Chapter 5 - THE WRONG SIGNATURE
Her name was Ms. Porter. She worked in Westbridge admissions.
“I didn’t withdraw,” I said. “Someone sent that without my permission.”
“I thought so,” she said. “Your application was written in your own voice. The note we received doesn’t sound like you, and the signature is different.”
I looked at Dad through the shop mirror. He was listening to every word.
“Can you stop it?” I asked.
“I’ve put a hold on the withdrawal. You’ll need to verify your identity and submit a statement. We can do that today.”
I thanked her so many times she finally said, “Claire, take a breath. Your place has not been given away.”
Mrs. Alvarez finished the shoulders. The navy dress was plain and a little too long, but it fit. Dad paid her. She tried to refuse, and he insisted.
We reached the school with twenty minutes to spare.
Students in gowns crossed the parking lot, laughing and taking pictures. I stepped out of the car and suddenly wanted to climb back in. My eyes were swollen. My dream dress was in a bag at my feet.
Tessa took my hand. “Walk with me.”
Near the auditorium entrance, Mia stood with Denise. She was wearing a white dress and the pearl earrings Dad had given her for her birthday.
Denise came toward us. “We should all sit together. People are staring.”
Dad said, “I’ll speak with you later.”
Mia looked me over. “That dress is better anyway.”
I passed her without answering.
Inside, I found my seat between Tessa and a boy from chemistry class. The principal began welcoming families. My phone buzzed with an unknown number.
I opened the message.
It was a photograph of my mother’s silver charm lying on a car seat.
May you like
Beneath it were six words:
TELL YOUR FATHER TO CHECK HIS CAR.
