Ms.Ryan

Chapter 32

Sophia's POV: 

My first two classes had managed to drag by painfully slow. I didn't have the focus to actually teach anything so I had assigned everyone work to do on their own. Third hour finally came and I was stood outside the door like I always did. 

Most of the students had already made it to class and once again Carmen and Andre came into view. I felt deflated when there was no Serena standing between them. Carmen gave me a look as if to say "don't even bother asking." She clearly wasn't going to tell me anything about Serena even if she did know something. 

I decided to send her a text. 

Sophia: hey, ur not in school today? u doing okay? 

After 10 minutes or so had passed with no response I began to get a little desperate. I hated that I was turning into this crazed girl but I just couldn't help it. 

Sophia: Idk what's going on but I hope u know u can talk to me

I had an awful feeling that something was not right and as much as I tried to tell myself I was being stupid, I couldn't shake it. 

*1 week later*

Serena still hasn't spoken to me. I have no clue what's going on but she won't answer any of my texts or phone calls and she hasn't been at school. I decided since today was Friday if she didn't show today I would show up at her house later. Waiting this long was practically killing me but I was trying to give her some space. 

I walked into the teachers lounge to put my lunch In the fridge when I overheard some of the teachers talking. 

"She was awful yesterday, I'm pretty sure she showed up drunk" said Ms. Gonzalez

"Hasn't turned In an assignment for me all week, but I guess that's not unusual for her" Mr. Braxter added. 

"How about for you Sophia?" Ms. Gonzalez asked me and I quickly pretended like I hadn't been listening the whole time. 

"Who are we talking about?" I asked, confusion in my tone. 

"Serena of course, her work ethic this week has hit an all time low."

I didn't know what to say. I felt like I couldn't even move. Were they trying to tell me Serena had been here all week and was just skipping my classes. 

I quickly composed myself to not give anything away and smiled at them before practically jogging out of the lounge. I marched down to the front office lady waving at the few students who had come to school early. 

When I reached the office I stopped in front of Joyce our secretary. She was an older woman, about mid 60's, she had shoulder length red-hair and piercing blue eyes that almost looked grey in some lighting. 

When she saw me she immediately smiled, "Oh hi Sophia, what can I do for you hun?" 

I returned the smile before addressing her to not appear as flustered as I was. 

"Hi Joyce, could you do me a favor and pull up Serena Maldonados attendance for the week"

"Oh sure honey, just give me a second"

I was tapping my finger nails against the counter impatiently when she moved her computer to show me the screen. 

"Here you go" she said and my eyes couldn't take in the information fast enough. 

The other teachers were right, Serena had been attending everyones classes but mine. I wanted to scream and cry In the same moment but I chose to thank Joyce and excuse myself.