Escaping Love (Rewrite) [Book #1]

Chapter 43

Disclaimer/Trigger Warning: This chapter contains/mentions verbal and physical abuse!

|| CHARLOTTE ||

|| Monday, March 2nd ||

The bell rang at the end of my prep-period. I let out a sigh as I saved the documents of the worksheets for tomorrow's class. I turn around and see Jackie still sitting in my classroom, working on the packet. Her expression altered from happy to sad then focused, and finally exasperated.

"Are you okay?" I asked, and she jumped. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you," I chuckle.

"It feels like so much repetition," she sighed.

"I know. At least you get the practice," I smiled, printing out the worksheet to make copies. "Do you have any questions?"

Jackie shook her head, "No. It's making sense, and I'm just annoyed with the repetition. I've caught too many simple mistakes of mine. Well, I'm heading home. I'll see you later."

I waved, and she walked out of the classroom. I packed up my things, so once I finished making copies, I could place them on my desk for tomorrow and then lock up.

"Hey, Charlotte."

"Vicky. How are you?" I asked.

"Good. I have a student's homework for you. His mom called and told us he was sick, and she brought the homework into the school for him."

"Thank you," I smiled, taking the paper and looking at it.

I saw the note attached to the packet, then made my way to the copy room. I used the key to unlock the door, and when I walked inside, Carmen stood at one of the machines watching it spit out stapled papers.

"Hi," I smiled.

"Hi. Did you get my email about the algebra worksheet on logarithms?" Carmen asked.

"Yes. I just finished looking at it during my prep-period. I replied to the email, it looks great."

I used my ID and swiped before making copies for tomorrow's lesson. When the prints finished, I collected the materials as Carmen stood next to me, waiting for me while we chatted.

We held our papers in our hands as we approached the door. When we got closer, we could hear yelling on the other side.

"Oh, no. Someone is yelling at Vicky. I assume a parent?" Carmen peeked out the window to look at the person and the surroundings of the office.

"We should help her," I said as we walked out into the hallway cautiously.

"I demand to know which room she is in!"

"I apologize. We would need to contact her. We can't let you go without confirming who you are!"

"She knows who I am!" The man yelled.

Carmen and I walked up to Vicky, and Vicky's eyes widened as she looked at me with fear. I watched her shake her head vigorously, and I became confused about why she's doing that to me.

"Excuse me, sir. Is there a problem?" Carmen asked.

When the guy turned his head to her, I slowly approached Vicky, but she started waving her arms and shooing me away.

Vicky whispered to me, "Go!"

I was about to make my escape as she said, but the man turned his head to look at me. I met his eyes, and I swear I felt all the color drain from my body.

His eyes glare into mine, filled with pure anger. "You are a disgrace!" He yelled.

I began backing up as he slowly started to approach me. "Ethan. What are you doing here?" I stuttered.