Chapter 11
Anyway, they hadn’t settled on a school yet.
Emmitt’s eyes danced with curiosity as he observed his sister’s calm demeanor. Was she serious about having chosen a school?
Mirabella shifted lazily in her seat, crossing her legs as she spoke with an indifferent tone, “Parkside High School.”
At her words, a bemused expression quickly surfaced on Summer’s face. She turned her head to Mirabella, “Parkside High School? Like, the Parkside High School downtown?”
Mirabella just hummed an affirmation, still nonchalant.
Summer couldn’t help but feel like she’d just heard the world’s biggest joke. Auburn High School would have been believable, but Parkside High School? That was a stretch. Known as the city’s top–tier high school, nationally ranked in the top five, it was a breeding ground for the cream of the academic crop. The idea seemed ludicrous, considering Mirabella’s past performance required a generous donation to even get her into a decent local school. A snicker flickered in Summer’s eyes as she thought of her sister’s grand delusions.
“The bar at Parkside High isn’t exactly low,” Summer said with a smirk.
Emmitt, sensing his sister might be getting in over her head and wanting to save her from embarrassment in front of Summer, cleared his throat and interjected, “Let’s discuss the school situation with Mom and Dad back home before making any decisions.”
Knowing that Emmitt was trying to give Mirabella an out, Summer dropped her gaze and decided not to pursue the topic any further. “If you need help, just say the word. My dad knows several principals around town. A quick call and you’re all set.”
Emmitt reached out to tune the car stereo, casually acknowledging her offer with a non–committal “yeah.”
Mirabella’s fingers tapped rhythmically on her thigh as she gazed out of the car window, too laid–back to engage any further. Her eyes took in the cityscape outside–the hustle and bustle, the dazzling neon lights, and the colorful nightlife that underscored the city’s vibrancy, a far cry from some quaint backwater town.
Before long, the car pulled into an older residential complex. It was clear from the surroundings that it had seen better days. The Davis family owned a top–floor duplex in the building, an advantage of the older, low–rise architecture. Mr. and Mrs. Davis were already waiting at the door, exchanging nervous glances as they heard the elevator ding. Their eyes fixed eagerly on the elevator doors.
Emmitt and Summer emerged first, followed by Mirabella.
“Mom, Dad, we’ve got Mira back.” Summer announced sweetly.
Delilah barely glanced at her before focusing all her attention on Mirabella, walking towards her with a mix of excitement and awkwardness.
Summer’s smile stiffened momentarily as she realized she’d been blatantly overlooked. Davis family wasn’t wealthy. but Summer was the cherished youngest daughter, a position now seemingly threatened by Mirabella’s return. Despite her disdain for such favoritism, Summer suppressed her irritation as something else crossed her mind. Delilah approached Mirabella, her expression becoming distant as she surveyed the girl who bore such a striking resemblance to herself. Her gaze shifted between Mirabella and Summer, emotions flooding her heart.
Chapter 12
