Page 106 of Faultlines

“Excellent—because you have an appointment with Mr. H at 2 pm today to discuss your new role,” Sloane tells me.

Lucy snorts. “Only you can get away with calling him Mr. H.”

“That’s because I frighten him,” Sloane replies with a smirk.

I naively convinced myself I would never see Brooke again. I’m so focused on my upcoming conversation with Mr. Harrington when I step into the administration building, the last thing I expect is to round the corner and run right into her. She has a folder clutched against her chest like a shield. I hate that she has the power to affect my day.

The secretary behind the desk glances between us then appears to find something fascinating on her computer screen.

Brooke visibly swallows.

“Claire.”

I should keep walking, continue to the principal’s office. But I stop, my shoes squeaking on the floor, because pretending I don’t see her feels immature.

“Brooke.”

She shifts her weight, the folder rustling as she clutches it a little tighter, her thumbnail pressing a crescent into the cardboard edge.

“I’m—I’m glad I ran into you. I’d like to apologize.”

Ah. The apology everyone seems to think will somehow make this better.

“Oh, I don’t doubt you’re sorry.”

“I never meant to complicate anyone’s life. Sometimes people just connect.”

Somewhere down the hall, a locker slams, and we both recoil. A group of students passes at the far end of the hallway.

“Do you know how fast rumors spread in small towns?”

I watch her pale face.

“Claire—”

“It’s Mrs. Bennett. Ellie is thirteen, and by the end of this week, all of her classmates will know. The entire community will know. Did either of you think about Ellie at all? She’s the one who has to walk through these halls after you’re gone.”

“I know.”

“No, you don’t!” She looks at me, her eyes wide and glistening. “You were her teacher. You were someone I encouraged her to look up to. I smiled every time she talked about you because I thought she had a teacher who cared about her.”

“I do care about her.”

“Then that makes this situation even worse.”

I turn and walk toward the principal’s office, not looking back.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

RED TAG

Ethan

My phone wakes me at 5:47 am. For half a second, I think it might be Claire, then I see Brooke’s name.

Brooke: Please meet me before work. It’s important.

A second message arrives.