Elite Affairs - Book one

Chapter Twenty One

"You cannot judge what should bring others joy, and others cannot judge what should bring you joy." Alan Cohen

Açelya sat in her room, surrounded by the familiar comforts of her private sanctuary. Soft sunlight filtered through the window, casting a warm glow on the pages of the book lying open on her lap, the words blurring together as her mind wandered. She had been reading for hours, trying to escape the turmoil that had engulfed her life, but the characters' struggles seemed to mirror her own.

The events of the past day replayed in her mind like a broken record, each painful moment etched in her memory. The message, Father Michael's stern reprimand, and the shame that followed - it all felt like a nightmare she couldn't wake up from. Açelya's cheeks flushed at the memory of the lustful words, allegedly sent from her phone to Father John. Who could have done such a thing? And why? The questions swirled in her mind, fueling her frustration and despair.

The words were disgusting! Does father John even know who she is?

Léon's promise to uncover the truth today brought a glimmer of hope, a beacon of light in the darkness. She trusted him implicitly, and his determination reassured her. But the waiting was agonizing, each passing minute feeling like an eternity. Açelya's eyes kept drifting to the clock, willing the hands to move faster.

As she read, Açelya's mind wandered, conjuring scenarios of who might be responsible. A classmate seeking revenge? A prank gone wrong? Or something more sinister? The possibilities sent a shiver down her spine. She thought of her friends, her acquaintances, and even her teachers - could one of them be behind this?

In all of these suspects, she never once suspect madeline. She looks all bite but no action.

The silence of her room provided a temporary reprieve from the gossip and whispers that would undoubtedly greet her at school. Açelya couldn't face her classmates, not yet. The shame and embarrassment still lingered, making her skin crawl. She felt like she was living in a fishbowl, with everyone watching her every move.

Occasionally, she glanced at her phone, willing Léon to call or text with news. The screen remained blank, taunting her with its silence. Açelya refocused on her book, attempting to lose herself in the story. But her eyes kept drifting back to the phone, her heart eager for Léon's update.

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Sister Mary's gentle knock on the door broke the oppressive silence that had shrouded Açelya's room for hours, casting a faint echo through the stillness. She walks in, a kind smile on her face. "Açelya, dear, it's time for dinner," she announced, her soft voice a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside Açelya, like a gentle breeze on a stormy night. The thought of facing the dining hall, with its lively chatter and curious glances, filled her with dread, her heart sinking like a stone in a deep ocean.

"I'm not hungry, Sister," Açelya replied, her voice barely above a whisper, as she gazed blankly at the book lying open on her lap, the words blurring together in a meaningless jumble. Sister Mary's expression softened, her eyes filled with compassion, her face etched with concern.

"You need to keep your strength up, dear Come, join the others. It will do you good to be among friends, to distract yourself from this ordeal." But Açelya shook her head, her eyes welling up with tears that threatened to spill over, her voice cracking with emotion.

"I'll come later, Sister. Please." Sister Mary nodded sympathetically, her hands clasped together in understanding, and closed the door, leaving Açelya to her solitude.

Meanwhile, Léon walked into the dining hall, his mind preoccupied with the truth he had uncovered, his thoughts racing like a runaway train. He knew who was behind the scandalous message, and his determination to expose them burned brighter with every passing moment, fueling his resolve. Léon's eyes scanned the room, searching for Aiden, his gaze sweeping across the sea of faces. He needed to confide in his friend before meeting Father Michael, to ensure his plan was solid.