Chapter 63: Awkward Silence
JULIA
I looked at my phone and saw multiple texts from Evan. I read through them quietly, biting my lip.
“Did you get home safe?”
“Is Andy alright now?”
“I’ll try talking to my dad. I’ll have the doctor fired, too.”
“Julia, please just acknowledge my message.”
I sighed and ran my fingers through my hair. Why does it feel like he’s suddenly making an effort?
I shook my head and sent him a thumbs–up emoji. At least, hoped that would silence him for a while.
I walked through the empty hallways. I was pretty early since Andy didn’t have a class today. Well, it was my discretion not to let him go, knowing he deserved to rest after everything he went through yesterday.
Coincidentally, Sarah didn’t have any work, too, so it checked out. They were going on a little date today, so I arrived early…a little too early.
To my surprise, as I entered the classroom, Mr. Matthews was already there. I stopped in the doorway, my eyebrows raising in surprise.
It seemed like he wasn’t expecting me, too
“Julia?” he shakily asked. “You’re early today.”
I nodded, suddenly feeling awkward. I unconsciously stepped back.
“Yeah, I arrived earlier than I had expected,” I muttered. “You’re early today, too, sir,” I said.
He usually came right on time.
He cleared his throat and straightened his posture. “Well, Ijust wanted a change of atmosphere. It’s much better to arrive early than late. Besides, I won’t be here for the next few days, so I want to show my sincerity to the class.”
I nodded in agreement, about to walk to my seat when he stood, causing me to halt.
I watched as he walked toward me, standing only a few inches away. It was way too close to my liking, so I stepped back.
“Umm…,” I muttered, feeling awkward.
“Oh, sorry,” he said. “Is it uncomfortable?” he asked, taking one step back.
“I just realized that I haven’t given you a proper welcome after you’ve come back. It’s been a long time, huh?”
I wordlessly nodded.
“Well,” he started off. “I had already noticed you before. You were such a bright student, and I know you still have that in you.”
He stopped for a moment to look at the entirety of my being “And you’ve grown to become even more beautiful.”
“Thank you, sir,” I said, wanting to get the conversation over with.
“You’re coming to the party, right?” he asked. “It’s a once–in–a–lifetime opportunity, and you can meet bright,
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Chapter 63: Awkward Silence
young artists like yourself.”
My cars perked up after he said those words. “Artists?”
“Yes,” he said. “It’s a grand party with renowned artists. I have invited you because I see your potential. And oh, because you still need to pass that requirement.”
He stepped closer again, and I felt my body press against one of the chairs.
가
“So…,” he started off, getting closer and closer.
Much to my relief, the door opened, revealing Heather.
I subtly pushed the chair to the side and stepped away.
“Randy-
She paused when she saw the two of us.
“Mr. Matthews,” she quickly corrected herself.
I frowned. Randy? That was Mr. Matthews‘ real name. Were they close?
“You’re not alone,” she pointed out.
Mr. Matthews pursed his lips and nodded. “You’re early, too,” he awkwardly said.
“Yes,” Heather said.
I was confused more than ever. Heather, too, usually came right on time. Unless….
Did Evan bring her to school? He was very principled. He didn’t like being late and also hated latecomers.
Mr. Matthews cleared his throat. “Take your seats,” he said
The two of them shared a look, but it was gone in a second. A couple more minutes later, the other students began
to file in.
Fortunately, the day passed quickly…or maybe because we just had way too many to do.
“Oh, I hate this,” Harper said, slumping in her seat. “And we still have one last class.”
“Tell me about it,” Gianna muttered. “It’s with Mrs. White too. I’m dreading her reaction to our art piece.”
“Oh, you’ve already passed it?” I asked.
The two nodded. “We don’t want to pass on the last day. She might mark that late, too,” Gianna answered, shivering at the thought.
“Did you pass yours already?” Harper asked.
I clicked my tongue and glanced at Heather. She was laughing happily with her friends, and it seemed like she didn’t have any worries.
“I hope so,” I muttered.
-The door opened, and in came the reincarnation of the devil herself Mrs. White.
She always looked stern, but for some reason, she looked even more stern this afternoon. The class immediately stilled, sensing something off with her demeanor.
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Chapter 63: Awkward Silence
I, too, straightened my posture as she placed her materials on the table. It wasn’t light at all. It made a loud sound, causing some of my classmates to jolt in their seats
“Good afternoon,” she started off, planting herself in the middle of the room.
We were about to greet back, but she didn’t give us the opportunity to do just that.
“I’ve always talked about honesty and integrity,” she started off.
“As artists in this modern world, your foundation, hard work, and originality will shine through. Not only that,” she continued. “But also your ability to work well with other people.”
“If you can’t complete my measly assignment, then you shouldn’t continue pursuing this field.”
I was confused.
I looked at Harper and Gianna for any clues about what Mrs White was talking about; however, it seemed they were as clueless as me.
“I really didn’t expect this since all of you are in the graduating class. In months, you would walk away from this school with a degree. However, you can’t do that if you can pass my class.”
“And with that,” she continued, her gaze wandering around the room until they settled on me, “all free–loaders would be given a grade of zero for this particular assignment.”
The class erupted into murmurs, wondering who Mrs. White was talking about.
“Miss Julia Johnson,” she called, making the class quiet once again.
“See me after class.”
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