CHAPTER 10
“WHY D’YA HAVE to go back to Richmond, Pippi? You only just came home.”
Mom stood in my doorway, watching me pack. Every so often, she dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief, all dainty like in the movies. A stickler for detail—the parlour excepted—she’d even coordinated it with the blue of the flowers on her dress.
“I got offered a job. And I want to finish college.”
Of course, Randy could still spill my secret if I wasn’t in Hartscross, but I didn’t think he would. There was no fun for him if he couldn’t witness the full effect of his cruelty.
“But you have a job here.”
“Shampooing hair. I don’t want to spend the rest of my life shampooing hair.”
“But Darly’s such a sweetie.”
“I know, Mom.” My case was full, and I flipped the lid shut. I had no idea whether I’d be away
