ᴍᴏᴄʜᴀ | ᴛʏʟᴇʀ ɢᴀʟᴘɪɴ x ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ ✔︎ [ON HOLD]

II

"Expelled?"

I didn't get it. For two years, two freaking years I had been Mother's perfect little darling (at least when she was looking): Straight A's, co-captain of the fencing team, member of Nevermore's Arts association, top three in every single competition I was sent for—

"Suspension." Mother corrected.

Yeah, because it made it so much better.

This was probably another bad dream, like when you dreamt about being naked in school. This was just the Hermione Granger version. A fate worse than death.

But goddamn it felt real.

According to research, dreams only lasted for 1 to 2 seconds, but the silence in the office felt like an eternity.

Mother sighed, smoothing down her already perfect hair and reaching across the table for my hand. I knew that removing my hand from hers would warrant another unwanted lecture, so I sat and stared as she stroked my hand with her thumb.

Soothing, really.

"Darling," she said, emphasizing the word. I cringed internally. "I've already tried debating with the School Board, but I am obliged to do what they decide is best. My job depends on this."

"I don't get it," I argued, gently nudging her hand away. With my other hand, I gripped the small diamond hanging from my necklace. "It's so dumb— nonesencial," I corrected my language. "What if it happens next year? What if I'm just a late bloomer, like how some werewolves wolf out later—"

"If your ability kicks in while you are still within the age range of the school, we will consider re-opening your position here. For the meantime, you will go to the apartment that's been pre-arranged by the mayor and board, and attend the normie school."

It was really, really hard not to believe she was the bad guy in this situation— oh, she was obliged to do this because her precious job depended on this. At least now I was sure that she valued her position more than her daughter's education. I'd always had a suspicion.

Which wouldn't have been as big of a problem if they wouldn't be scared of me— I knew they would be. It was bad enough heading into town as a Nevermore student, let alone an expelled, sorry, suspended one.

I crossed my arms, sitting up straighter. "But why shouldn't I be allowed to keep taking classes then? I haven't had any psychic abilities for the last 2 years and I'm top in the psychic lessons. Just like you want."

"Yes, but for the next two years, you'll need to be doing more hands-on training— which is simply not possible without you manifesting any abilities."

"But I don't get it! Why can't I just stay, observe or something? I can still learn, I think my perfect results have proven that, not to mention every single—"

"This matter is not debatable," Mother muttered. I fell silent. I knew her rule about not cutting people off. "Believe me when I say I tried, Y/n. I tried to convince the school board that you were not a hopeless situation, but they're determined to give you a hiatus until something happens."

Was that what I was now? A hopeless situation in her eyes? 

I cast my eyes to my previously fidgeting hands, which had long stopped moving around. I could tell from her tone and her body language that she was distraught, but she was angled in a way that I knew was disappointment. If I looked up into her eyes I knew I would be able to see the truth. How I was failing to live up to her expectations.

"You'll be allowed to attend Outreach Day tomorrow, as your last school activity; and the weekend will be packing up. The apartment you've been located in is opposite Dr Kinbott, and I've asked her to check in on you. The mayor has already taken the courtesy to arrange a few sessions. You will start at their high school next Monday."