“Yes. Is there a problem?”
Camila faltered but stepped aside, suddenly unsure. The officer and the attorney stepped inside. The house, so loud seconds ago, was silent.
Jen whispered, “What’s going on?”
The officer turned to me. “Chelsea, your father left instructions for tonight.”
He handed Camila an envelope. She tore it open, hands shaking, and read aloud:
“Camila, when you married me, you promised Chelsea would never feel alone in her own home.
If you broke that promise, you broke faith with me, too.
This house belongs to my daughter. You were only ever allowed to live here while you cared for her.”
If you’ve mistreated her in any way… she has every right to kick you out.”
“Chelsea, your father left instructions for tonight.”
Camila’s voice cracked on the last line.
“I have been mistreated,” I said quietly.
Shinia looked me in the eye and nodded slightly. She stepped forward.
“Sergeant Martin placed the house in trust for Chelsea. That condition has been violated. The house reverts fully to Chelsea as of tonight. You and your daughters will receive formal notice to vacate.”
Camila sank into the nearest chair. Jen stared at the floor. Lia looked like she might cry.
Neither of them moved toward the door. The car that was supposed to take them to prom sat idling outside for a few seconds… then slowly pulled away.
“I have been mistreated.”
I felt frozen, the moment too big to grasp. I looked down at my dress, Dad’s jacket, every stitch mine. I heard his words again: “Wear it like you mean it.”
The officer’s eyes were kind. “Chelsea, there’s a car outside. Sergeant Brooks wanted to escort you to prom, per your father’s request. Go enjoy your night, we’ll talk about the trust tomorrow. He didn’t want you to miss this.”
I grabbed my purse and followed the officer outside. Sergeant Brooks stood by Dad’s old Chevy, freshly washed.
He gave me a sharp salute, then grinned. “Ready to go, little ma’am? I’ve never seen a dress like that before.”
“Go enjoy your night, we’ll talk about the trust tomorrow.”
I nodded, tucking my skirt carefully as I got in. “I… I think so.”
Brooks closed the door and slipped behind the wheel.
“You did good, kid. Martin would’ve burst his buttons if he saw you tonight.”
I tried to laugh, but my voice wobbled. “He always said he’d teach me to drive in this car. Guess you’re stuck with me instead.”
“You did good, kid.”
Brooks smiled. “Hey, I’ll take it. Means I get to see the look on your classmates’ faces. Your father… honey, he would have loved to be here. I served with him for years.”
As we pulled away, I glanced at the house. The porch light glowed over Camila, Lia, and Jen, silent, still, and for once completely out of words.
***
By the time we pulled up to the school, students were already gathered outside taking pictures. Heads turned as Sergeant Brooks stepped out of Dad’s old Chevy in full dress uniform and came around to open my door.
I froze.
