Todos os capítulos de The Scandal In Room 214: Capítulo 11 - Capítulo 20

CANDACEBy the second week, avoiding History had become a routine.I knew exactly which paths to take across campus. I knew what time Elias’s class ended, and I made sure I was nowhere near that side of campus when students started pouring into the hallways.It was pathetic.I knew it.But it worked.Or at least I thought it did.Until my phone vibrated during my Psychology lecture.Academic Advising OfficePlease report to Student Academic Services today before 2:00 p.m. regarding your current academic standing.I read the message twice.I ignored the message the other week but it looks like it wouldn't be possible anymore.The advising office was in a quiet corner of the administration building.The waiting room smelled faintly of coffee and printer paper. A few students sat scattered across the chairs, each wearing the same anxious expression.I checked in at the front desk and took a seat.Five minutes later, my name was called.“Ms Winters?”I stood and followed a middle-aged wom

CANDACE“Your professor is coming this way.”I turned so quickly that I nearly walked straight into Bridgette.Elias was coming down the hallway with a folder tucked beneath one arm, speaking quietly to another lecturer beside him.“Just act normal,” Bridgette whispered beside me.“I am acting normal.”She looked down at me before looking back at Elias.I tightened my grip on the strap of my bag and forced myself to relax. There was no reason for me to be nervous.This was a hallway filled with students. Elias was my professor, and I was one of dozens of students he’d probably spoken to today.Whatever had happened between us before I knew who he was didn’t change that.At least, that was what I kept telling myself.He was getting closer.I suddenly became aware of everything. The way my backpack was sitting against my shoulder.Then his eyes shifted toward us.As he passed, he gave me a polite nod.“Miss Winters.”My throat tightened.“Professor.”He continued walking without stoppin

CANDACEBy the time I got home, I had decided that whatever happened today was staying exactly where it belonged.At least for tonight.I kicked off my shoes near the door, dropped my bag beside the couch and headed straight for my room. I didn’t bother changing properly.I pulled on an oversized T-shirt, tied my hair into a messy bun and made my way back to the living room with a bowl of popcorn balanced against my hip.I needed something mindless.Something loud.Something that didn’t involve professors, mysterious men, threats or humiliating conversations in dark corners of campus.My laptop was already sitting on the coffee table, so I opened it, searched for one of my favourite shows and settled onto the couch. Within minutes, the familiar opening music filled the apartment.Perfect.For the next few hours, I enjoyed the show.My phone faced down beside me on the couch.Another episode started automatically.Then another.By the time I reached for the popcorn again, my eyes were

CANDACEI lasted another ten minutes before I finally excused myself from the table.Jake and his friends had gotten into some ridiculous argument about football, and judging by how loudly they were talking, none of them had any intention of ending it anytime soon.“I’ll be right back,” I told Jake.His attention shifted toward me immediately.“Where are you going?”“I’m getting a drink.”“I’ll come with you.”“You’re in the middle of an argument.”He glanced over his shoulder at his friends, then back at me.“They can survive without me for five minutes.”I smiled.“Go. I’ll be fine.”He hesitated for a second before finally nodding.“Don’t disappear.”The words were casual enough that I didn’t think much of them.“I won’t.”I turned away before he could change his mind.The bar wasn’t particularly crowded, which was exactly what I needed. I slipped onto one of the stools and rested my elbows against the counter.“What can I get you?” the bartender asked.I stared at the bottles line

CANDACEMy head felt like it weighed twice its normal size.I rested my cheek against my palm, staring blankly at the projector screen while Professor Miller continued explaining something about social structures that would probably be important on the next exam. I tried to pay attention. I really did. Unfortunately, every few seconds, my eyes drifted toward the clock hanging above the door.I had been awake for barely three hours, and I was already regretting every decision I’d made at the club last night.The drinks hadn’t seemed like much while I was there. At least, that’s what I’d told myself after the first glass. By the time I finished the second, my body had loosened enough for me to stop caring about everything around me. Then Jake had gotten into that fight, and whatever pleasant buzz I’d been enjoying had disappeared beneath the embarrassment and confusion of his sudden change in attitude.I shifted in my seat and pressed my fingers against my temple.Maybe I should hav