Page 22 of Bring me Back

“I guess we always have to wear clothes.” She wrinkled her nose. “But I think is best to use our time to think about others. Use our skills to make the world a better place.”

My eyes follow the small, almost imperceptible wince Delilah gave. She was fast to hide it though, going for my jugular instead. “Don’t you ever say anything?”.

I shrugged.

“I’m glad you’re back, Hallie,” Sharon said. “I know some people think they are meant for greatness, but that’s not true. It’s best if you realize that now than in ten years from now. Being different doesn’t equal being great.”

“Isn’t that a depressing thought?” Interrupted a voice a couple steps behind me.

I stilled. I wasn’t expecting to hear his voice. I hadn’t seen him inside, so it wasn’t a big surprise when I spun around to find Daniel not in church clothes, but a tee and athletic shorts, sweaty and breathless like he just stopped by after a run. He was looking perfect, even though everyone was dressed in their Sunday best, Daniel made them look like ogres with his five o’clock shadow, floppy brown hair and perfect shade of hazel eyes. He was too handsome.

He extended his hand to Sharon. “Daniel Miller.”

She took it, a little breathless. Of course, it was hard not to falter when Daniel was around.

“Sharon Campbell.”

And I couldn’t resist. “The head of the PTA,” I said, only looking at Daniel. He flashed me a surprised look and licked his lips. He needed to ask Sharon a favor, and he just learned that she was a bitch. I bit my cheek not to laugh.

“Mr. Miller is the woodwork teacher at Bluehaven High, Mom.”

Sharon shook her head, nodding. “Of course, of course. I only have girls, so I’m afraid we never had to meet in person,” she joked.

Daniel’s eyebrows furrowed. “There are girls in my class, too. We are open to all. Whoever is creative enough.”

Ouch.

“Oh, well, Delilah is very creative. She’s the protagonist in the new school play, isn’t it, darling?”

Daniel was quick, “Midsummer Night’s Dreamhas no protagonist. I’d say the closest to it would be Puck, and that’s…” he turned to me in a question. “Scott Garcia?” I nodded, confirming it.

Sharon was watching us as we turned back, her tongue smoothing over her teeth. I didn’t like the way she watched us. Like I was doing something wrong.

“Delilah told me you are involved in the play, Hallie.”

Daniel took the wheel once more. “She’s being kind enough to donate her time to help the school. We need all the help we can get, as you know, the funding for the arts department plummeted this year.”

Sharon nodded, taking her proud stance. “Of course, it’s a pity.”

“And at the same time, the PTA organized nothing for the drama department. Not even a little bake sale.” What he said sounded mean, but he spoke with ease. Sharon was careful to keep things light too, her fake smile in place even as she clearly felt cornered.

“The PTA helps to bring athletes to competitions. You know, it helps them with college applications.”

Daniel didn’t miss a beat. “So does diversifying.”

When Sharon didn’t jump to reply, Daniel turned to me. “Do you have your phone with you, Hallie?”

I nodded, taking it from my small bag. Before he even said anything, I knew what he wanted. The sketch of Delilah’s dress. He knew the only way to convince the women was to use their vanity against them.

“Show Delilah,” he gently instructed me.

I turned the phone toward the younger girl. Her eyes lit up the moment she saw it. It was all white, graceful fabric and golden details. It would look incredible on her.

“Did you draw this?”

I confirmed. She frowned, clearly conflicted between loving the dress and the dread of giving me praise.

“We need funding,” Daniel hammered on, and took my phone from Delilah, giving it back to me.

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