Boarding school

Chapter 11

(Dani.)
I woke up the next morning, in my room.
My room.
I missed the plain white bedding even if that's all it was. And the white walls with paintings or musical themed things I had hung up.
Pictures too.
But reality came back, it was 8 am now...and I had to leave pretty soon. It was just a very small trip.
I sighed and climbed out of bed, making it neat and putting things back in place.
I changed into grey sweatpants, a PINK hoodie, and old nukes I had. If I was driving all day, I'm dressing lazy.
I stepped outside of my bedroom, and quietly closed the door. Everyone was still asleep but they'd be up soon. We weren't the type to sleep in.
I decided on making everybody pancakes. I always made them on Sunday's so I doubt they've had pancakes since I've been gone.
I started making the batter and heating up the pan, then Peyton popped up on the stool with sleepy eyes that carried an intrest.
"Are you making pancakes?!" He whisper yelled. I smiled big and nodded "Yeah, wanna stir?" I asked pushing the bowl aside. He nodded and started stirring the mix.
That stupid sinking feeling came back, I don't want to miss him when I go back. I don't want to have to miss this.
I pushed strands of hair out of my face and started flipping the pancakes that were on the stove, Peyton set the table.
"So, has basketball started yet?" I asked him biting my lip. Little league basketball was my favorite. I used to play and Jack still played for high school and Peyton played.
He nodded "We beat Dylan's team." He said talking about one of his friends. "That's good, did you play good?" I asked him, expecting a cocky answer.
My brothers were super athletes, both of them. It runs in the family. I'm guessing they take after my dad that way.
"Yeah, I make lots of the shots." He smiled missing a front tooth. Guess who the tooth fairy was when she lived there?
Yeah.
"What's all of this?" My dad smiled with a sleepy looking Jack following. "I miss cooking." I explained as we all sat around the table making plates.
"I missed these pancakes." Jack admitted stuffing one in his mouth. My dad looked a little uncomfortable.
"So Dani, when you drive back today and you're filling up avoid the shell station, they raised their prices." My dad said putting butter on a pancake.
All he can say to me is stuff about leaving. My father doesn't want me here?
"You need to shave, dad. Peyton needs a haircut, and you've lost weight." I admitted looking around the table. It wasn't rude, it was me advising them in the way I did
"Jack eat more protein, Dad, you and Peyton need to hit the barber shop." I said to explain the confused looks I got.
"Okay, mom." Jack smirked rolling his eyes, even though our mom left we still make jokes about those things. As long as we don't push it.
But I was past that point.
My dad is basically kicking me out at 16. I want to stay.
"If I'm not no one else will be." I said picking up my plate and setting it down for Gator to lick the syrup. They all got silent for a few minutes.
"These are really good, Dani." My dad said.
"Are you sure you don't need my help around here?" I blurted crossing my arms. It was a plead.
"Can she stay, dad?" Peyton asked leaning on the table. "I didn't pay tuition for her to leave. Dani, you're staying at North Ridge and that's final." He said sternly.
"Okay, well I mine as well get an early start." I told him walking over to my room and shoving a few things in my duffle bag.
I wrote my phone number on a piece of paper and handed it to Peyton. "Dial this and we can talk." I said handing him the paper.
"Bye Jack." I said grabbing the keys to my car off of the table.
"It was a nice stay dad." I said sarcastically. "Dani, I didn't mean it like that." He said trying to reason with me.
"I love you guys." I said, and that wasn't sarcastically. Peyton had tears in his eyes.
And I did too.