Chapter 14

“No, ma’am.”

“You will see he never does so again.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“David, you will always address me as Mother.”

“Yes, Ma-Mother.”

She nodded in satisfaction. “Now, see you don’t frighten Marie like that again.”

I almost stuffed my thumb into my mouth, but I knew if I did, that would make her cross, so I simply said, “No, Mother.”

“You’re supposed to be studying. Don’t daydream.”

“I’m not daydreaming. I’m talking to my friend about what I read.” I blinked and met Mother’s amber eyes. “He says it’s all wrong, and he should know. He’s captain of a spaceship,” I told her with pride.

Her lips tightened into a thin line. “You haven’t spoken a word.”

“I talk to him with my mind.”

“I…see.”

“Are you all right, Mother?”