Page 181 of Forbidden Lessons

UNKNOWN

Get Out. He’s coming for you.

Melissa pushes me between the shoulders. “That’s it, that’s you!” she whisper-shouts, snatching my clutch and my phone from my hand. “Go, go, go!”

It was so dark in the corridor, I hold up a hand to shield my eyes from the bright spotlight on stage. Subconsciously, I’m aware that there are steps in front of me. But my brain and my body obviously had some kind of falling out, because I take the first two steps fine, but my brain imagines a third that isn’t there.

I stomp down on thin air, lose my balance, and take two more stomps forward to catch my balance.

Standing on the front of my skirt.

Tripping.

Sprawling on hands and knees.

The woman who’d been standing near the podium rushes over to me, bending to help me to my feet. She’s wearing a black evening gown, the spotlight sparkling on swirls of intricate embroidery over the bodice.

“You okay, honey?” she asks as she guides me to the center of the stage.

“Tripped,” I manage. Barely.

I’m blushing so hard, so hot, it feels like my face is going to peel off.

“It’s my honor and privilege to introduce Haven Lee, this year’s recipient of the Agony Hollow College Social Change grant.” She starts clapping, and after a pathetic start, the crowd gets a little more enthusiastic.

I guess they were waiting for me to take a pie to the face, and they’re all feeling just a little disappointed.

At least it’s not that intimidating up here as I thought. I can’t even see anyone in the crowd because the spotlight is so damn bright. I quickly pull down my hand when I realize I’m shielding my face again, and grip the sides of the podium.

“Uh, hi.”

The woman leans in. “A little louder, honey.” Then she adjusts the microphone, putting it closer to my mouth.

“Hi.” There’s a screech of feedback that puts a lump in my throat. “Sorry. Uh.”

Great. My mind has gone utterly blank.

Get out.

He’s coming for you.

Sweat prickles at the back of my neck. The podium digs into my fingers where I’ve got the sides gripped white-knuckle tight as I try to work moisture back into my mouth.

“I’d like to thank the academy?” I force a laugh. “Whoops. Wrong speech.”

Silence.

I mean, seriously?

“Okay, I’m going to be honest. I didn’t know I had to give a speech tonight.”

More silence.

“I only found out last night that I was even supposed to be here.”

I lick my lips, swallow.

My eyes are adjusting. I can see the edges of the crowd now, and they’re all staring at me with blank faces.

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