Master Derek stood and held his hand out to Palmer. “Let’s walk to my office so we can talk. I don’t think you’re going to relax until we do.”
“Sorry, Master Derek. I’m not trying to be bad.” The stupid tears that never seemed to be far away filled her eyes again.
Master Derek looked taken aback. “I don’t think you’re trying to be bad, little one.”
She nodded.
Master Derek grabbed his tray. “Be good, angel. I’ll see you after school.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“You too, Wren. Be a good girl.”
“Yes, Master Derek.”
Palmer allowed Master Derek to guide her as they placed their trays to be washed and their trash to be thrown away. Once outside the noisy cafeteria, Master Derek slowed his pace.
“You know, Palmer, I think you try very hard to be a good girl. Maybe too hard.”
Palmer didn’t know what to say, so she just waited.
“How are you liking your classes?”
“I like them, Sir.”
“Have you thought about taking classes at the university?”
“No, Sir.”
“Have you thought about your future much?”
“No, Sir.”
“What makes you feel Little?”
Palmer shrugged. “I’m sorry, Sir. I don’t know.”
“You don’t need to be sorry, little one. We can figure it out together as long as you’re being true to yourself.”
Palmer frowned. Was she being true to herself?
“All of your teachers have given me wonderful reports and assured me you’ll be receiving your GED soon.”
“It makes me happy to make them happy,” Palmer answered honestly.
Master Derek took a seat at his desk and nodded his head towards the chair in front of his dark mahogany desk. Palmer sat obediently.
“What else makes you happy, Palmer?”
Palmer’s tummy dropped five stories. She gripped the chair arms tightly in her hands. Taking a breath, she repeated the answers she’d been practicing. “Being on the Ranch makes me happy, Master Derek.”
“What parts of Rawhide Ranch make you happy?”
“I like going to school with the other girls.” Sweat broke out on Palmer’s brow and she scrubbed the toe of her pinksneaker over the rug in front of her. Master Derek stared at her knowingly. His gaze was too intense and Palmer looked away.
“Palmer, look at me, darlin’.”
She worked to control her breathing as she lifted her green eyes to his deep blue ones.