Dolor University was a reformatory college—prison—specifically designed for troubled souls and delinquents who suffered from mental illnesses, addictions, and a poor parental guidance that led one to a career in crime. Apparently, the best in the world, located in none other than the United Kingdom. I couldn’t help but think the reason for the location was so they wouldn't feel pressured to visit, and I was okay with that. They could ship me wherever. I didn't want to be around people who didn't want to be around me, anyway. Isolation was my paradise.
I kept my attention out the window, twirling my dirty brown hair around my finger the entire way to the airport while my father went on about the curriculum.
"With Mia Rose's history, we should have chosen an all-girl reformatory," Diane scoffed.
"Mia Rose needs diversity," my father reminded her.
"Mia Rose is right here and can speak for herself," I informed both of them.
Diane conveniently stayed in the car as my father escorted me through baggage check-in and to the end of the line at security. He couldn’t go any farther, and I was surprised he had made it this far.
I stood before him as his eyes glossed over. "I'm sorry, Mia."
He had never been good with words, but neither had I. Seconds passed, and he still couldn't look me in the eyes. He never could. Even when I talked to him, he'd look past me as if I were a ghost.
Look at me, Dad.
But, after a single nod, he turned and left me without so much as a second glance as I clutched my passport and plane ticket in my hand.