Page 106 of Save You

“What do you think?”Lin asks the following Monday, pushing her planner over the table toward me.

I study the entry she’s made in purple pen.Among the Chinese characters, I read in her neat handwritingMove to Oxford; in the field for the next day, she’s addedCelebrate with Ruby.I grin broadly at Lin.And although the whole thing is still months away, I pick up my gold pen from my pencil case, flick through my planner to find the monthly overview of the year, and write the same things.

“Ta-da,” I whisper, just as the bell goes for lunch.Lin and I start to pack up our things, but before I can slip on my backpack, we hear the gong again—but briefer this time.

“Will Ruby Bell come to Mr.Lexington’s office immediately?”the head teacher’s secretary announces over the loudspeaker.At once, every head in the room turns to stare at me.

I frown up at the clock over the classroom door.We’re not due to meet Lexie until just before the end of lunch.If he wants to see me now, something must have happened.

Goose bumps spread over my body as I frantically try to guess what it might be.

“Should I come too?”Lin asks as we walk out of the room.

“No, you go and get something to eat.”I grip the straps on my bag.

“OK.Do you know what you want?I can pick it up for you so you don’t have to come back and queue.”

“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.