Page 181 of The Coach

I heave a sigh. “Alright. I gotta go. Talk later.”

I sit at my desk, my hands clenched in my lap, my stomach twisting in knots. The final bell rang ten minutes ago, and I should be halfway home by now. But instead, I’m hiding.

Principal Howard leans against the doorway, arms crossed, a concerned look on her face. “They’re still out there.”

I already know. I saw them from the window—at least three news vans parked in front of the school, reporters gathered near the entrance.

I swallow hard. “How bad does it look?”

Howard exhales. “Bad. They’re waiting for you.” She pauses. “How do you want to handle this?”

I let out a short, humorless laugh. “I’d love to call in sick indefinitely.”

Her lips press together. “I can have security escort you out the back.”

A flicker of hope rises in my chest—until I remember where my car is. Parkedrightin front of the school.

“I can’t just avoid them forever.” I force myself to stand, smoothing my hands over my stomach. “Let’s just get this over with.”

Howard nods and leads the way.

I brace myself as we push through the doors.

The moment I step outside, it’s like stepping into a storm.

Cameras flash. Voices fire at me from every direction.

“Miss Bennett! Are you really having Jackson Knox’s baby?”

“Is he supporting you, or is this a scandal?”

“Are you two together?”

“Has heproposed?”

My chest tightens, my hands gripping my bag so tight my knuckles go white. I feel dizzy, overwhelmed.

Then, a familiar voice cuts through the noise.

“Move. Get out of the way.”

Lauren.

She pushes through the crowd, grabs my arm, and tugs me forward.

“No comment,” she says firmly, glaring at a reporter who gets too close. “Backoff, bitches!”

Somehow, she manages to pull me through the chaos, guiding me toward my car. The second I’m inside, I slam the door shut and grip the steering wheel, my breath coming fast.

Lauren slides into the passenger seat, muttering curses under her breath.

“Well,” she says finally. “That wasinsane.”

I let out a shaky laugh. “Youthink?”

She turns to me, her face softening. “Are you okay?”

I shake my head. “Not really.”

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