Page 93 of Broken Bonds

We chatted aimlessly for the next half an hour until our next classes started, and then we parted ways, my newfound anxiety crawling up my throat with every step in the opposite direction from her. I found my next class with ease and sat in the back of the room, choosing the corner chair away from everyone. I made sure to be early so I would have the first pick. As I waited for the professor and other students, I pulled out my phone and started scrolling through Instagram.

“Is this seat taken?” Startled, I looked away from the fake world on my phone to see who the deep voice belonged to.

Recognizing the dark-haired boy from my previous semester, I shook my head and returned to Instagram. I heard him settle into the seat next to me, then shuffle through his backpack for his supplies.

“You look familiar. Do I know you?” He pulled my attention away from a video of a puppy learning how to play dead.

“Don’t think so. I started here last year.” I looked at him briefly, then returned my attention to the video.

“Oh, shit—you’re Wilson’s little sister.” I cringed, wishing he hadn’t taken the only seat next to me. Why did everyone suddenly know who I was?

“Yup.”

“I heard you were in an accident. Are you okay?” Looking up from the video that had replayed for the fourth time, I suddenly recognized the guy. He was the one who caused Ace and me to have that huge fight on campus last year.Well, screw me.

“I’m fine. Thanks for asking.” I couldn’t hide the bitterness in my voice. The professor thankfully waltzed in at that exact moment.

“Everyone up!” The aging man commanded as he set up his iPad on the podium, and we all stood. “When I call your name, please tell me why you are taking this class and what your plans are for graduation, and then sit.”

It’s a required class, genius.

Slowly, the professor started calling names, and the answers varied, some making the class laugh while others were inspiring.

Julian, the guy beside me, naturally had some wise-ass comment. “Yo, prof, I’m forced to take this class because it’s a core one, you know. But really, it’s a waste of my time because I’m going to be in the NFL, and I don’t need to know about all the religions in the world, you feel me?”

The laughter that erupted in the room was short-lived when the old man spoke. “You know, Jules, I’ve never liked the NFL or its players because of their lack of education, so no, Idon’tfeel you.”

Note to self: do not mess with this man.

He was only about halfway through the room when the familiar cramp crawled up my leg, reminding me that I would never fully recover from the surgery. Shifting uneasily, I tried to bend and massage the cramp from my calf. The professor’s eyessnapped to mine when I lost my balance and landed on my ass. My cheeks flamed red with embarrassment.

“I didn’t realize standing was so hard.” His cold voice cut across the room.

The cold, tiled floor bit into my hands as I tried to stand, only to lose my footing, falling again. My cheeks instantly flamed when I heard laughter from the front of the room.

“Stand up, young lady, this instant!”

I tried to stand again, but a cramp seized my leg. I bit down on my tongue to stop the whimper from coming out. Closing my eyes, I fought the embarrassing tears, willing them not to spill down my cheeks.

Celine, get yourself together. You can do this.

Two warm hands slid beneath my arms, lifting me from the floor. Opening my eyes in shock, my eyes met Julian’s.

“Since you need everyone’s attention on you, why don’t you come to the front of the room and teach this class?” I shuddered under the professor’s harsh gaze.

“I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to.” The words came out with a tremble as I stood and stared at the old man.

“I don’t have time for football players and attention seekers. Wait your turn.” I focused on the ground, wishing it would open up and swallow me whole.

“She was in a terrible accident last year and had surgery on both her legs. I don’t think she deserves to be embarrassed by you for that, sir.”

The room suddenly went so silent that you could hear a pin drop. The professor narrowed his gaze on Julian, then turned to me.

“You may sit if you need,” he said, his voice less stern and much more forgiving.

Shaking my head, I remained standing until I was the last one, and he finally called my name. “You must be CelineWilson?” He looked up from his iPad to me, his cold eyes softening slightly.

“Yes.” I cleared my throat. “I’m taking this class because it’s not only a core class but something I believe will make me a worldly individual, and I want to be educated in other topics besides business. Once I graduate, I plan to help my brother and father run our family business.”

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