When Hayley awoke the following morning, she found her bags lying at the foot of her bed.
After locating Maddie in her room, Hayley began her questioning.
"Why were my bags laid out?"
"Good morning." Maddie turned to face Hayley. Her tone revealed surprise at Hayley's sudden entry. "I retrieved them from your closet yesterday evening, before you retired."
"I asked why they are there."
"It was decided late last night, and we did not wish to disturb you."
"You said you put my bags out before I retired, and yet the decision to return home was made late last night."
"Your father will have to discuss that with you."
"And if I decide I am not ready to leave?"
Maddie picked up her hairbrush and smoothed her hair with it. She smiled softly at Hayley through the mirror, and gave an expression that told Hayley she would answer nothing else.
_ _
"But Father! I do not understand why I must leave!"
"There is no reason for you to be here any longer. I have not been able to spend time with you as I had hoped. It is time for you to return home."
"I can continue my studies at the library, so there is no need to leave now."
"Yes and I have been paying handsomely for your lessons, I might add. I'm sure you are aware that your tutor is still getting paid, though he is not actively involved in your education while you are here."
"Mr. Fields has never been actively involved in my education. He tells me what my assignments are, and I complete them."
"Hayley, I have made my decision, and I will not be swayed from it."
"Father---I want to enroll in college."
"You would need my permission."
"I am asking for it now."
Mr. Lawrence looked up swiftly from his paperwork.
Hayley noticed his eyes were bloodshot.
"The truth of the matter is, I will be detained here for quite some time, and it will be much too lengthy of a stay."
"I can attend an eight-week class that will start in two days." I can stay in Kingston and return home on the weekends."
"Maddie has not been feeling well, and I believe now is the best time for you both to return to the island."
"Maddie did not say anything to me about her illness."
"She would never concern you with it I am only telling you because I know you would not want her to be alone for the trip."