Too Far

Too Bad

Too Bad

"I can't see why you can't get the charges overturned." Said D'Argencourt, frowning at Damocles.

"Maybe because a student was raped on school grounds." Snarled Mendeleiev, glaring at the other teacher.

"I hardly believe the word of a little whore trying to garner sympathy. Those three are some of my best students." Dismissed D'Argencourt, shocking the room.

"That's what this is about? A stupid competition?" Demanded Mendeleiev, her voice growing louder.

"If we are to stand a chance at this tournament, we need every advantage we can get." Retorted D'Argencourt, as Damocles frowned.

"They would provide an advantage." Mused Damocles, before looking at Bustier, "Caline, Ms. Dupain-Cheng is...active in that area, is she not?"

Ms. Bustier froze, her boss was telling her to lie? She looked around and saw everyone staring at her.

"I... I am not aware, Mr. Damocles." Stammered Bustier, glancing around the room, "I... I don't believe she is."

Damocles leaned forward, "Caline, I need you to think carefully, Ms. Dupain-Cheng is active in that area, isn't she?"

"Sir, she was raped under our care and even if you got the charges overturned, the culprits wouldn't be allowed to participate in the tournament, due to the allegations against them." Said Bustier, dread lining her stomach.

"Caline," Said Damocles, slowly, "You're fired, get out of my school."

"Sir-"

"OUT!" Bellowed Damocles, prompting Caline to get out of her seat and leave the room at a fast walk.

The rest of the staff looked at each other. Another teacher got up and walked out of the room, followed by another teacher, and another, and another, until it was just Damocles, D'Argencourt and Mendeleiev.

"Since your opinion of the matter is clear, sir, you can expect my resignation in the post." Sneered Mendeleiev, before stalking out of the room.

Almost all of the cars in the teacher's carpark were gone, Mendeleiev frowned, before walking over to Caline's car. She found the young woman gripping the steering wheel, staring straight ahead of herself, her breath coming out a short, fast gasps. Mendeleiev looked around Caline's car, trying to find Caline's inhaler but couldn't find it.

"Caline," Said Mendeleiev, opening the passenger door, and climbing in next to Bustier, "listen to me, in through the nose and out through the mouth."

Bustier took a deep breath in through her nose, before releasing a breath through her mouth.

"That's it, breathe." Soothed Mendeleiev, as Bustier repeated the process, her breathing evening out as she did.

"What am I going to do?" Gasped Bustier, her voice breaking, "I-I can't afford to lose my job, I-I-I can't. I-I have a baby coming, m-my rent is due, I-I'm behind with my bills a-and I-I-I can't lose my job."

Bustier dissolved into tears, her forehead dropping against the steering wheel. Mendeleiev frowned, before unbuckling Bustier's seat belt and guiding her out of her car, "Come on, Caline, I'll take you home."

"B-b-but my car." Sobbed Bustier, as Mendeleiev guided Bustier away her car and towards her own.

"Can be picked up tomorrow morning." Said Mendeleiev, as she opened the door for Bustier.

"O-okay." Whimpered Bustier, as Mendeleiev guided her into the passenger seat.

TB