I had finally found peace. I’d met people who understood me. But I still hadn’t apologized to Nat for treating her like the bad guy after Mom’s death—before it too, if I was being honest. At the very least, I’d have to let her know I wouldn’t be returning to New York in January. Could I live here for years to come? For the rest of my life?
“Don’t make me ask again.”
I would make amends with Nat. I could always leave Wisewood if I changed my mind. I didn’t have to stay forever.
My eyes welled. “I’m shocked is all.”
She softened. “What’s the matter?” She leaned in to rub my back the way Mom used to. I could think about Mom now without feeling a gaping loss in my chest. Wisewood had done that for me.
“You’re the first person to tell me I’m special. My entire adult life, the question has been how much I have to conform. I never considered I don’t have to change at all.”
“That’s the power of our program.” Teacher clasped my hands in hers, ran her thumbs over my knuckles. “Is that a yes?” Hope crept into her voice.
“I’m in.” I beamed. “A hundred percent.”
“Excellent.” She dropped my hands and rose from the couch. “I’ll have Gordon bring you a contract.” She went back to her desk and resumed writing in her notepad.
I stood on trembling legs. “Thank you for the opportunity, Teacher. I won’t let you down.” She waved in acknowledgment but didn’t glance up. The work was so important to her.
As I turned to leave she said, “I doubt those friends of yours will approve.”
I stopped in my tracks. “April and Georgina?”
“They don’t have your best interest at heart.” She was still scribbling away. “Trust me.”
Had they been talking about me again? “I hardly see them anymore.”
I waited but Teacher didn’t say anything else, so I left the office and hurried down the staircase. I ignored the heaviness in my chest, focused on my happy news instead. I couldn’t wait to tell the others.
I rushed outside into a gloomy October evening. The temperature had dropped to the fifties. The sky was dim by five these days. A bitter draft zipped past me, hinting at harsher weather to come. The motion-sensor lights along the walkway clicked on as I loped through the garden. We had harvested most of the fruits and vegetables in the past couple of weeks. Without the bounty the tracts resembled cemetery plots. I thought of Mom back in California, waiting for me to put flowers on her grave. When was the last time Nat had visited her?
I shook my head. Today was a day to celebrate. This was what it was like to be good at something, to be valued. I let out a small whoop and reached for the cafeteria door. I was starving.
Most of the staff sat at their regular table, all wearing party hats. Was it someone’s birthday? I made a beeline for them. “I have news!”
A grin broke out on every face, though Jeremiah’s was slow to form. I’d have to check in with him later, make sure he was okay.
“Is this what I think it is?” Sofia bounced in her chair.
I nodded and did a silly victory dance. Everyone began to clap.
“We’re so proud of you, dear.” Ruth leaned toward me and winked. “I’m the one who suggested you for the job.”
I’d begun to thank her when Debbie emerged from the kitchen. Her apron was stained with egg yolk, and flour was smeared across both cheeks, but she was glowing as she carried a messy round cake toward us. She held it in front of me. “It’s three layers,” she announced. “Your favorites: chocolate, peanut butter, and cheesecake. Took me a few tries but I think I got it right.” The cake was covered with lumpy yellow frosting—my favorite color. She’d written Congradulations, Kit and drawn a smiley face in purple icing. A lump formed in my throat.
Raeanne peered at the cake. “You spelled ‘congratulations’ wrong.”
Debbie’s face fell.
“I love it, Debbie,” I said. “Thank you so much.”
They had known my job offer was coming, had never doubted that I’d accept. How had they been so sure?
She brightened. “Should I cut us all pieces?”
“Where’s Gordon?” Jeremiah asked. “Shouldn’t he be here?”
Raeanne rolled her eyes. “Probably on another one of his secret missions.”
“Let’s give him a few,” Ruth said. “It’s the nice thing to do.”