Page 14 of Switched

“We will discuss any difficulties about completing the assignment in private,” the prince says, “but if the person is living, they must be interviewed, and if they can’t be, then you must interview those who know them best about their relationship to you.”

I can’t do it.

The prince paces the room. “Before I dismiss you, there is one more thing we need to discuss: your freedom. As you are advancing to tougher coursework, we feel you are mature enough for privileges regular students cannot have, and that includes going home to visit your families once a month.” The prince looks at me. “As long as your coursework is exemplary.”

I’m going to growl like a beast myself if he doesn’t let up on me.

“That is all. Class dismissed.”

I grab my books from the floor and follow my friends out.

“Well, that was fun,” I say sarcastically. “The prince is great.”

“Isn’t he?” Maxine says dreamily, drool dripping onto her school uniform. “He gave me such a good pep talk about beauty being found within that I wrote three pages of scrollwork! I’m sure I got an A.” She drifts off happily as I stare after her.

At least someone is killing it with our new teacher.

Pegasus Postal Service

Flying Letters Since the Troll War!

FROM: Mother and Father (2 Boot Way)

TO: Gillian Cobbler (Fairy Tale Reform School)

Hello, darling!

We received the scroll from Headmistress Flora telling us about the new program that you’ve been accepted into. We are so proud of you! Your brothers and sisters are so excited you will be able to come home to visit some weekends.

We also received the Evil Queen’s—I mean, Professor Harlow’s—antidote to Mr. Stiltskin’s muffins. Goodness, how could we have been so easily fooled by that man? You were wise to avoid eating one (even if they were delicious. I wonder what he used to make them taste like toffee. Caramel, perhaps? Anyway…). Your father and I wanted you to know that we’re so sorry we doubted you. While Father and many in the village continue to search for Mr. Stiltskin and the missing children, they seem to have disappeared without a trace. And yet, just when we thought all hope was lost, we received a scroll from Anna this week! She says she’s fine and having a grand adventure with her new friends. There was no return address. I’m sad she hasn’t come home yet, but I am sure she will turn herself around when she’s ready. After all, you did.

Love,

Mother

CHAPTER 5

Walk on the Wild Side

Maxine reads over the Pegasus Post I just received and has the same reaction I did. “Anna wrote your mother and not you? She can’t still be mad at you, can she?”

“I guess she still is,” I say, feeling embarrassed. Then a thought occurs to me. “Unless she didn’t write that scroll.”

“What do you mean?” Maxine asks.

“Why would she send my parents a scroll claiming how happy she is to be on some big adventure?” I question. “Anna never liked to brag. Maybe Stiltskin wrote that scroll to keep us off the scent because he doesn’t want Anna to leave the squad.” I think of what Jack said about his mum and cow being around the troll for too long. “How could she still think he’s better than sliced cheese?” I say to myself as much as to Maxine.

“There’s no way she thinks he’s as good as sliced cheese.” Maxine nods her head vigorously. “That is like the best food invention ever! Stiltskin can’t compare to that.” Drool drips down her chin. “But if she did write that scroll, she’s obviously happy that she went with Stiltskin, and I don’t think she’s coming back anytime soon.”

I take back the scroll. “I know.” I stare at a group of trolls carrying swords on their way to early-morning pirate training with Blackbeard. They’re all wearing eye patches and bumping into walls. Alongside them, a group of mermaids swims swiftly by behind one of the clear glass walls. Suddenly, they stop as a new hallway waffles in front of us and changes our direction. Jax and Ollie come rolling out of it.

“Aye, it’s a beautiful morning!” says Ollie, walking proudly with his RLW sash prominently placed over his uniform.

“You know we don’t have a meeting today, right?” I ask him.

Ollie gives me a look. “A good RLW wears his sash with pride every day of the week.”

“Show-off,” I mumble.