My Forever (Canary Series) by Cl King Page B

say?"
    "I said, what do you mean you're not coming home after the school year? And does your dad know about this?"
    Olivia laughed, "My father is the reason I'm not coming back. He kicked me out of the house and disowned me. He told me that he never wanted me and only married my mother because 'it was the right thing to do.' And now that she is gone he feels like there is no longer a reason to have me in his life and he can finally live his life like he wants to. He told me that once I get my bank account situated he will deposit my inheritance into it. But other than that h e wants nothing to do with me."
    Mrs. Hayes was silent except for a few sniffles on the other end of the phone as she took everything in. Finally she spoke, "You know Olivia that we love you like you are one of our own. You can move in with us. We do have that extra bedroom. Just don't let him get to you, you're a very special girl and you have people here that love you. Please, come stay with us. We will take care of you. I know Garrett would love having you around. Plus, it would be nice to have another girl in the house with me."
    "Thanks for the kind offer, really. But I already have somewhere to go. I will call around and look for a doctor to watch my progress there. I' m sure Dr. Anderson can give me some really good recommendations and help them out."
    "Where will you stay?"
    "I'm staying in Emersonville. Nate Bowen offered me his family’s apartment."
    "Will he be staying with you?"
    "Mrs. Hayes, you have nothing to worry about. He will only be there to make sure I'm OK but will be staying at his house at night."
    "How much do you know about this guy? "
    "I know a lot about him. I've known him since I started here at Oakwood; we just have gotten closer this year because of Ian's death. They were best friends you know. I trust him with my life. He was the one I confided in when my mother died, he was there when I learned that I was sick again, he was the first I told about being disowned, he has done nothing but support me and step up to help and protect me."
    "Oh honey, that's great , it really is. But you need an adult around as well. And I'm sorry to hear about your mom, when did it happen?"
    Olivia looked at the phone and wondered who else didn't know. Then she remembered that she did say something about her mom being gone, but she guessed that Mrs. Hayes just didn't hear it or it didn't sink in. "Ab out a month ago," she answered.
    "What? And I'm just now hearing about it?"
    "I'm sorry; I wasn't ready to tell anyone. Plus, I figured that you would have already known Mrs. Hayes ; since you do live in the same neighborhood as we, as my parents."
    "I didn't know, we didn't see her but we just thought that she was away on business. And your father is a private person so he wouldn’t have said anything or made a spectacle of things. But just know that you have a home here with us no matter what. Just think about coming here please?"
    Olivia knew that she wouldn't be able to get out of this conversation without saying that she would think about it. So she promised that she would think about moving in with them and they talked a little bit more about school and her music. Mrs. Hayes was surprised when she found out that she had stopped playing and singing since Ian's death, but she also understood why she would stop.
    "Olivia, honey , you know he would never want you to stop doing something that you love. I remember when you guys went to the MusicFest. You were so excited and came back with so much more passion and excitement than I had seen in you in a long time. The way he would watch you when you played was one of great admiration. Don't give up on your passion because of this tragic accident. Use it to your advantage and create something amazing. That's how great pieces come about; they are created during times like these. Plus, it can really help you heal," Mrs. Hayes said.
    Olivia picked up the photo she had been looking at and smiled. "Mrs.