Chapter Fourteen

I'm sad. I shouldn't be, but I am. I jogged this morning, but I still feel weighed down. I texted my friends to let them know I was okay, I got to work early, I'm doing everything right, but I still feel reserved. I can't stop sighing and wish I was in bed. Honestly, it stings to know that the first time my mother has reached out in so long is to request money, that that is on the top of her priority list. I'd expect that from my dad, but from my mum?

That sucks.

It also hurts to know that I can't let Mr. Scott near them. For his benefit, he's better off never meeting them. I breathe in a tight breath and send off an email I've been tinkering with for far too long, I'm not focusing great and nothing I do is helping, so I peel back into a stretch. Mid-pull, Ms. Bailey calls me to her office.

"Good morning.", I greet as cheerily as I can, though I notice how flat I sound.

Ms. Bailey nods to me and says to close the door. A bad feeling ruptures my stomach.

"So. Aurora,", She starts, risi