Total pages in book: 64
Estimated words: 64979 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 325(@200wpm)___ 260(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 64979 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 325(@200wpm)___ 260(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
I didn’t know what to say. Silence was best.
“Alright,” Grandfather chimed in. “I’ll start with this. You’re going home immediately to pack.”
“Pack?” I breathed out, staring only at him.
“Yes. You’re going to finish high school overseas.”
I leaned against the door, folding my arms over my chest in defiance.
My grandfather and I were always on good terms. This was the first time we were in a battle.
“You can stand there all you want, Tristian, but it doesn’t change the fact that you’ll be leaving on the redeye tonight.”
I shook my head, finally speaking, “You can’t do this.”
“On the contrary, it’s already been done. They’re expecting you.”
I scoffed out, “I won’t go.”
“You don’t have another choice. I’m your legal guardian, and what I say goes.”
“Why are you doing this?”
“For several reasons.”
“Other than Belle?”
“Belle is just the tip of the iceberg, grandson.”
With a pointed stare, I watched him nod to the desk where there was a folder on top of it.
“Which one would you like to begin with, Tristian? The one where you’re riding your father’s bikes or the one where you’re in charge of this town’s illegal street wars.”
I tried to maintain my composure, but he’d just shocked the shit out of me. He opened the folder, showing me pictures of Belle on the back of my bike the night we outsped the cops.
“Do you have any idea what would have happened if her parents found out what you two have been doing behind our backs?” He paused, letting his question sink in. “If you refuse to go, then you’ll leave us no choice but to tell her parents.”
Mr. Montgomery informed, “They’ll send her away, Tristian. It’s either you or her.”
I couldn’t hold back, needing to know. “Why can’t we just be together?”
“You’re young,” Grandfather remarked. “You don’t fully understand the consequences of your rash decisions.”
“What consequences?”
“You’re lucky you’re a Hawkins. It’s the only reason the sheriff isn’t pressing charges for all the street races you’ve organized and been a part of. I can’t tell you how disappointed I am in your careless decisions. Your parents would be too.”
I bowed my head, I had to. “My father loved his street bikes.”
“He wouldn’t love you riding them, Tristian. Do I need to remind you that they died on one?”
I shook my head, still gazing at the ground. “No, sir.”
“Do you have any idea how many colleges would refuse you if you had an arrest record? You need to appreciate the fact that I was able to make this go away for you, but don’t think for one second I won’t use it as ammunition if you don’t willingly leave tonight.”
“You didn’t answer my question. Why can’t Belle and I be together? Your rivalry has nothing to do with us.”
“You’re young. You both have your whole lives ahead of you. You’re not meant to be together, Tristian. You never were.”
Feeling defeated, I asked, “Where am I going?”
“Switzerland. To an elite, all-male boarding school.”
“For fuck’s sake,” I muttered, low enough to where they couldn’t hear me. “Couldn’t ship me off any further, Grandfather?”
“You’ll have the best schooling money can buy.”
“That’s what your good at. Throwing money at the problem.”
“I’m not going to apologize for keeping the best interest for you and our family in mind, Tristian. The blatant disrespect you’ve shown to your family name speaks volumes.”
“I’m more than just a last name.”
“Your last name is everything, and don’t you ever forget that. This is the first and last time I will save your ass. Do you understand me?”
I met his eyes. “And what about Belle?”
“What about her?”
“What happens to her if I go?”
“Nothing,” Mr. Montgomery replied, bringing my attention to him. “She will continue with her normal life.”
“Can I—”
“Absolutely not. You will never see my granddaughter again.”
“So just like that? I can’t even say goodbye to her?”
“You don’t need to make things harder than they already are.”
“Oh, this is hard for you, Grandfather?”
“Of course. Do you think I find satisfaction in what I’ve learned about your life?”
“How long have you known?”
“It’s irrelevant.”
“It isn’t to me.”
“This is a very small town. You’re a Hawkins. You should have known better. We’re simply saving you both from ruining your lives.”
“She’ll hate me if I just leave without saying goodbye to her. Please don’t take that away from me.”
“You should have thought about that before you decided to pursue a Montgomery,” her grandfather asserted.
“It’s not like that.” Hesitating for a moment, I added, “I love her.”
Their stares shifted to one another before Mr. Montgomery spewed, “What could you possibly know about love?”
I stepped forward and stood in front of his desk. “I know what it feels like to lose the two most important people in my life. Please don’t make me lose a third.”
“The decision has already been made, Tristian. One day, you’ll understand why I had to do this.”