Page 92 of Patrick

Professor M glances at me and shifts her head indicating she wants me to follow her.

“Excuse me, Tam. I’ll be right back.” I follow the prof to a quiet hallway off the staging area where she takes out her phone.

“I’m calling her. If she doesn’t show, I’ll let her know she should withdraw from class or take a failing grade.” She presses the contact icon and puts the phone to her ear while she watches me.

I nod. I have no idea what to say. And no idea why I feel sick. Something is going on with Darcy. She seems like a troubled girl and it’s such a waste.

I’m wondering what could have gone wrong to make her so angry and negative, when prof M puts a hand up to get my attention.

“Hello Darcy? This is Professor Matami. We’re at the MUD and the fashion show is going to begin in twenty minutes. Where are you?”

She listens for a few beats, frowning.

“It sounds like you won’t be joining us⁠—”

She listens, shaking her head and looking sad. My chest clenches.

“I see. I’m sorry things aren’t going well for you, Darcy. I hope you will do better in the future.” She pulls the phone from ear and gives me her full attention.

“Darcy is withdrawing from the course.” she shakes her head, looking away from me and I want to ask what’s wrong because there’s clearly something wrong, but I have no right.

She takes a deep breath and turns back to me. “That’s all I’m going to say.” She pats my arm. “Let’s go give them a show.”