Brianna's POV

When I tried to ask Luke the next day why Lakyn had been cryptic the night before, he just ignored me. I continued pestering him for an answer (I'm stubborn what can I say?), he finally said, "I can't tell you. It's a secret that's extremely dangerous." Now, obviously, that just made me want to know more, but I decided that it wasn't worth making him mad at me. When it was announced that I was the valedictorian of our class, I pushed the thought of Christmas night to the back of my mind, and focused on writing my speech. Graduation Day finally came. I was so freaking nervous when I stepped up to the podium to speak, but Luke whispered something to me that helped to waylay my fears. I gave him a look that I hoped conveyed the fact that I was grateful for his support. I had thought long and hard about what to say. I finally decided to focus on my school journey. I shared the gist of my school life, and my thoughts (will I make friends this year, will this year go well or not, stuff like that), as well as what had happened this year. I finished by saying, "And now, as we move on, leaving school to start our lives, I'm glad that I ended on a good note, and made friends that I will never forget." Everyone's applause filled the auditorium, and I stepped back, relieved that the speech was over, but nervous because every second that passed made it a second closer to the time that I had to go home. See, my father, Brandon Grace, wasn't really that fond of me. He's a historian at the Museum of Natural History (MNH for short), and he always ignored me at home. During the summer, most kids go on vacation or spend time with their parents, or something. My summer is basically summed up in a few words: locked myself in my room, listen to music, and read. It's not all that bad, but I do have to admit that I was sorta yearning for something more, especially since this would be my last summer at home before setting out. However, I know that this summer wouldn't be any different. He ignored me on all bases, so my summers were usually uneventful.

                                                    ***

The days passed quickly, and, before we all knew it, school was over. I said goodbye to Luke and Lakyn, knowing that I probably wouldn't ever see them again, and, strangely, they didn't have phones. I took a train to Grand Central, and then walked to our apartment building, The Aldyn. I headed upstairs to our floor, the 16th. I walked inside, and quietly headed back to my room. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to pass the scrutiny of my father, who called to me from the kitchen. I reluctantly went in; I wasn't rude.
"How's my girl?" he asked too enthusiastically.                       
"Um, good, I guess," I said hesitantly.                                           
"It's just, I haven't seen you in months," he said smiling            
"Uh huh," I said doubtfully. It was quite obvious that he wanted something from me. Otherwise, he wouldn't be being so nice. I didn't want to be impolite, but this was completely out of the pattern. I mean, I'm a girl of habit, and I don't like change. So, I kinda just stood there, while he continued smiling like an idiot. That probably sounds unkind anyhow, but it was true.                                   
"Um, I'm just going to head back to my room..." I began, letting my voice trail off. To emphasize my words, I turned to go.       
"Wait!" he called. I turned and waited expectantly. "I wanted to tell you that I met someone while you were at school. Her name is Veronica Reding, and she's a really nice person. She's, ah, coming over for dinner tonight." I stared at him. I mean, what was he thinking? That I would encourage this little fling with this woman? While I did know that he was finished with my mother that I never knew, it sort of hurt that he would feel free to continue his life now that I was leaving?                                            
"She has a daughter, about your age. Her name is Anna," he continued. That didn't exactly bring good thoughts to mind. If that was the same one that I know, things were NOT going to go well tonight. Even though I had these thoughts, I didn't show my panic. I simply shrugged and headed back the hall to my room. I flopped down on my bed and sighed, thoughts running around my head. What will this woman think of me? How will I deal with Anna in our apartment? How will she treat me in front of my dad; and her mom? And the worst thought of all: Will I like Veronica? I eventually fell asleep, exhausted from my trip back and my worries.