Unforgettable (Part 1)

7. Joanne

I am walking with Michael and Jonathan, but not Josephine because she's in a different class. Jonathan is in a different class too, which is conveniently next to Michael's and mine. Fortunately, Clair is in our class, which means we will be able to protect her from whatever harms she may be encountered by. We all walk up the flight of stairs leading to our classrooms and there is no sign of Clair. Michael and I say goodbye to Jonathan and start searching people's faces for Clair's face, but there is no Clair. Our teacher, Mrs. Franklin, is already standing outside the classroom door, waiting for the class to stop talking. Still, no sign of Clair. Even Mrs. Franklin is searching for Clair and seems to have an anxious expression on her face. Today our 200 mark assignment is due, and for Clair to not be here is probably what has Mrs. Franklin worried. I don't know whether I should say something to Mrs. Franklin about Clair's situation because I know that Mrs. Franklin will understand, after all, she is Clair's favourite teacher. I decide to tell her at the end of the lesson, even if Michael and Clair aren't keen on the idea. We enter the classroom, and immediately Mrs. Franklin questions Michael and myself.

"Where's Clair?" Mrs. Franklin asks. "I know for a fact that she would be here today if something wasn't wrong."

Michael and I stay silent, listening to the buzz of the classroom. Mrs. Franklin sighs.

"There has been a rumour going around amongst students about that Clair is being severely cyber-bullied," Mrs. Franklin says sternly. "Is this true or false?"

The buzz in the classroom stops at this statement. Michael and I continue to stand in silence because we don't have the guts to admit to something as severe a situation as this. After what feels like a life time of awkward seconds, I find the courage to speak.

"M-m-miss," I start, my voice trembling.

"Maybe it would be better if we speak outside," Michael finishes in his stern voice.

"Okay," Mrs. Franklin nods. "Wait outside."

Michael and I walk outside, listening to Miss explaining the work while feeling the several pairs of eyeballs burning through our privacy. Michael and I stand outside the classroom in awkward silence before Mrs. Franklin walks outside.