Page 14

We reach the university and make our way down the path that leads to the English buildings. “Sorry, but your parents are fucking wankers,” he bites vehemently.
I snort, stopping in the middle of the courtyard outside the English building. “That they are.”
He smiles, but I can tell it’s strained. “I’ve got no classes tomorrow; did you want to meet up?”
Hell yes. Although we’ve spent time together since he got back from his away game, it’s been for small amounts of time since we’re both so busy.
Oh crap!
“I have to meet with Jordan—the girl who showed me around—about one. You okay to meet up after?”
He nods. “A lie in for me. Score!”
I shake my head at his antics, forgetting how much he hates early mornings. “Okie doke.”
We say our goodbyes before I go into the English building, heading towards Mr. Flint’s class. A couple of girls sit in the hallway, reading over some papers. I walk past them, heading right into the classroom, cringing when I find I’m the only one here.
I walk to the back of the classroom, away from prying eyes and so that I’m facing the room. I can’t stand people sitting behind me, it makes me feel nervous and anxious.
Unzipping my bag, I grab my books and notebook. My gaze snags on the letters and reluctantly, I pull them out. I untie the bow, flicking through my mail.
“All junk,” I whisper, my eyes scanning over them. One catches my eye, and my entire body freezes.
It’s from a prison.
The only person I know who’s in prison is Darren.
I feel the blood drain from my face and I shove the letters back into my bag, needing to get out of here.
I can’t breathe.
“Emma, you’re here early. What a pleasant surprise.” The deep voice startles me. I glance up, grimacing when Mr. Flint walks up the aisle towards me.
I really don’t like him, but he’s my teacher. No one particularly likes all their teachers. It’s what I keep telling myself, anyway.
“Um, actually, I’m just leaving. I’m not feeling too good,” I whisper, putting my book back in my bag.
His gaze rakes over me and I fidget in my seat. He steps closer, kneeling down next to me and putting his hand on my back. He’s blocking me in. Whether he’s done it intentionally, I don’t know, but I feel uneasy. I tense, feeling my entire body go ridged. He rubs his hand up and down my back, and bile rises in my throat.
“What’s wrong? Maybe I can make you feel better,” he suggests, but the way he said the last part sends a shiver up my spine.
I meet his gaze, swallowing bile down and taking a deep breath. “I’d really like to go, if that’s okay.”
“It’s your second lesson; do you really want to miss it?” he asks tightly, his hand dipping lower, nearly touching the top of my arse. I jump, a scream bubbling up my throat, but I swallow it down.
I begin to shake as I stand, causing Mr. Flint to step back, getting to his feet. He towers over me, his presence making me anxious. I move out into the aisle, shuddering when he purposely lets my body brush his, even though he could have stepped back.
“I really do have to go. If you can have someone write notes for me, I’ll make sure to catch up with the work,” I tell him shortly but quickly.
He grabs my arms, causing me stumble. He moves quicker than I can blink, holding onto my hips to steady me. I flinch, trying to move away, but he tightens his grip.
“Why don’t you meet me here tomorrow night? I’ll be happy to go over today’s lesson,” he offers, leaning in too close for my liking.
When I move this time, he lets me go. I face him, trying my hardest to stop trembling. “I’m really sorry, but I can’t. I really do have to go,” I rush out, and move quickly to the door.
“I’ll see you soon then, Emma,” he promises, amusement in his voice. I pause at the door, nodding tightly, trying to hold back tears.
I don’t look back as I leave, needing out of here more than I did before. It’s raining when I wobble through the exit doors. I blink up at the sky, letting the rain soak me for a few moments, just needing that feeling of peace.