Until Miss Jackson, the school’s principal, approached us, sending me into a silent panic.
“Miss Evangelista, can I talk to you, please? My office,” she said, and I replied with a hesitant nod, following her as she led the way.
Once we reached the principal’s office, she motioned for me to sit, telling me to get comfortable before she closed the door for our privacy.
All sorts of possible violations I might’ve committed went through my head.
Did someone report our relationship to the faculty?
Sure, I wasn’t being discreet with the fact that I’m dating three guys nowadays, but I didn’t know it would be that obvious. I didn’t think people would notice, too in their own heads thinking about their own problems and businesses.
“Are you okay? You look kind of… nervous,” Principal Jackson spoke up, and I nodded, forcing a smile.
“You don’t need to be. I just wanted to talk to you about some things. Nothing serious.”
Yeah, but I’d really appreciate if you just told me outright.
There was a pause, with her trying to read me, while I just stayed rigid in my seat, a polite smile plastered on my face.
“O-kay? Well, first, I want to congratulate you. I see that you and Nero, and the two transfers you made friends with got into Crouse.”
Did she make a tone change when she said ‘made friends with’ or am I insane?
Is she thinking I’m whoring my way through the guys in the school?
Am I overthinking this?
“Mm-hmm,” I hummed, smiling still as I hoped I looked like I’m nodding in thanks.
She looked at me weirdly then, and it seems she finally took pity on me as she continued, telling me exactly what she’s actually speaking to me about.
“I’m pretty sure you know that you’re one of the top students in your class, right, Cosette?”
I nodded again, my shoulders relaxing a bit, glad that the topic’s taking a turn to academics.
“I’ve called you here today because final grades are coming, and you’re in the running to be class salutatorian.”
My eyes went wide, my heart racing for a completely different reason as I straightened in my seat.
“Me?” I asked, pointing to myself, clearly not acting very salutatorian-ly at the moment.
“Yes.” Principal Jackson chuckled. “I just wanted to notify you so you can have the chance to prepare a salutatorian speech. But let me clarify, there’s three of you who are very close in your grades, and you’re all told the same thing. So, manage your expectations, still.”
With a wide smile, I nodded, because even getting so far as to be a contender already felt so good.
“Any questions?”
I shook my head ‘no’, apparently too stunned to speak, and I thought we were done, but Principal Jackson continued.
“Now, I have one last question for you, Cosette. And this is off the record.”
Crap. Is it time to panic again?
“Andy. Do you have any idea what happened to her?”
My stomach twisted, my chest feeling constricted as I heard her name.
I tried not to think about her.
