Chapter 53: Another Party?
JULIA
The door creaked open, and I walked into the classroom.
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Somehow, I felt a little bit anxious. I knew this wasn’t high school anymore, and people didn’t mind others‘ business as much…or it was probably the stress that didn’t allow them to even think of other people to that extent.
However, I just felt that they would still react if they knew about what happened at the Astor residences. As I stepped inside, though, some lifted their heads but quickly went back to their personal conversations.
I sighed in relief. No one seemed to know.
Well, if word got out, then I bet Heather would also be affected, so it might have been put under the rug for that
reason.
“Good morning, Julia,” Gianna greeted. Harper looked up and smiled before going back to her mobile game.
“Good morning,” I greeted back, sitting next to them and bringing out my materials.
Just then, Heather walked into the classroom. As soon as she entered, her gaze caught mine. It felt like it was her. first objective of the day.
She was glaring at me with eyes full of disdain, appearing like she couldn’t stand the sight of me. Her lips were curled into a sneer. Even Harper and Giannia noticed it.
“Well,” Gianna muttered. “She dropped the act.”
“What act?” Harper asked.
“The sweet, innocent girl,” Gianna said. “I don’t like her now.”
“I should still probably apologize, though,” I said, causing the two to snap their gazes at me.
“For what?” Harper asked.
“Well, it was her birthday party. It was an honest mistake. klidn’t know it would escalate to this, but still, it wasn’t my intention.”
“Exactly,” Gianna said. “I think it’s a matter between her and her boyfriend. You didn’t do anything wrong.
I shrugged, not wanting to have any bad blood between us. Technically, she hadn’t done anything to me. So, 1 should take responsibility.
With a deep breath, I turned to the side, doing my best not to make eye contact with Heather.
Mr. Matthews walked in, looking far too cheerful on a Monday morning. His smile was wide as he placed his teaching materials on the table.
“Good morning, everyone!” he greeted, even waving his hand. “I hope you all had a relaxing weekend. Now, let’s get to work.”
I nodded absentmindedly.
“Ah, wait,” he said just as he was about to open his laptop. I almost forgot my announcement.”
That captured the students‘ attention.
He cleared his throat before speaking once more.
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Chapter 53: Another Party?
“I’m afraid I won’t be here for the latter three days of the weekdays. There’s a big event, and an unexpected guest coming into town.”
Now, that brought the classroom alive. The thought of having a free period for three days excited everyone.
“Don’t worry,” Mr. Matthews continued, “I’ll leave you with some practical prompts to work on during my absence.”
He didn’t even give us time to celebrate his absence. Everyone groaned, their excitement quickly dampening. I leaned back in my chair, rubbing the back of my neck. And here I was, thinking I could sleep in for two days.
The class went by in a blur. Everyone worked on their assignments, typing furiously on their laptops or scribbling notes on paper. Through it all, I could feel Heather’s glare on me.
So, when the bell rang, I sighed in relief, quickly gathering my things so I could head out of the classroom with Harper and Gianna.
However, that relief was short–lived when someone called my name.
“Julia,” Mr. Matthews called, causing me to halt. “I need to see you for a moment.”
I lifted my head, frowning in confusion as I pointed at myself.
Mr. Matthews chuckled. “Yes, Julia Johnson. I’m talking about you.”
“Do you know what this can be about?” I asked the two.
Harper shook her head. “No idea. Can it be about the project that he asked you to repeat?”
“Ah, it must be that then,” I muttered.
“We’ll wait for you at the food hall,” Glanna said with a smile. “See you later!”
I nodded and watched them disappear through the door before turning back to face Mr. Matthews. He was waiting. his arms folded across his chest, with the usual smile on his face.
“Everything alright?” he asked.
“Yeah, just fine,” I replied, forcing a smile. “You wanted to talk, sir?”
“Yes,” he said. “I know you’re working on your project. Is i finished?”
I shook my head. “Not yet, sir.”
I had gotten around to starting it yesterday night, and I was actually quite satisfied with it.
“But I would be able to finish it before the deadline,” I quickly added.
“How is that then?” he asked. “I won’t be here starting on Wednesday, and I do not want to rush your
I pursed my lips. “Can I, perhaps, send it to you online?”
work.”
He shook his head. “Oh, no can do. I cannot perceive art through the screen. I mean, I still can, but it would be different.”
“Then, what should I do, sir?” I asked.
He paused and placed his hand under his chin. “Alright, how about this? On Friday night, there will be a party. I will be attending, and you can just pass your project to me there.”
“Wait,” I said, blinking rapidly. “I’m not sure I understand. A party?”
Chapter 53 Another Party
“Yes,” he replied, taking a step closer. I quickly stepped back, and that seemed to make him more amused.
“Why would you want me at this party, sir? I can try to finish the artwork tomorrow.”
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“I have two tickets,” he insisted. “It’s not an ordinary party.”
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“Then, shouldn’t you bring your wife if you have two tickets?” I asked.
“My wife?” he asked, chuckling to himself. “I divorced her five years ago. But don’t worry about that. Just come to the event. Dress for the occasion. You’ll see what it’s all about.”
I stared at the envelope in my hand.
“But, sir-”
“No buts, Julia,” he said. “I expect to see you there.”
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