The Registry by Shannon Stoker Read Free Book Online Page A

selves, looking at more wedding ideas. Mia was always so obedient toward her father; she wasn’t used to his yelling and her instincts made her back down. She didn’t know what else to do.
    As she closed the door to her father’s office, she was shocked to see Andrew waiting his turn to speak with them. He looked stunned; it was obvious he’d heard the whole conversation. Mia wasn’t sure if she was imagining it, but she thought he looked like he wanted to console her.
    “Hi.” Mia had spent her whole life around young men but never spoken to any of them. He stared right into her eyes; they were fiery and tortured. For a second it looked like he might respond, and she was eager to hear his voice, but he turned away, said nothing, and behaved as if she didn’t exist.
    Andrew walked around her and knocked on the door. He entered the office and was greeted by her parents. He showed no interest in her.
    Mia’s own stupidity washed over her as she leaned back against the wall and slid to the floor. If she couldn’t even get a boy to say hello to her, there was no way she could survive the trip. She brought her knees up and rested her head on them.
    “That’s a shame. I wish you would reconsider.” Her father’s voice carried through the door. “You are a great worker and a fabulous leader. How much time do you have?”
    Mia’s eyes widened as she realized Andrew was leaving. It wasn’t fair that he could take off on a whim and she was forever trapped. She kept her ear to the door and listened to the rest of their discussion.
    “A little less than a month,” Andrew said. “I want to take some time to just travel around. Get my head clear before I report for duty.”
    “But where will you go?” her mother asked. “I hear it is awful out there. Will you be safe?”
    “I mean no disrespect, Mrs. Morrissey,” Andrew said. “But it is not as bad as you think. I’ve learned a lot from you, sir, and I appreciate all your help these past years, but I need some time alone before I serve my country.”
    “Please, call me Laura. You are like a son to us. It will be hard to see you leave.”
    Mia almost laughed out loud at her mother’s comment. Being likened to one of her parents’ children was hardly a compliment. If he was their son they probably would have pushed him out without a second thought. Still, Mia felt frustration over how supportive her parents were of Andrew. She didn’t warrant the same amount of consideration from them.
    “I understand. Don’t worry about your time in service—fastest four years of your life,” her father said. “Do you have a branch you’re hoping to serve in?”
    “Air force, sir.”
    “That is quite impressive. Hardest branch to get into and it comes with the most prestige. Good luck. I was an army man, so I can’t offer any tips.”
    “I’ve been interested in flying for as long as I can remember,” Andrew said. “That’s part of the reason I want to leave. To see if I can find a place to brush up.”
    “Why tonight though?” asked her mother. “Shouldn’t you wait till the morning? I’m sure I can get a care package ready for you, maybe some food or extra clothes.”
    “Thank you, but no. It is better to travel at night. I’m hoping to make it to the highway and then try to hitch a ride in the morning,” Andrew said. “Besides, I’m afraid that if I stay I’ll change my mind and end up here till enlistment time.”
    Mia stood and made her way toward her room. She had heard enough. Tonight was the night she’d make a run for it. She was going to have something better than months of planning or Whitney’s common sense. She was going to have a personal guide.

Chapter 10
A wife never inquires into her husband’s background. She need only know that he has served his country nobly and faced many hardships in doing so. In due time he will reveal all he chooses to.
—The Registry Guide for Girls
    T he clock was fast approaching midnight. Mia waited