Campus King | 18+

Chapter Sixty-Three



Hannah

Receiving a response from Noel, Beth's mother, was a moment I had both anticipated and dreaded, but it finally arrived on the sixth day of my recovery — just as I'd finished corresponding with my advisor. With a racing heart and nerves clawing at my insides, I opened it.

Dear Miss Walker,

Thank you for reaching out.

I apologize for my late response. This week has been a very trying one, and I have not had the time to respond aptly to your email.

I understand you cannot talk, but I have attached my phone number to this email. Please give me a call when you can. I believe it would be more beneficial to discuss everything rather than write it all down. The situation calls for an explanation, one I feel you are owed.

Sincerely,

Noel Masters

Vice Principal at Riverview High School

I was well enough to talk now, and this whole situation had been bothering me for the entire week. I needed answers. So, I made my way to Jace's room, where he was deep in an online game, headset on, eyes glued to the screen.

"I'm borrowing your phone," I announced, already reaching for it on his desk. "I need to phone someone."

"Uh-huh," he mumbled, not even glancing in my direction as his fingers mashed the controls.

Returning to my room and closing my door behind me, I crossed the room and sat down at my desk. My fingers hovered over the keypad for a moment before I finally dialed the number Noel had provided. The phone rang twice before she picked up.

"Hello, this is Noel Masters," she answered. Her voice was calm but carried the weight of exhaustion.

I took a steadying breath, my throat still sore, but I pushed through. "Hi, Mrs Masters. It's Hannah Walker. I just got your email."

There was a brief pause on her end, like she was gathering her thoughts. "Hannah," she said slowly, "thank you for calling. I wasn't expecting to hear from you so soon... but I'm glad you're feeling well enough to talk." Her tone softened with concern, but I could hear something else—guilt, maybe. "I'd like to apologize for all the pain my daughter... and my stepson have caused you. Should you accept, my husband and I are willing to settle any costs or compensation you might need. We both deeply regret the way things have turned out."

The offer caught me off guard. Money? That was the last thing I wanted or needed from them. I just wanted this whole mess to be over. And then I could focus on my life.

"Oh, no. That's not necessary," I replied, feeling awkward. "I didn't call about that. I just... wanted to check on Beth. The last time I saw her, she wasn't in great shape. I think I broke her nose."

"So... you won't be pressing charges?" she asked, her voice weary, like she'd been bracing herself for more obstacles.

"No. I don't think punishing Beth will help matters. I also want to put this all behind me." Hence the reason I was calling.

Noel was quiet for a moment, and when she spoke again, her voice was softer, a note of relief seeping in. She chose to move on and answer my question about her daughter.

"Beth is... well, she's been at home for the past week, resting and recovering. She's not speaking much at the moment, but I've been making an effort to be with her when I can. I'm not sure how to help, honestly. I've been talking with my school's therapist about the whole situation. She's told me to give Beth time — let her grieve and come to terms with everything at her own pace. She's also agreed to see her on Monday."