Stolen Innocents (The Shadow Series Book 2) by Addison Kline Read Free Book Online

up…”
     
    Tristan stood up smiling as she peered at everyone’s faces. She was surprised how nervous everyone looked.
     
    “Tristan is graduating from Steeplechase Academy with a grade point average of 3.9,” declared Frank.
     
    The adults at the table gasped in shock. Everyone seemed to voice their opinions at once:
     
    “Wow, Tristan… That is outstanding!” exclaimed Jenna.
     
    “Holy crow,” added Joe.
     
    “You nerd!” cried Shane
     
    “I taught her everything she knows,” insisted Blake.
     
    Jack leaned in to Joe and proudly boasted, “That’s my girl.”
     
    Meanwhile, Bridgette and Moira were brought to tears by Tristan’s accomplishment. It was a remarkable feat. Especially after all that she endured.  Tristan brushed off her accomplishment as if it was nothing at all.
     
    Frank continued, “Tristan was granted a scholarship from Vice Principal Irwin for sixteen straight marking periods on the honor roll in the amount of $10,000. She has been asked to act as the class valedictorian at the graduation ceremonies next week.”
     
    Jack’s jaw dropped. Words would not come to his mouth. His pride could not be measured in simple words and expressions.
     
    Frank continued, “Tristan has been accepted to the following schools… Bear with me, this list is long. Okay, here we go. Tristan has been accepted to Stanford University, Bloomsburg University, University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, Princeton University, Albright College, Skole County Community College, and lastly, the University of California.”
     
    Frank had to catch his breath after reading the long list out loud. Jack felt as if he was on the verge of a heart attack.
     
    University of California?!
     
    Bridgette tried to keep her face under control, but internally she was freaking out. Cole’s right leg started tapping nervously under the table. Meanwhile Blake, Liam, Adam, Shane and Tommy looked at Tristan in shock.
     
    Frank, who was always the cool one under pressure said aloud, “Oh, Jesus Christ… Put them out of their misery. Which school did you choose?”
     
    Tristan laughed at how stressed out everyone seemed to be.
     
    “Well, it was a really tough choice. I love home so much, but I had to choose the school that was right for me,” Tristan explained.
     
    The more she spoke the more Cole felt like he was going to throw up all over the picnic table.
     
    “Like I said, it was a really hard choice for me. I hope you will all understand.”
     
    Jack felt dizzy, and he thought he was about to faint. Everyone stared at Tristan as they waited for her to spill the beans.
     
    “Just tell us…” Blake begged.
     
    Tristan nodded with a smile on her face.
     
    “I hope you will understand that I will be attending Bloomsburg University for the next four years, and I’ll be around here bugging you all…”
     
    Tristan couldn’t resist herself. She laughed loudly as everyone celebrated. There were tears in Cole’s eyes. Jack stood up, red faced and excited. He went to her, and hugged her. Jack lifted Tristan’s body off the ground and swung her around.
     
    “Dad! Stop!”
     
    “I’m sorry! I’m just so happy!” exclaimed Jack.
     
    Bridgette breathed a sigh of relief. Frank interrupted everyone once again.
     
    “Wow, you really had them going for a second! Okay, so what is your major?”
     
    “Health physics.”
     
    Everyone gave Tristan an odd look except for her Aunt Bridgette who smiled from ear to ear. Angus, who had fallen asleep during all the excitement, woke up at the sound of the two words.
     
    “Did you just say health physics?!” Angus demanded to know.
     
    Tristan laughed, “Yes. I did.”
     
    “You’re going into medicine?! Angus yelled loudly.
     
    Tristan wasn’t sure if he was happy or angry. Sometimes it was so hard to tell.
     
    “Yes. I plan to follow-up my education at Bloomsburg with a med program at Penn,” explained Tristan confidently.
    Jack gasped and