Page 86 of The Bleak Beginning

I brushed off her sudden change in demeanor, determined to enjoy the rest of the day.

Chapter 17

Alex

The dining hall is alive with the energy of students eagerly devouring their meals before embarking on their weekend adventures. The clatter of cutlery and chatter of voices fills the space, creating a lively atmosphere.

Amidst the bustling crowd, I sit alone at a corner table, absentmindedly pushing a lump of mashed potatoes around on my plate, still trying to make sense of Sutton’s weird change in demeanor earlier today.

“Got room for one more?”

“Oh, uh, sure,” I stammer, quickly moving my things off the chair next to me. “It’s Aubrey, right?”

“Yep, from the Actors Guild. But you probably don’t recognize me without the signature orange stripes in my hair,” she says with a playful wink.

I wince as I recall the chaos that ensued during our short time together. “So how is Professor Blanchet?”

“Margot? She’s fine, all things considered. A bit shaken up, but she’s a tough old bird. Takes more than a rogue light fixture to keep her down,” Aubrey says with a chuckle.

I nod, relief washing over me. “That’s good to hear.” A part of me still feels bad about what happened.

As is reading my mind, Aubrey waves her hand dismissively. “Don’t beat yourself up about it. Accidents happen in the theater all the time. Besides, it’s given us some great material for our next improv class.”

I manage a weak smile, but my mind drifts back to Sutton. Aubrey must notice my distraction because she leans in, her voice lowering.

“So what’s got you looking so glum on a Friday night?”

I hesitate for a moment, unsure whether to confide in this near-stranger. But something about Aubrey’s friendly demeanor and the genuine concern in her eyes makes me decide to open up.

“My friend, she was acting odd earlier today.”

Suddenly, the doors to the crowded dining hall burst open and Sutton sweeps in, pointing an accusing finger right at me. Chancellor Maxwell and the three Legacy boys flank her. Her voice booms out. “It was her! Alex Prescott stole my credit card.”

The entire dining hall falls silent, all eyes turning to our table. I freeze, my fork clattering onto my plate as I stare at Sutton in disbelief. My chest tightens, and I can feel the blood draining from my face.

What is happing right now?

Sutton marches toward me, her eyes blazing with fury. “Don’t play dumb, Alex. I know it was you. My card went missing, and I have the receipts to prove you used it to steal my dress for the masquerade. Not only that, but there are other charges all over town.”

Chancellor Maxwell steps forward, her face stern and disappointed. “Miss Prescott, these are very serious allegations. I think it’s best if you come to my office to discuss this matter privately.”

Bishop shoots me a penetrating look as he steps forward, his voice dripping with disgust. “Why waste the time? I say let’s go straight to the source and find the evidence in her room. Knowing the Prescott family history, I’d bet money she’s already been taught how to steal and get away with it.”

I shoot up from my seat. “If I had a true thief’s skills, I would’ve stolen you some brains because you clearly need them.”

Bishop’s nostrils flare, his eyes flashing with barely contained rage at my retort. He takes another step toward me but I don’t move from my spot.

“You insolent little—” he starts, but is cut off by a sharp clearing of a throat.

“That’s quite enough,” Chancellor Maxwell interjects, her eyes wide at my outburst. “Miss Prescott, please come with me. The rest of you, return to your meals,” she says firmly.

Aubrey gives me a concerned look, but I can’t bring myself to meet her eyes, as I follow Chancellor Maxwell out of the dining hall. The whispers and stares of my classmates follow me like a suffocating cloud. So much for making new friends.

Sutton falls into step beside me, her tone low and venomous. “You really think you can get away with this? You don’t belong here, Alex.”

I’m completely taken aback by this sudden change of events. Earlier we were having a great time together, and now she’s accusing me of stealing something that she offered to buy for me.

I square my shoulders, determined to maintain my composure. “Sutton, I did not take your card. I have no idea what kind of game you’re playing, but we both know that you purchased that dress for me.”

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