The Keys to My Heart

Chapter Nineteen - Surprise, surprise!

Chapter Nineteen – Surprise, surprise!

As time passed, the academy’s grounds grew colder, the leaves on the trees began to fall off, and snowflakes trickled from the sky. Christmas was readily approaching and like most of the students, teachers were already packing for their winter break.

Nicolette Sinclair on the other hand, was already done packing three days ago because she couldn’t wait to get out of the hellhole she was in. There was exactly forty-five minutes until her mother would arrive at the academy to pick her up and time couldn’t have passed any slower. If it weren’t for the fact that her English teacher was still droning on about Hamlet and that Devon Shade was shooting her with spitballs, the last class of the day would be so much more enjoyable.

When the last bell finally rang, there was a rush of students, trying to get to their dorms. Within fifteen minutes, Nicolette attained her luggage from the dorm, put on a coat, trudged through the snow, and found her mother waiting for her at the North end of the campus.

“How you doing sweetie?” asked her mother.

Nicolette smiled, “I’m fine, just glad it’s the winter break.” she replied, while giving her mother a tight hug.

“That’s good. Oh and I forgot to tell you, but I met this amazing guy after the flight to Paris…We talked and surprisingly, he lived not extremely far from us…And of course he can’t replace your father or anything, but…”

Nicolette put on a fake smile, “If you’re thinking about marrying him, go for it. If that’s what makes you happy.” said Nicolette as she got into the car.

“No, actually we’re not thinking about taking it that far yet. We’re only dating, but he’s invited us over to his place for the winter break.” she replied as a matter of fact. “We’ll be meeting him today, so behave yourself.”

Nicolette sighed. She wasn’t sure if she was ready for a new father, but her mom was happy. She wanted her to stay happy; after all, she hadn’t seen that smile of hers since dad died. But if they were just dating right now, maybe she could get used to it…

***

After about an hour of watching snow covered sceneries pass by, the car slowly came to a halt in front of a fairly big mansion. Upon the steps was a middle-aged man bundled up in a simple grey coat and hat waiting beside the gate. Nicolette had the impression that he was one of Devon’s family butlers or something, when her mother rolled down the window and called out, “Tom! Why on earth are you waiting for us outside? It’s cold out!”

The man smiled and walked up to them, “Oh, it’s fine! I’m used to the cold,” he replied, before gesturing at a tinted black car that was approaching them. “Besides I was also waiting for my son and daughter to come back as well.”

As Nicolette and her mother stepped out of the car, the black car came to a halt behind them. She didn’t notice the door open because at the same time, Tom spoke again.

“Ahh! That must be your daughter!” he said, walking up to her. “It’s nice to meet you! Your mother told me a lot of things about you—”

“Dad! Are you kidding me?! ” drawled a voice from behind Nicolette. “You invited…invited her to our house?”

Nicolette’s heart suddenly sank and immediately she spun around, only to meet Devon in the eye. He had an expression of annoyance, amusement, and his signature smirk on his face. Her eyes widened and her mouth opened. She groaned inwardly and smacked her forehead against her palm. Just when she thought that she wouldn’t have to see Devon Shade for three whole weeks her mom had to break the news and tell her that she’s not only dating his father, but they’re going to stay there for winter break! Taking a deep breath, she looked away from him and grabbed her mother by the arm before dragging her to the side.