Heavenstone 01 - The Heavenstone Secrets

of them said such a thing?” Daddy asked.
    “No, but it’s not hard to see the thought rolling around in their heads and hear it in their tone of voice whenever they speak to either of us.”
    I nearly smiled when Cassie said this. Why was she making it sound as if that made her unhappy? She certainly believed we were truly better than everyone else and had not failed to tell me so one way or another practically every day of my life.
    “I do know what you mean,” Daddy said,nodding. “It’s often more of a burden to be held in high regard in your community. I can sympathize, because when I was growing up, I felt much the same way you two do, but—”
    “But we have a solution, Daddy,” Cassie interrupted.
    He nodded. “What’s that?”
    “Well, as regards me, I’m dropping out of school for now. I’m putting my formal education on hold for a while.”
    “Oh, I don’t think that’s—”
    “You have often told me how Grandfather Heavenstone only went through the eighth grade, but his business acumen guided him to slip into his father’s shoes and continue to build a successful enterprise. Whenever you talked about him, I could see in your face how proud of him you were.”
    “He was an extraordinary man,” Daddy agreed.
    “And I don’t think I’m being immodest by saying I have proven to be somewhat beyond my peers and even most of my teachers. You know that’s true, Daddy.”
    “I’ve always said that, Cassie, and so did your mother. We’re very proud of you and your accomplishments.”
    “Which is exactly why you shouldn’t be worried about my hiatus from formal education.”
    “But what will you do?”
    “I have a lot to do here now, and I’d like to become more of an assistant to you, learn more and more about our business. You’re carrying the whole load on your shoulders, Daddy. Don’t pretend you’renot, and don’t pretend that Uncle Perry can shoulder much or any of that responsibility.”
    “Perry has other talents,” he said as a way of agreeing with her.
    “But not executive talents,” Cassie insisted. “You’re still a young man, Daddy, but you’re not Superman. With all that’s happened, you need someone upon whom you can safely and comfortably rely. I know I can be that someone for you. Mother never took much interest in the Heavenstone Stores. I’m not faulting her. I know it just wasn’t her cup of tea, but she was at least supportive, and you need someone like that on a daily basis. You need reinforcement. I’m not saying you’re not up to your responsibilities, but it’s good to have someone you can trust watching your back.”
    Daddy nodded and then finally smiled.“You are truly a very bright and thoughtful young woman, Cassie. I wish your mother was here to listen to you.”
    “Thank you. So, that’s settled,” she concluded, even though Daddy had not actually said so. Then she looked at me. “Now, we have Semantha to consider. She isn’t doing spectacular work at school. She’s actually average or even a little below average in her grades. And that’s not because she’s not trying. It’s because she’s so unhappy.” She said it with a firmness that made my denying it impossible.
    Daddy looked at me and nodded. “Your mother and I often discussed that. Even though she didn’t say anything, I knew she was just as concerned. Of course, I know you always helped her as much as you could.”

    “Which is why I think we should do what I suggest for now, Daddy,” Cassie said.
    “What is that, exactly?”
    “I think Semantha should withdraw from public school, too. There are just too many obstacles for her there, too many unnecessary challenges now in light of what’s happened. I have found … I mean, I know of an excellent tutor for her home-schooling.”
    “Home-schooling?”
    “Just until the end of this school year. With our great family tragedies, it’s best we are all together, supporting each other for a while. After that, we can enroll her in a good private school where she will attend classes with other boys and girls who come from similar successful families, although few as successful and important as ours.”
    Daddy looked at me for a reaction, but I kept myself stone-faced and said nothing. I was afraid I would say something that wouldn’t please or support Cassie, and the truth of it was, I was nervous about returning to school and seeing my classmates. I knew by now we were the big topic of all the gossip. Mother’s