Page 216 of Save You
“That would be lovely.I’ll have whatever you’re getting, thanks.”
Lin squeezes my arm for a moment before we head in opposite directions.The way to the head’s office feels much longer than normal.A queasy feeling grows with every step.And when the secretary waves me in with a stern glare, my heart feels like it’s about to burst out of my chest.
I take a deep breath, knock on the heavy wooden door, and walk in.
My greeting dies in my throat.
Sitting in front of the head teacher’s desk is my mum.
Instantly, I’m imagining horrible things like Dad in hospital after another accident.
“Is Dad OK?”I ask, hurrying toward her.
“Your father is fine, Ruby,” Mum answers, not taking her eyes off the solid wooden desk.
I look in confusion from Mum to Mr.Lexington.
“Take a seat, Miss Bell,” he says, pointing to the empty chair next to Mum.Hesitantly, I do as I’m told.
Lexington folds his hands on the desk in front of him and looks at me over the top of his glasses.
“Nothing is more important to me than the reputation of our school.We have been known for centuries for excellence andachievement.If anyone acts against the interests of the school, I must take action myself.You must surely be aware of this by now.”
I gulp.“I thought the Spring Ball was a complete success, sir.But if anything went wrong, then I’m really sorry, but…” Before I can finish my sentence, Lexington pulls open one of the little drawers in his desk and pulls out four photographs, which he fans out in front of us.
“These photographs were sent to me over the weekend by a concerned member of the Parents’ Committee,” he continues unabated.
I hear Mum inhale sharply and lean in for a closer look.The photos are dark, and at first, I can’t make anything out.Then I see myself.
They’re photos ofme.
I pick up one of the printouts and hold it up to my eyes.
It takes me a moment to process what I’m seeing—it must be from the Back-to-School party.That’s the only time I wore that green dress.
But I’m not alone in the photo.I’m standing close to a man.
Mr.Sutton.
And it looks as though we’re kissing.
I remember talking to him.But we never got that close together.I have no idea who took the pictures, but they’re clearly intended to harm me—or Sutton.
“I see what that looks like, but I—”
“Miss Bell, I don’t think you understand,” Mr.Lexington interrupts.“These photos were sent to me by one of the parents, and a fellow student here has confirmed seeing you and Mr.Sutton together.”
“We were only talking!”I exclaim in outrage.
“Ruby, watch your tone,” Mum snaps.As I glance sideways at her, a cold shiver runs down my spine.
Mum has never looked at me like that before—with that total disappointment on her face.But before I can defend myself, Lexington goes on and Mum looks away from me.
“I have never known anything like this in my whole twenty years at this school, Miss Bell.I will not permit the reputation of Maxton Hall to be damaged by a fling with a teacher.”
“I don’t have flings!”I cry.
I can’t believe this is happening.It must be a nightmare.
