“It was bad, huh.”
“Tell us!”
My gaze darts toward the exit, and Chambers hardens. “You may not leave, Rebecca. I already told you to do it. I have nothing to hide from my students.”
Interesting. Then I must have seen the future.
“Are you sure about that?” I ask.
The woman nods, and I hold my breath. I just wanted to make a point, not ruin her life. At least, not until my eyes rest on Daniel’s empty chair.
“If it hasn’t happened yet, you will have an affair with Director Clausen.”
Chambers gasps. “Excuse me?”
“I’m only reporting what I saw.”
“How dare you!”
I jump behind my chair when she storms toward me.
“You’re lying!”
“I wish I were lying.”
“The new girl was right,” someone says. “Hypocrites! You want the truth until it’s yours!”
Chambers turns to the boy. “You can’t possibly believe what she said.”
“Why shouldn’t I? She gave you plenty of chances to back down. Why would she have done that if she was only trying to embarrass you?”
“Don’t worry, Ms. Chambers. This is a safe environment. I’m sure word won’t spread,” another girl adds sarcastically.
Chambers’ anger transforms into panic. “No one would believe such a ridiculous lie.”
“Then you have nothing to worry about.”
“Is he a good kisser?”
“Does he take his glasses off when you go at it?”
“Ooh, is that his gift, Ms. Chambers? Great in bed?”
“How big is his—”
“Stop it!” she cries. “She’s a liar!”
Laughter rumbles through the room, and I lose interest in the scene. As I start toward the door, I expect Chambers to call me back, but the command never comes and soon other students are joining me. A brief glance back reveals the instructor on a chair, burying her face in her hands.
A safe space. Right. I only wish Daniel had been here to see it.
“There she is!” Thomas says when I make my appearance at dinner. “The resident badass herself.”
A sly smile spreads over my lips. I avoid Ben’s curious glance and take the seat farthest away.
“We heard what happened,” Lucy says, leaning across the table. “Chambers and Clausen? Is that really what you saw?”
I nod, realizing I’m encouraging the very behavior I tried to fight, but it feels good to strike a blow. I swallow a twinge when my gaze flickers over Daniel’s empty seat. “I gave her a chance to back out, but she wouldn’t. I don’t think it’s happened yet.”
