Page 94 of Forever Cursed

“Ms. Willows, please come in.” She waves me forward.

I take a seat with a polite smile, even though the last thing I want to be doing is smiling right now.

“There’s something I have to discuss with you,” I begin.

Do I want to do this?

No.

Do I have a choice?

Yes.

I’m doing this for Rome.

“I made a mistake. I broke the first rule in the ‘what not to do with your patients’ handbook. You see, my mentee and I are good friends, but over these last few weeks our relationship... deepened. I can’t give him the care he needs because I can’t separate the lines between professionalism and my relationship with him. I broke a rule, and I’ll understand if you dismiss me from the program. I just can’t move forward with this on my conscience.”

It’s not a lie either. Deep down, I knew that moving forward in this program with Rome was a bad idea. Either way, I don’t want to lose him. But it feels like I have him as my patient or my boyfriend. It can’t be both. Doing this will clear the weight off my shoulders, and it will protect Rome’s future. Fuck Malik Chen, I’m my own woman. I can play hardball too.

“If you’ll still have me, I spoke with Raina Bennett, and she is willing to trade partners with me. We’ll catch each other up and include it in our next paper, and if you’re not happy with the results, I will step down. I just want to do what’s right.”

Again, not a lie. I don’t want to evaluate Malik, but I’ll do what’s right for Rome, even if it means putting my happiness on the line. I can handle Malik, even though Rome doesn’t think I can. I handled him in the store, and I managed him in the hall. I’ve proven that I can stand up for myself. I don’t need Rome, or any man, to do that for me.

Professor Clastis sighs, her lips tilting into a small grin. “Thank you for coming to me about this, Ms. Willows. I’m glad to hear that you know a line was crossed. And because of your upstanding and academically impressive record, I will grant you this one time pass. You may switch with Ms. Raina Bennett. But I do expect a full report by the end of next week. Is that understood?”

“Yes, ma’am. I’ll have it ready for you.”

“Then you best get to it.”

My chest feels lighter, and my heart isn’t pounding against my eardrums. Rome is going to despise me for this, he said so himself. But I can’t stand by and allow him to give up. Relationships are a team effort, and I’m only doing what I believe is best for him.

I take my phone out and read Raina’s message, then copy and paste a certain asshat’s number into my phone and text him.

You got what you wanted. Meet me tomorrow at the cat café. If I hear that you didn’t pass the ball to Rome, I will end this partnership before it even starts. Understood?

Yes, clear as day ;)

Chapter Forty-Three

Rome

Chrissy and I haven’t spoken in two days. A brutal combination of emotions is warring inside me. I’m angry at Malik for suggesting such a ridiculous idea, and I’m upset at Chrissy for getting upset at me. I was doing the right thing. I was protecting her. If she were to go to Malik, he would know she’s where I’m vulnerable. He can use her to get to me. He can use me all he wants, but he can’t touch her. She’s off limits.

I have a one-on-one with her this afternoon after practice. I’m sure we can clear all this up and get back on track. My heart aches as I walk toward the stadium. I constantly check my phone to see if she messaged or called me. Not that I would miss it; my hand is practically glued to my phone, waiting for her to make the first move.

Dropping my bag on the floor in the locker room, I look at my phone one last time before giving up. I take a seat on the worn wooden bench and text the one person who will know what’s going on with Chrissy.

Hey Gwen, have you heard from Chrissy recently?

I spoke with her this morning before she went to talk to her professor.

Which professor?

Clastis, I believe that was her name.

Did she say why she was going to talk to her?

She said she would tell me today during my shift at the café. Will I see you then? I wanted to talk to you about something anyway.

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