The Military Academy
Lesley looked away. “Oh, I haven’t told them yet.”
“But they must have known what time the train was arriving. And why didn’t you beep them with the news?”
“I want to tell them in person.”
“She wants to see the happiness in their eyes,” Michael said.
“Papa!” Mo said, her voice strained.
Lesley pretended she hadn’t heard him. “Well, I guess I should get going or they’ll wonder where I am. Enjoy your supper.”
“We’ll go with you,” Susan said. “It would be nice if we all went for supper together.”
“No, that’s okay,” Lesley said quickly. “I don’t know if—I mean, they might be busy. I don’t know.”
“Yeah, really Mama, it’s probably not a good idea to just show up,” Mo said. “And I’m starved. Aren’t you starved?” She nudged Nathan, who obliged her with a nod. “Plus, Neil and Mary might be waiting.”
“They won’t have left yet. I said I’d beep them when we know for sure what time we’ll be there. Now, come on.” Susan’s mouth pressed into a determined line and she led the way to the waiting area.
“I’m sorry,” Mo whispered, falling into step next to Lesley. “I had no idea.”
“Maybe it’ll help,” Lesley whispered back. “My parents won’t react too badly while you’re all there. By the time we’re alone, they might have calmed down.” But the knot in her stomach mocked her. It would have been depressing enough facing them by herself. Now she’d have an audience. Everyone would see how disappointed they were, how she’d let them down by passing the evaluation. And everything they said to slight her would slight Mo, too. This was a day of celebration for Mo, for the entire Middleton family. She’d hate it if Mama and Papa ruined it.
“So what sorts of tests did you do?” Michael shifted Mo’s bag to his left shoulder. “Or is it a secret?”
Mo frowned. “They didn’t say anything about it being secret, did they, Les?”
Lesley shook her head.
“Okay, well, we didn’t have a moment’s rest.” Mo paused as they all filed through the exit. “Classes, workshops, tests—one thing after another.”
Susan slowed her pace. “Did you have a physical?”
“Yeah, and a long talk with a counsellor.”
“And they still wanted you?” Andrew quipped.
Mo swatted at him. He ducked and ran ahead to join Nathan, busy kicking stones off the path.
“Anyway, we didn’t always know we would have a test. A couple of them were surprises.” Mo launched into a detailed account of the evaluation period.
Lesley only half listened, her mind on her parents. Her apprehension deepened when the Thompson Estate sign loomed ahead. By the time the house came into view, her dread was almost making it difficult to breathe. If she hadn’t seen Mo’s bag on Michael’s back, she would have sworn it was on hers, along with her own and every other recruit’s.
“Settle, boys,” Susan said as they approached the front door. “Actually, you know what? Why don’t you stay out here and play? Don’t go far.”
“Can we borrow a couple of bikes?” Andrew asked.
“If you can find two that fit,” Lesley said.
“I’m taking Jason’s,” Nathan announced. He sprinted to the bike rack near the front door, Andrew hot on his heels. A tug-of-war ensued over Jason’s blue bike.
“His older bike is still there. The other blue one,” Lesley said to them as she opened the front door. She dropped her bag to the floor inside. The hallway was empty and the house quiet. For a split second, her mood lightened. Maybe they were out. But then she heard footsteps in the study. Mama appeared, followed by Papa.
“So, you’re home.” Mama’s face tightened. “And the Middletons are with you.”
Lesley could see Mo out of the corner of her eye and sensed Susan and Michael behind her.
Papa stood behind Mama and put his hands on her shoulders. “Did you pass?”
“Yes.”
Awkward silence. Well, what had she expected, that they’d rush to her and tell her how proud they were, as Mo’s parents had done?
Susan stepped into view. “Isn’t it wonderful? Both our daughters will serve the Way in the military.”
Mama and Papa stared at her.
“We’re on our way to supper to celebrate. Why don’t you join us?”
“Oh, I don’t know,” Mama said. “I have an early case tomorrow.”
“We won’t be out late.”
“We have fresh salmon in for tonight.”
“Well, do you mind if Lesley comes with us?” Susan said with exasperation. “It would be nice if you both came too, but if you don’t want to, at least let Lesley.”
“She stood up to a commander,” Mo said. “You should be proud of her. She—” Mo broke off when Susan glanced back and motioned for her to be quiet.
“Stood up to a commander?” Papa said. “I’d like to hear that story.”
“We can all hear it over supper,” Michael said.
Papa nodded. “Why not?”
Mama whirled to face him. “Alan, the salmon—”
“We can have it tomorrow.” He moved forward and reached for Lesley. “Congratulations.”
Lesley hugged him, surprised and grateful. “Thank you,” she managed to say. Mama hovered on the periphery of her vision. Lesley let Papa go and turned to Mama, holding out her arms in anticipation.
Mama turned away. “If we’re going, let’s go.” She whipped her cloak off its hook.
Susan and Michael met Lesley’s eyes. She quickly looked away, shamed by their pity. Mama left the house without a backward glance.
“You okay?” Mo murmured.
She nodded, determined not to let her dismay show.
“I’m proud of you,” Papa said, patting her arm as he walked past to catch up with Mama. Susan and Michael followed him out.
Lesley pasted a smile on her face, took Mo’s hand, and walked outside to join everyone. One day, Mama would be proud of her. One day, Mama would look back and realize how important today had been. One day.