Page 52 of The Change Up
“It’s okay. My run was taking me to campus anyway.”
She nods, but she takes in my shirt again. I want to shrink under her assessment. Pursing her lips together, she leans back in her chair. “How is everything going with the baseball team? Running into any troubles?”
“Everything is going great. There haven’t been any issues that I’m aware of.”
“That’s great. With your schedule, we haven’t been able to be in the same place at the same time. I wanted to reiterate how important it is that while you are covering all of the baseball games, you get some one-on-one time with Coach Weber. The main article on him will run in our last issue before school is out for the semester. I will send you a list of items that you will need to ask him about. These questions range from fun to personal to baseball-related. Feel free to pull him aside throughout the next couple of weeks. He’ll be more relaxed in a casual setting.”
Nodding my head, I take in all the information she is throwing my way while my phone is blowing up in my belt bag. “Thank you for sending me the questions to ask. I’ve been reading articles written by other reporters on coaches, as well as researching what I should be asking him. This will be much more helpful.”
“Of course. I should have taken you to the side rather than dropping the bomb in front of the whole class. To be honest, I was quite overwhelmed with some personal items and trying to figure out the coverage that—as unprofessional as this might be to admit—I was spiraling and not thinking.”
“Honestly, I felt blindsided.” I pause trying to read Professor Weaver’s expression as my phone vibrates for the millionth time. “But it has been a great experience, and I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to try something new.”
She eyes me warily, and I want to hide. “I’m sure you’ve had plenty of opportunities to try new things. But I want to remind you that you are there to do a job.”
Staring at her in bewilderment, Professor Weaver must realize I have no idea what she’s implying. I watch as she takes a deep inhale. “A photo of you was just posted on the CTU Gossip Gazette lip locked in the middle of the Union with a very popularbaseball player, and while I realize fashion has gotten quite lax with the amount of skin that is shown, as a member of the Eagles Gazette, please be more mindful of your appearance.”
Humiliation floods my system as my face flames. I fight the urge to cover my face and cower in my seat. The whole campus is aware of Cody and my recent development, and I was caught in a photo with nothing on but a sports bra.
The CTU Gossip Gazette is the worst. Even though its name is similar to the newspaper, it has nothing to do with it. Instead, the Gossip Gazette is a social media account run by a group of students who rely on gossip tips from other students to fuel their content. Anyone can submit photos or leads about other students. The admins make sure that nothing damaging is posted or said that could be considered bullying or hate speech, but some things get posted out of context.
For the past two and a half years, I’ve managed to avoid anything being submitted about me. Within forty-eight hours of Cody and me being, well, whatever we are, I managed to get posted.
Straightening my shoulders, I look Professor Weaver in the eyes and nod.
“I understand, and I was not aware a photo was being taken. I planned to come straight here in my workout clothes, which I understand might not have been the best idea, but I was afraid I’d get shaky without fueling up. Running into Cody wasn’t part of the plan, but at least he had an extra shirt.” The words tumble out of my lips as the fear of being fired takes shape. “I won’t let it happen again.”
With a tight-lipped smile, she nods her head. “I believe you, and I understand. You’re an excellent student and asset to this paper, Chloe. I was a college student once…a while ago, but I had my fair share of indiscretions. Please just be mindful as the paper is under a lot of pressure and scrutiny this semester.”
“I understand.”
“Great. I’ll send you the email with some talking points for Coach Weber. I can’t wait to read your next article recapping the baseball game. Keep up the great work, Chloe.”
I get to my feet and exit the office, making my way over to the table Abby is still sitting at. I pull out a chair and plop down across from her.
“Whew, girl, you’re all over the internet,” Abby says before I even have a chance to make myself comfortable in my chair.
Finally able to, I bury my head in my hands while letting out a very unladylike groan.
“How bad is it?” My voice is muffled from behind my hands, my phone vibrates again.
Giving up on ignoring it, I unzip the silver polyester bag and pull out my phone. The screen lights up with more notifications than I have received in two months.
“Chloe, you okay?” Abby asks concern all over her face. “You look a little pale.”
I imagine I could be a ghost’s twin right now as the overwhelming urge to pass out hits me.
Ignoring Abby’s question, I scroll through the notifications staring at the Instagram mentions first.
Opening the app, the first thing I see is a picture of me standing in the café wearing my gray running shorts, coral sports bra, and silver belt bag across my hips while my arms are wrapped around Cody’s neck, our lips locked in a searing kiss on a gossip account.
The photo looks hot and looks far more inappropriate than the actual moment.
I pause to stare at the photo before clicking the notifications tab which keeps flashing with more mentions.
@pastel_princess is that you?
I’m pretty sure that’s @pastel_princess
