DISTRESS

CHAPTER 7

Principal Evans's POV

I've been teaching and moving schools for years. I've taught and encountered countless types of student's everyday. Student's with strange, peculiar and simply common or normal personalities. But despite the wide diverse types of personalities, as a teacher I was still able to reach out to them and know them after a few trial and error of approaches. For years, I thought I was doing wonderful job, that no matter what kind of student I'll face I can earn their trust once I show them how trustworthy I am.

But I've never, I mean never have I ever faced such difficult student to deal with like Dawn Martin who happens to have an alter ego who is more stubborn than her, named Raven. A girl with long brunette hair which is almost covering her entire face not to forget the hoodie she always wear that kept her face hidden even more. It took me a few days to catch a glimpse of her eyes which is a beautiful shade of blue although the only thing that bothers me is that her blue eyes almost looked hollow and exhausted. That's one of the many reason that piqued my interest towards her, not to mention how she unknowingly draws me to her like she's silently calling for help.

The school I was transferred into is an average school with a fairly wide campus and fewer buildings compared to prestigious school in other cities. There's not much students considering that the only ones attending the school are the common locals living here and as usual I didn't have a hard time adjusting here. Most of the people here are kind and hospitable, that includes the teacher's and staffs in this school. Or so I thought.

My perspective of the school's image as well as the staffs and teachers changed in a flash when I first met Dawn. Our first meeting was rather a bit restrained and forced, mostly from her side. She wasn't like the other students who would immediately rush to help anyone in need instead she seemed very eager to not make any close contact to anyone at all. I practically had to beg her to help me and fortunately she complied eventhough it was clear that she wasn't thrilled with her decision to help. I tried creating small talks with her but her short and limited replies were enough indication that she's not interested in talking. It made me even more curious about her especially when I noticed an overwhelming pressure between her and the former principal, not to mention the other teachers and her classmate seems to dislike her so much.

It made me think.

What's the reason behind their hate towards Dawn and Raven to the point that they are even openly humiliating and discriminating her?

I want to know the reason why they're ganging up on her. As the new principal I can't just turn a blind eye and ignore her. My conscience won't sit still if I'm not going to do anything about it. Not when she's clearly struggling despite acting tough outside.

Aside from that, the other problem that kept bothering me is the bruise on her cheek and the cut in her lips. How the hell did she got those wounds? Did she got into a fight or did someone hit her? If that's the case, then who did all those things to her? I was planning to call her parents but I wasn't able to since according to Raven their parents are not home. It pains me to see that they even attempted suicide, it simply shows that they are suffering something even far worse, for them to result to suicide.

I think things are getting even more complicated and difficult. Not with Dawn and Raven stubbornly refusing my assistance. Both of them are obviously wary of me which led them to not trust me. They're like a box full of mysteries and my hands are itching to open them up in order to know their real story. I know there's more to this and I plan to find that out.

"What are you thinking about?" Nathan asked, breaking my chain of thoughts.

I blinked as it slowly sank into me that I'm currently having dinner with my husband. "Just one of the student's I've met in school," I was too preoccupied with what I need to do about Dawn and Raven that I almost forgot my husband.

"What about it?"

"I'm worried about her. She seems to be facing a problem but no matter how I tried to reach out to her, she kept refusing me," I admitted.

"Are you giving up then?" he asked, wiping his mouth clean with a napkin. His forest green eyes flashing a knowing look.

I shook my head "No. I just simply don't know where to start," I mean, I'm basically running out of ideas right now.

He chuckled, "You're stressing yourself too much. Who knows, maybe tomorrow or the next day you'll figure out a way to help your student....you always do," his reassuring words immediately calmed me down. He has a point. I can find a way to help them out. I know I can. I just need to try harder.

"You're right," I agreed, nodding my head.

"Anyways. Why don't we enjoy this dinner for now? I just got back today so I want to at least have a decent meal with you before I leave tomorrow morning," he said smiling.

"Okay."

Nathan and I have been married for 2 years now. Both of us were friends back then and despite being married for 2 years we still don't have a child since Nathan is always away for work and rarely comes home but it's fine because both of us doesn't have any plans to have a child.

Being away with each other isn't exactly a problem with me. We both do our part as a married couple while actively giving each other some personal space from time to time. That became our routine for years and that's how we were able to build trust with each other no matter where we are.

During dinner all we did was talk about the things that happened while he was away. We shared stories and laughed about many things which made me feel relieved to have him here to lighten up the mood. I could use some company and good thing Nathan is there to give me that. I would probably be overthinking a lot of things if I was by myself but luckily right now, I'm not.