Page 86 of Changing Rules

I’d hoped Mrs. Hopkins would start the class with a discussion about our projects. Instead, she spends most of the time explaining what we can expect from her classes next semester.

Near the end of our allotted time, she picks up her iPad and surveys us. The smile she wears calms my anxiety. Everything’s going to be alright.

“I want to congratulate each and every one of you on the successful completion of my course this semester,” she says. “You all did an excellent job, and I was impressed with your ideas.” For a moment, she’s silent again, her eyes wandering from one student to another. “I was a bit surprised,” she finally continues, “with the style so many of you chose for your projects. I was sure Ms. Lawson was the only one so passionate about Scandinavian style, but there had to have been ten other projects with similar elements.”

I sneak a glance at JoJo. Her eyes are wide with shock. It’s definitely not something she expected to hear.

A smile pulls at my lips as I sit back and listen to Mrs. Hopkins talk about which projects she loved the most.

“Bye, Lawson.”Kaden winks at me. “Call you tomorrow.”

I wave at him, then at Olivia. “Bye, Liv.”

When the two of them stroll out of class holding hands, I let out a sigh of relief.

It feels like everyone is sticking around to chat after class today, blabbering about their plans for winter break. All I want is a quick word with Mrs. Hopkins, but if I don’t get out of here soon, I’ll be late to my appointment with Dr. Khan. I’m still patiently waiting my turn, scrolling through Instagram, when I realize JoJo is still here.Dammit. The last thing I need is another confrontation.

When it looks like the student who’s speaking to Mrs. Hopkins is finishing up, I stand and pack my things, then shuffle to the front of the room. Just as I approach our instructor’s desk, there’s a presence at my back. I don’t even turn my head. I already know it’s JoJo.

“Yes? Isabella? Joanna?” Mrs. Hopkins glances between us.

“I wanted to ask…” JoJo folds her arms. “How similar were our projects?”

Mrs. Hopkins takes off her glasses and puts them on her desk. Rubbing her eyes, she sighs. “Do you really think I wouldn’t notice if two students turned in very similar projects?”

“I—” JoJo starts.

Mrs. Hopkins locks her gaze on JoJo’s, making her fall silent. “Is that all, Joanna?”

“Yes.” She bows her head. “Thank you.” With that, JoJo leaves the room.

“Isabella?” Mrs. Hopkins smiles at me, her eyes warming. “Is there something I can do for you?”

“No, um—I wanted to wish you a very Merry Christmas.” I dig through my bag for the gift I got her: a Moleskine planner and a postcard. “I’m incredibly happy to be in your class. You’re an inspiration.”

“Thank you so much.” Her smile widens as she takes the gift from me. “You have real talent. I’d be happy to guide you through your journey, and even happier to watch you earn your degree—or land an internship, if that’s the way you decide to go.”

I’m speechless. All I can do is blink. Since day one, I’ve been in awe of this woman, and if I can trust the honesty in her expression, her compliments are genuine.

As I leave campus, a lightness fills my body, one I’m not sure I’ve ever experienced before. Today has been a good day, despite JoJo and her bullshit.

As I head toward Dr. Khan’s office, my phone buzzes in my pocket, and when I pull it out, I can’t help but smile.

“Hey, Jess.”

“Hey, stranger.” The sound of her voice fills me with happiness. She supported me when I least expected it. I’ll be forever grateful to her for that, and over the last few months, we’ve built a friendship. “I haven’t heard from you in a while.”

I wince. “Sorry. I was buried under assignments and exams. Please don’t take it personally.”

“I get it.” She laughs. “Being an adult sucks sometimes.”

“Totally.” I take in the scenery around me.

New York at Christmas is exceptionally beautiful. The Rockefeller Center tree is lit in a dazzling array of colors. The ice rink in Central Park signals Christmas’s approach. From cathedrals to holiday markets, the city is enveloped in festive spirit, and it makes me love it even more.

“How are you?”

“I’m fine,” Jess says. “Busy with work, wishing I had time to go out to meet a decent guy. But for now, life is giving me pickles.”

---