can’t be happening.

This can’t be happening.

It can’t.

I thought my so-called mother would do what’s in my best interest and let me stay here. I would come visit. In a few weeks when the weather will be so cold here you can feel it in your bones, I’d look forward to going to Florida.

“I’m sorry,” she continues. I notice the bags under her eyes. She looks tired, defeated. “I really am sorry, but I have been living in hell for fifteen years not knowing where my daughter was. I want to know her. I have that right. I want my daughter to live with me. And that’s what’s going to happen.” She gets up and heads to the bedroom, slamming the door behind her.

How can someone who doesn’t know me be able to make these demands of me? If she really cared, she’d let me stay here.

“Ally?” Craig says in a soft voice. “I can’t imagine how difficult this is for you. But do you understand where we’re coming from?”

I can’t move. I can’t speak. And would it matter if I did? I have no choice in this matter.

Once, in health class, we learned that one of the reasons drunk drivers often walk away from car crashes is because they’re relaxed when they’re in the accident (which yes, causes said accident in the first place). It’s bracing yourself that causes one to break limbs.

So I relax and accept the oncoming collision. Accept my fate, even though it absolutely terrifies me.

I move my head as much as I can, assuming he’ll take it as a nod.

They’re in charge, and there’s nothing I can do about it.

“Great,” Craig replies with a clap of his hands.

So it’s settled. I’m moving to Florida.

Everything that I’ve worked for. Everybody I know and trust.

It’s all gone.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter

TWENTY-FOUR