Page 93 of The Forbidden Note

Right?

I’m halfway to Harris’s office when someone blocks my path.

“Mr. Hall.” I jump back in surprise.

He takes a step forward, his shoes kissing my pumps. “Miss J, where are you off to in a hurry?”

“My next class.” I glance behind him. “Excuse me.”

“Your next class is that way.” He points in the opposite direction.

I freeze, my fingers tightening over my books.

He smirks at me. “Want me to walk you there?”

I shoot a longing glance at the principal’s office and paste a smile on my face. “It’s fine. I’ll walk by myself.”

Turning abruptly, I shuffle in the direction of the classroom. Theodore Hall’s eyes linger on me and, when I turn around, he smiles.

A shudder wracks through me.

I have a bad feeling about that kid.

* * *

In third period, my concentration is shot.

Screw it.

I need to find out what happened to Zane.

As soon as class is over, I text Cadence.

I heard about the fight. Are the boys okay?

She answers back immediately.

Cadence: They got sent home for the day.

I type back.

Since when do the boys get punished?

Cadence: They started a fight in the hallway in plain view of everyone. There were too many witnesses. Harris had to give them something.

I chew on my bottom lip, debating whether I should text Zane.

In the end, I choose against it.

Better not to confuse things by reaching out.

My scandal has spread to the teachers now. The lounge goes silent when I walk in. My co-workers break out of huddles and stare at me. I remain frozen in the doorway, my stomach churning with nerves. After a few deep breaths, I walk in and take my seat around the desk.

It’s fine.

I can live like this.

I’m here for Sloane, not to make friends.

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