Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95950 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95950 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
Relief escapes from me in a rush and nearly weakens my knees. Without another word, Mrs. Baxter slips from the office, closing the door softly behind her until the lock clicks.
I take a quick second to collect my thoughts. It’s important I get this right. If not, Austin will be expelled. No matter what his feelings are toward me, I don’t want to see that happen.
The older man lifts a brow as he bristles with impatience. “I’m waiting. What was so important that you had to burst into my office without an appointment before the start of the school day?”
“I realize the situation looks bad, but there’s a reason Austin hit Jasper.”
He crosses his arms over his barrel like-chest. “Are you trying to tell me that there’s an acceptable justification for resorting to violence?”
I blink and attempt to backtrack. “Of course not. I—”
“I’m relieved to hear that. If there’s one thing that will not be tolerated at this school, it’s fighting in any shape or form. High standards are set at Hawthorne Prep for a reason and are strictly adhered to. Physical aggression is never a satisfactory alternative to discussion and the need to find common ground. This is not the first time Mr. Hawthorne has been sanctioned by the board for fisticuffs. One would have thought that after his last disciplinary action, he would have learned his lesson. Unfortunately, that has not turned out to be the case. It’s a pity really.” He glances impatiently at his chunky silver wristwatch. “If you’ll excuse me, there are still a few loose ends I need to tie up in preparation for this meeting.”
“You saw what happened! Jasper embarrassed Austin in front of the entire school.”
His brow furrows as he cocks his head. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, young lady. I remember no such thing.”
“The speech.”
“I found nothing wrong with it. In fact, it would seem as if Jasper was extending a peace offering, attempting to be both inclusive and welcoming.” His expression turns wintery. “And what did the poor boy get in return?” Before I can open my mouth, he snaps, “A punch in the face. It’s as if the Hawthornes were raised without manners.”
“Jasper had no right to disclose such personal information. Can you not understand why Austin would feel humiliated?”
His face scrunches. “Exactly what is there to be embarrassed about? There are a number of students here who struggle with academic challenges. What I can tell you is that a positive outcome cannot be achieved through violence. I’m sorry, nothing you say will change my mind on the topic. A decision has already been reached. I think it’s in the best interest of the student body for Mr. Hawthorne to find an alternative school that will better suit his needs. What’s become glaringly apparent in the past month or so is that he does not belong here. I’ve taken it upon myself to speak directly with the principal of Hawthorne Public so his transition will be as smooth as possible.”
“But Mr.—”
He adjusts the lapels of his suit before striding past me. It only takes a handful of steps for him to reach the door. “Please don’t waste any further breath. This conversation is over. You should have saved us both time and energy by not coming here and trying to intervene on Mr. Hawthorne’s behalf. While your passion is commended, it’s gravely misplaced.”
Just as his sausage-like fingers wrap around the handle, I blurt, “I know you’re sleeping with my mother. I doubt that’s something you’d want your wife or the school board to discover.”
As soon as the words escape from my lips, I want to snatch them from the air and shove them back inside my mouth where they belong.
By the widening of his eyes and the stillness of his body, he’s in just as much shock as I am. That’s all it takes for the atmosphere to turns suffocating.
“Excuse me?” When I remain silent, his eyes narrow and his lips flatten into a grim line. “What did you just say?”
Swallowing past the thick lump that has wedged itself in the middle of my throat feels impossible.
Oh god. Am I really doing this?
“You’re having an affair with my mother,” I force myself to repeat.
“I don’t know where you got such a ludicrous idea,” he blusters, face growing splotchy.
“I saw you kissing in the copy room two weeks ago.”
He straightens to his full height, which is only a handful of inches taller than me. “I don’t know what you think you saw, young lady,” he growls, “but you’re mistaken.”
“I’m not. If word of your affair gets out, your career and reputation will be ruined. You’ll have to resign from Hawthorne Prep.” I let that sink in before adding, “If they don’t fire you first.”
He pales and asks stiffly, “What is it that you want?”