Chapter 9

I racked my brain for a minute at the possibility but I was more than sure that those things hadn't left the house. I haven't used the jeans jacket since I bought it. And the tennis shoes that I wore the day before. I spaced out a lot but I would've noticed if I wasn't wearing any shoes.

" No. I'm sure of it" I replied in a firmer tone and frowned at the table.

" Eat. I'm sure that you will find them, eventually" Mason casually added and I quickly realised that he'd slipped up in front of Enid, a second time that morning. Whenever he addressed me he used my surname.

I hummed, taking the toast off the table trying to appear my usual self. I was sure that I was failing just as miserably as Mason.

" This is for you," Mason pulled an envelope out of his jacket pocket and placed it on the table, pushing it towards me and that was the third time that morning he'd slipped up.

" What is it? " I curiously asked, glancing at the envelope in his hand

" I don't know. It was a special delivery." Mason added and took his hand back. At that point, I stopped counting.

" Open it," Enid urged me all giddy and giggly. It was an unmarked navy blue envelope. The only place that came to mind was the academy. There was no one else in existence that would bother to write to me apart from Enid and Mason.

I heaved out a heavy breath, and picked up the envelope and the knife to open it. I was a ball of nerves. If it was a rejection letter, I preferred not knowing. Ignorance is bliss, I thought to myself. I didn't need to know.

After a few good minutes, Enid lost her patience and snatched the envelope out of my hand. She was the only one who knew how much I wanted to attend the academy.

My heart dropped when Enid pulled the white sheet of paper out of the envelope and silently began reading the paper with a frown. I knew it. I was good but not good enough. I glanced at Mason, not good enough for him either.

I slouched in my chair and stared at the door. All the other institutions that I had applied for, had already sent their acceptance letter. I just had to choose one of them and neither of them was in Morston.

" So what are you going to wear?" Enid asked lowering the paper down, looking at me with quirked brows. Did I miss something? How deep in my head was I that I missed a good chunk of conversation?

" Where? Wear what? " I asked, pouting like the rug under my feet had been swept away. It. was a bitter pill to swallow.

" To the interview?" Enid replied and burst into a fit of laughter. Her poker face beat Mason's by a mile.

I snatched the paper out of her hand and quickly read through it. I had been invited to an interview with the head of admissions. They were offering me a scholarship. Even though, I didn't need one, that in itself was an amazing feeling. I had one month and a half to prepare myself for it.

" Congratulations," Enid beamed and jumped out of her chair to hug me.

" Thank you, " I mumbled in the crook of her neck and let out a sigh of relief.

" I told you that you worry for nothing," Enid said as she pulled away from the embrace, teary-eyed, smiling.

" I'm proud of you dear. You've come a long way," Enid sniffled and wiped her tears away, and sat back down.

" Congratulations, Miss Abernathy. Even if you doubted your capabilities, I never did" Mason stood up and picked up his jacket.

" It is good to see that I was wrong, for once" Mason added as he shrugged on his jacket and picked his case off the floor. I had no idea what he was speaking of but I didn't bother to ask. He would probably reply in the same vague manner that would confuse me even more.

" Thank you. Have a wonderful day, Mr Kinnaird " I wished him before he turned on his heels.

" Likewise, Miss Abernathy, Enid. I will see you both later." That meant he would be home for dinner. I squealed the moment he stepped out of the kitchen, and covered my mouth when I realised that was loud. Mason's chuckle echoed to the kitchen and I found joy in that little insignificant gesture.

" Alright, dear. Will have a celebratory dinner this evening since Mason will be at home. I will go to the market and get some things for the feast." Enid rose from her seat and hugged me again, rubbing my shoulder. I was happy, and content with myself.

" I'll be home to help you," I looked up at her smiling and placed my hand over hers. I loved her warmth and loving nature. She wasn't my mother but if she would have known Enid, she would have approved.

" Alright, dear. I will see you later. Have a good day." Enid pulled away and I stood up, clutching tightly on the paper.

" You too Enid. I will see you later." I said my goodbyes as I made my way to the door. I still hadn't eaten anything but I was so high on excitement that I didn't need food, not any more.