Page 45 of Brie's Submission
Brie lightly stroked her hair, shocked at the difference in the girl.What could possibly have gone wrong?
Tono turned to the trainers. “She did not disclose everything. There are demons in her past that resurfaced today.”
Master Coen spoke up, “We are heartily sorry, Tono Nosaka. The girls were instructed not to keep any secrets. We apologize for her mistake.”
“I have spent the last two hours helping her get to a place where we could return here.”
Ms. Clark stated, “Obviously, we will return your bid.”
Tono waved away her statement. “Just see that the girl gets the help she needs. I see real potential in her.”
Sir replied, “I’ve already called Dr. Reinstrum to join us. Rest assured, Ren, we will do everything to help Miss Wilson recover from this experience.”
Brie perked up.So, Tono’s first name is Ren?It totally fit the man.
Sir got up and walked over to the girls. Just his mere presence had her heart fluttering, despite the dire circumstances. “Ren, do you mind joining me in my office so we can get specifics?”
“That would be fine.” Tono gazed down at Mary with concern, then addressed Brie. “Take care of her, toriko.”
She was pleased that he’d called her by his pet name, but to avoid getting in trouble with Ms. Clark, Brie kept her eyes to the floor and only nodded in response. He left the room with Sir and a strained silence settled over the room. Brie continued to stroke Mary’s hair, humming softly.
Ms. Clark growled, “That foolish girl has damaged the school’s reputation.”
Marquis Gray snarled at her, “We will discuss it later.”
Brie looked down at Mary, worried she might be hurt by Ms. Clark’s callousness, but the girl seemed oblivious to everything around her. “You’re going to be all right, Mary,” she whispered softly.
The instant Mary registered Brie’s voice, she stirred in her lap. She looked around as if coming out of a trance and then immediately pulled away when she saw whose lap she was lying on.
“Don’t touch me, bitch!” she spat, sitting up straight in her chair and glowering at Brie.
It was actually good to see the old Mary return.
Master Coen said kindly, “Miss Wilson, we heard you had an incident today.”
She flinched and then looked down in shame. “Yes, Master Coen, but please don’t make me talk about it in front ofthesetwo.”
“You will be expected to share what happened with your fellow students. However, not tonight,” Master Coen said firmly. Brie could see Mary stiffen in her chair in anger, but she kept silent. “An experienced counselor has been called. You will share with him what happened so that you can pinpoint the exact trigger.”
Marquis Gray added, “This mistake does not have to end your training.”
Brie was surprised to see tears fall down Mary’s cheeks. She choked out, “Thank you, Marquis.”
“However, if you ever fail to obey us again, I promise you it will be the last mistake you make,” Ms. Clark stated.
Brie pursed her lips.Good ol’ Ms. Clark. Kick ya when you’re down.
Master Coen cleared his throat, sounding annoyed by Ms. Clark’s insensitivity. “Miss Wilson, right now we want you to concentrate on being completely open with the counselor.”
A short time later, the elevator doors opened and an older gentleman exited. He nodded to the trainers and walked directly to the girls. He held out his hand to Mary, gracing her with a genuine smile. “You must be Miss Wilson. It is a pleasure to meet you. Would you mind talking with me for a bit?”
She meekly took his hand and walked away. As Brie watched her go, a shiver of fear traveled down her spine. Could that happen to her, too?
As if reading her mind, Marquis Gray said, “It appears Miss Wilson was engaging in an activity that triggered a traumatic reaction based on an unresolved issue in her past. Just as Miss Bennett could have caused a similar situation, had she not informed us of her abuse at the hands of bullies as a child. Without that information, Baron could easily have triggered a negative episode without knowing the cause. I hope you both understand the importance of full disclosure with your Dominants.”
The girls nodded. Brie was suddenly grateful for her natural openness. She was surprised Mary had been so stubborn. Sir had asked twice that they go over their journals and take out anything that might cause problems. That girl was her own worst enemy.
Debriefing
