Chapter 3
Gunnar hates school. For him, it is a distraction that keeps him from training for hockey. He hopes to get a scholarship to an American university or an offer to play in the amateur league in the U.S. or Europe once he turns 18. Since the school year is almost over, Gunnar's day seems to fly by.
On the other hand, Bree loves school. She is smart and loves learning. She knows that getting she is going to have her pick of colleges back in the States, and her dad want her to attend his alma mater – Dartmouth College. Bree is still undecided on college and career choice. In reality, she just wants to go to college near wherever Gunnar is. Unlike Gunnar, Bree's school day doesn't fly by, with each passing minute she is getting more nervous about having to tell Gunnar.
Bree walks out of school and Gunnar and Olaf are waiting outside. Bree walks up to them, both guys can see she is nervous and out of sorts. Olaf has a pretty good idea why she is nervous.
Gunnar immediately pulls her into his arms and asks "What's wrong, elskan mí?"
Bree visibly stiffens and looks at Olaf for some help. Olaf shrugs his shoulder as if to say 'it's your mess and I am not helping.'
Bree decided to tell Gunnar "I didn't do as well on a test as I needed to."
Gunnar doesn't miss this exchange between his girl and Olaf. He immediately suspects she is lying and wonders why and what his best friend has to do with it. But, Gunnar accepts her answer and decides he will question her later.
"Are you guys ready for the game tonight?"
"Ready to beat Russia into the ground" Both boys respond.
The three of them walk off towards the Embassy. Olaf sees some hot tourists looking his and Gunnar's way. Gunnar is over course oblivious since they are talking about NHL hockey, and it is easy to see that Gunnar is daydream about making to the NHL. Bree gives Olaf a look that say go on. Olaf makes his excuses and head off towards the girls.
Gunnar and Bree head into the Embassy. The guard out front lets them know Ambassador Scott is back. Bree and Gunnar drop off their stuff in her room and head over to the Ambassador's study. Gunnar is following about a step behind Bree as they enter the room. Bee gets a foot in the door and stops suddenly. Gunnar runs into her, and almost knocks her over. Thankful he has quick reflects and catches her before she can fall. Gunnar sees the Ambassador, Bree's step-mom Jordan and a strange women sitting in the study. A quick look from his girlfriend to the woman tells him that they are related.
"Ah darling, about time you get home. I have been waiting"
"Mom, what are you doing here? I thought I was just going to meet you in the States"
"Darling, I decided that it would be better if I came and help supervise the packing. I mean after all you are moving back to the States, finally. Now you must introduce me to the young man behind you"
Gunnar is still trying to figure out what they are talking about. His English is good, but he feels like she is using move in the wrong context.
"Mom, this is Gunnar Stahl, my boyfriend and Gunnar this is my mother Mary Vanderbilt."
"It a please to meet you" Gunnar says as he offers her his hand.
Mary is clearly not pleased that Bree introduced Gunnar as her boyfriend. She doesn't take the hand Gunnar offers and comments "Sweetheart, are you not a little young to have a boyfriend"
"No, mom, I am not, I am 16 years old."
Mary visibly stiffens at that statement. Ambassador James Scott didn't become an ambassador without learning to read people and he can see a fight brewing between is ex-wife and daughter.
"Mary, how about Jordan and I give you a tour of the embassy and while the kids go get changed for dinner."
"It is awfully early to be having dinner"
"I know but Bree is going to Gunnar's hockey game tonight."
Bree uses this as her chance to sneak her and Gunnar out of the study. Bree is shaken and Gunnar's face is unreadable. Once they get in her room, Bree turns and faces Gunnar.
"I know my first language isn't English but she said 'move' not 'visit' the States. What did she mean?"
Bree looks down at Gunnar's tone. She knows he is putting the pieces together and is really anger. "My parents divorce agreement states that my dad gets primary custody of me until the school year I turn 17, upon which I will go live with my mother and finish high school at the school of her choice."
Bree walks over and tries to take Gunnar's hand to pull him down into a kiss, but Gunnar pulls away instead and asks "How long have you known about the agreement?"
"3 months"
Gunnar gives Bree a glare and asks the next obvious question "How long until you leave?"
"Less that 3 weeks."
Again Bree tries to touch Gunnar and again he pulls away.
"I tell you everything, I have never lied to you and you … you keep this from me"
"I am so sorry, Gunnar. I just didn't want things to change. I didn't …" Gunnar interrupts her "Were you planning on telling me?"
"Yea, I was going to tonight after the game" Gunnar gets up and starts to walk out the door. "Gunnar, Gunnar wait, were are you going, it's too early to leave for the game yet"
"Well right now I need to think about how my girlfriend, wait my ex-girlfriend couldn't be bothered to tell me about a major event in her life." Gunnar walks out the door and at the door way turns around at tells Bree "Don't bother coming to the game, I don't want you there."
By this point, Bree has sunk to the floor, her body racked with sobs.
