Page 113 of Off The Rush
“Looks like the girl who can’t choose just one finally showed up,” Rachel’s voice rings out clearly, dripping with disdain.
Heat flares across my cheeks, but this time, it’s not from embarrassment. No, this time it’s anger that courses through me, fed up with her constant attempts to undermine me. I refuse to let her belittle me anymore.
“Rachel,” I say, my tone sharp as I face her in front of our classmates. “You must be really threatened by me if you keep trying to tear me down. Or maybe you’re just jealous that I have people who love me and support me.”
A collective gasp echoes through the room, but I don’t care. Today, I’m standing up for myself, and Alec, JD, and Luka. Our love is nothing to be ashamed of, and if Rachel wants to have it out in public, then so be it.
“I know you did it. Just admit it.”
Rachel checks the front of the classroom to make sure the Professor isn’t here yet. The podium at the front is still empty.
“Fine,” she snaps, narrowing her brown eyes at me. “I did it. I’m the one who exposed your relationship during the Spring Showcase. I wasn’t the only one though. You’ve burned other bridges too. Kenny helped me. You didn’t listen to me and these were the consequences. What are you going to do about it?”
Kenny helped too? That weasel!
My eyes lock with hers, and for a moment, I let my anger blaze bright and hot. “What am I going to do? I’m going to live my life, love the people I choose, and succeed despite your pathetic attempts to hold me back,” I declare, my voice strong and unwavering. “And you, Rachel? You’ll keep being bitter and alone, wondering why you can’t find happiness when all you do is spread misery.”
The room is silent, and I can feel the weight of everyone’s eyes on me as I take my seat. My heart is still pounding, but it’s no longer from fear - it’s from the exhilaration of finally standing up to Rachel and refusing to let her control my life any longer.
The tension in the room is palpable as Professor Martin makes his presence known from the back of the classroom with a sharp cough. His salt-and-pepper hair catches the light streaming through the windows. He looks at us sharply, his gaze taking in the tense atmosphere and settling on Rachel and me.
Clearly, she didn’t check the whole room.
“Enough,” he says firmly, adjusting his glasses with a stern expression.
“Professor Martin,” Rachel starts, trying to defend herself, but he raises a hand, silencing her.
“Miss Sanders,” he says, his voice calm but authoritative, “I’ve heard enough, and I’ll be handling this matter. You can expect a disciplinary meeting in the near future along with your accomplice, Kenny.” Rachel’s face pales, and I can’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction at her impending punishment.
“Miss Delaney,” he continues, looking at me with a more sympathetic expression, “I understand that you’re upset, and you have every right to be. But let’s not let this disrupt our class any further.”
“Of course, Professor,” I reply, my heart swelling with gratitude for his support. I watch as he nods and then turns to address the rest of the class, his demeanor instantly shifting back to that of a dedicated educator.
Rachel has been caught and she brought Kenny down with her. She was too cocky and she’s paying for it.
“Alright everyone,” he begins, “let’s focus on today’s lesson. We have a lot to cover if we want to make the most of our time together.”
As the professor launches into the day’s material, I settle into my seat, allowing the familiar rhythm of the lecture to wash over me. My mind wanders briefly, reflecting on the events of the past few minutes. For the first time since my relationship was exposed, I feel as though I’m regaining some control over my life.
Despite the whispers and stares that still linger, I hold my head high and pay attention to the lecture, determined to succeed both academically and personally. The knowledge that Rachel will face consequences for her actions helps to soften the blow of her actions, and I find my spirits lifting as the class progresses.
Chapter 51
I lean against the kitchen counter, watching Emma as she tells us about her showdown with Rachel. Her green eyes sparkle with excitement, and her long brown hair sways with every animated gesture she makes. I can’t help but feel a surge of pride for her.
“She’s going to be punished!” Emma exclaims. “And she admitted that Kenny was involved too. He deserves it after what he did and pushing me again during our duet last semester putting his arm around me.”
Luka, ever the calm and collected one, grins at her from his spot on the couch. “They deserve it.”
Kenny helped her?
“I’m going to kill that weasel. He touched you again at the assignment? He deserves a beat down,” I growl.
Emma places a hand on my arm. “He’s not worth it, Alec. He’s getting in trouble and that’s what matters. You’re on thin ice right now, we don’t need you getting caught fighting too.”
JD, who’s sprawled across the floor, chimes in, “You have a point but you need to tell us if he bothers you again.”
“I will. Thanks, guys,” she says, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink. A moment of silence settles over us, and I can see the guilt starting to creep into Emma’s expression. She knows we’re still suspended from the hockey team and that our future on the team hangs in the balance.
