Between the desks

Chapter 12

Elizabeth's POV

I felt a surge of curiosity as Amren shared her thoughts on why she loved reading so much. "It helps me survive," she said, her eyes sparkling with passion. Her words resonated with me, igniting a flicker of understanding within. Books had always been a refuge for me too, a way to escape into worlds where problems felt manageable, where characters battled their demons and came out stronger.

But I reminded myself to focus—Liz, you have more students to attend to, and each one of them matters equally. I took a moment to look around the classroom, noting the eager faces, each filled with their own stories and struggles. It was my job to create a safe space for them, just as Amren found solace in the pages of her favorite novels.

As the last student had spoken I stand up. I cleared my throat "I want to thank all of you for sharing your stories. Our time is up, but I hope to see you all tomorrow. Class is dismissed." I watched as the students surged out of the room, laughter and chatter bubbling up like a lively stream.

"Bye, Professor Olsen!" A familiar voice broke through the chaos. I turned to see Amren beaming at me, her enthusiasm infectious. "Bye, Amren! See you tomorrow!" I smiled back, feeling a warmth blossom in my chest.

After closing the door, I let out a long breath. Finally. The silence enveloped me, a blanket of calm that was both comforting and daunting.

I reached for my phone, eager to call Scar and share the day's highlights, but paused when I noticed a missed call from an unknown number. My stomach tightened with anxiety. Could it be Robbie?

With hesitation, I dialed the number, my heart racing as I waited for a response. "Hi, Liz," his voice came through, sounding surprisingly relieved. It twisted something inside me—relief for him, but a storm of emotions for me. That was when I lost all control.

"Leave me alone! Stop calling me! Go back to your whore! You piece of shit! I don't need you anymore, just leave me alone!" I screamed, my voice shaking with rage and hurt as I hung up, the finality of the action leaving me breathless.

The floodgates opened. Tears streamed down my face, each drop heavy with betrayal and confusion. Why did he do this? Why did he cheat on me? I had poured my heart into our relationship, imagining a future filled with love and laughter, picturing us growing old together. He was supposed to be my missing piece, my safe haven. Leaning against my desk, I took deep breaths, desperately trying to regain my composure.

I had been here before; I knew the drill. Just focus on your breathing, Liz. Everything will be alright. I could almost hear my mom's voice, steady and reassuring, guiding me through the chaos. She had always been my anchor during turbulent times, her wisdom wrapping around me like a comforting embrace.

After a few agonizing minutes, I felt the storm inside me begin to subside. I dabbed my puffy eyes and decided I needed to reach out to Scar. She was my lifeline, the one person who could pull me from the depths of despair.

"Hi, Liz! What's up?" Her cheerful voice was a balm to my troubled soul, cutting through the fog of my thoughts.

"Hey, are you free?" I asked, my tone slightly distant, still reeling from the earlier confrontation. I needed to sound stronger than I felt.

"Absolutely! Let's meet at Free, okay?" she replied, her enthusiasm cutting through my fog. I could picture the cozy coffee shop—the familiar smell of roasted beans, the soft chatter of patrons, and the warmth of the space wrapping around me like a hug.

"Yeah, see you soon!" I hung up, urgency propelling me to my feet. I needed air, coffee, and the comforting presence of my best friend. The thought of Scar's unwavering support lifted my spirits, like a small flicker of light in a dark room.

With determination, I stormed out of my office, feeling the weight of the day pressing down on me. As I stepped into the cool evening air, it hit my face like a refreshing splash of water, a welcome contrast to the emotional storm I had just weathered. I paused for a moment, taking in the sounds of the bustling street, the laughter of people walking by, and the distant hum of traffic.

Each step toward Free felt like a step toward healing, a reminder that the world continued to spin outside my personal turmoil. The vibrant colors of the sunset painted the sky, casting a golden hue over everything, and for a fleeting moment, I felt a sense of hope. Maybe I could find a way to mend my broken heart.

As I entered the coffee shop, the familiar sights and smells enveloped me, grounding me in the present. Scar was already there, sitting at our usual table by the window, her face lighting up when she saw me. "Hey, you!" she called, her voice brimming with warmth.

"Hey," I replied, forcing a smile as I sank into the chair across from her. The comfort of her presence washed over me, a soothing balm for my frayed nerves.

"What happened?" she asked, her gaze piercing through my facade. I hesitated, unsure of where to begin. But as I looked into her eyes, filled with genuine concern, I began to share what happend.