Crap. I nod as he goes back to explaining something I have no clue about because once again I was distracted by Asher. I berate myself as the bell signals the end of the day and everyone starts to pack away their things.
It’s Friday, so that means everyone clears out in less than five minutes so they can get their assignments done, then showered and ready for whatever house party is behind held.
As I make my way down the steps to towards the desk, Corden shouts his goodbyes and that he will text me later. Asher is the last to leave after throwing a last glance my way before giving our teacher a death stare. Every time those two are together I think Mr. Chapman is going to say something, but with Asher’s family name, I am guessing he can do and say pretty much anything to a staff member, and they just have to get on with it.
Mr. Chapman clears his throat, then starts to take off his tie as he sits down. After undoing a couple of his shirt buttons, I look away and choose to focus on his ugly gold Rolex watch. Much too expensive on a university lecturer, but this isn’t a normal academy. It’s Marrowton.
“So, Miss Griffith,” He drags back my attention as he pulls a paper from his top drawer. I recognise it immediately.
It’s the one I handed in at the beginning of the week.
Shit.
“I am sorry to say this, but this work isn’t good enough,”
The grip on my bag increases.
“I don’t think you have fully understood the assignment, but instead of coming and asking, you handed in a load of waffle,”
I feel my cheeks redden again but this time it is for a completely different reason.
“I’m sorry sir,”
His face softens slightly. “Listen, I can’t help you if you don’t ask questions or tell me when you need a little extra help. And I especially don’t think it is in your best interest to be chatting with Mr. Vander when your grade in this class is sitting way below average,”
I nod.
“You need this class to graduate, Mr. Vander does not,” He gives me a knowing look.
“I understand Mr. Chapman,”
“Now, I know that you are a little behind due to your gaps in study where you took online courses, so I will make you a deal,”
I freeze. I have heard some gossip about him, gossip that have his words filling me with dread.
He chuckles. “Calm down Miss Griffith. Not that kind of deal,” He smirks and his professionalism slips again as he shows me the side he obviously uses to get his students to take their knickers off.
He stands and straightens his shirt before coming to the front of his desk.
“I don’t have to submit this assignments grades for another week, I want you to re write the paper and hand it in by no later than next Wednesday,”
“I can do that. I promise it will be done and to a better standard,” I feel some of the shame lift.
“I certainly hope so because as you know, if your grades slip, you are out,”
“Trust me sir, that I know,”
“Okay, off you go,”
I turn and make it to the door before he speaks again.
“And Ruella, you can’t mention this to anyone. I am not supposed to give you a second chance,” His lips lift to the side. “It has to be our little secret,”
My heart stops.
My stomach drops.
Then a buzzing in my ears.
