Page 72 of Whispers of Fire

“…We must obey,” answers the class as one.

“So first, hum, I’m afraid Mr Collins won’t be coming back. I’m Mrs Abigail, your new teacher. I’ll take it from where you were,” she states, writing her name on the blackboard, making my skin cringe at the sound. “Open your books page 278.”

Where is Mr Collins? I haven’t seen him since he punished me that day.

He didn’t seem sick or on the verge of leaving his place. Actually, he seemed quite content with his position, enjoying his power over students like me. No matter what–or who–is keeping him away, I’m grateful. I don’t ever want to see his disgusting face hitting me. My fingers healed but the memories are definitely imprinted in my mind forever.

What a sick man.

I wonder why no parents never said anything about it. A man like him should never be around young people like us.

Are you raising more questions and trouble, Rose?

Biting my lips, I open my book.

Well, yes, perhaps it’s time to really make trouble. Especially when I’m getting married soon, and I know that there’s no way I’m letting this man touch me.

I’ll escape before he gets the chance too. But I’m running out of time to understand what lies behind the sleek surface of my community. I need to find out more about the Shepherd's dirty hands and the girls who disappeared. I know there’s more to it than meets the eye. And somehow, I need this to fully go through with my escape.

Otherwise, I’ll always wonder if staying was the wisest choice.

Waiting for the class to end, I put away my notebook and my pencil case as fast as I can, avoiding Greta and Jezebel. I jog to the stairs and mount them quickly, reaching for the last floor where the Shepherd’s office is.

This is madness, I have no right to be here. Students aren’t allowed on this floor.

I only have a five-minute break before the next class but I can’t stop myself. I’m dying to know more. If only I could search the Shepherd’s office, perhaps I could find proof or anything telling me I’m right about his criminal activities. His door is open slightly, but the hallway is empty.

Come on, Rose, you can do this.

So I take a chance and walk toward it. Perhaps I'll be able to find an excuse if I run into him. Something stupid about being eager to see him before the wedding or something.

Ew.

The office is empty. Thank god. I step into the Shepherd's office with a surge of adrenaline coursing through my veins.

Stay focus.

My senses are on high alert, studying each sound and movement around me. The massive desk. I bet it’s in there .

With cautious steps, I approach the dark wooden desk, my heart pounding in my chest. Circling it, I take in the four large drawers behind it. My hands, clammy with nerves, tremble as I reach for them. They're not locked.

Hurry up, he could come back any time.

Every creak of the floorboards beneath my feet sounds amplified in the silence of the room, making my hands sweaty with fear. The wood squeaks when I pull it towards me.

No. No. No.

I hold my breath, straining to hear any sign of approaching footsteps or voices. But no one comes.

Phew.

As I sift through the documents in the desk drawer, my fingers fumble nervously. Every rustle of paper sounds way too loud.

You’re going to get caught!

Invoices, convocations, baptism certificate, no that’s not it. Tugging on one more paper, my jaw drops to the floor.

Vow of Silence contract.

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