Chapter 2

I knew that look on Mr. Davies' face. It wasn't about helping a student. It was about making an example.

The parents in the audience were whispering. A few students snickered. My own parents looked like they'd seen a ghost.

"Mr. Davies, I really think..." I started, my voice barely audible.

"You think what, Sarah?" He cut me off, his tone laced with suspicion. "That this should be swept under the rug? That the person who wrote this shouldn't face consequences?"

He held the envelope out to me. "Read it. Aloud."

My hand trembled as I took it. The paper felt heavy, too important for this kind of public dissection.

"Let everyone hear what passes for 'admiration' these days," he said, gesturing to the audience. "Let's expose this... distraction."

I saw Ethan then, really saw him. His face was pale, his knuckles white where he gripped the armrests of his chair. He looked like he was going to be sick.

This wasn't just about me anymore. It was about him too. If I read this, and it was him, his father would...

But what choice did I have? Mr. Davies was a bulldog when he got like this.

My mom looked like she wanted to stand up, to say something, but my dad put a restraining hand on her arm. Their faces were a mixture of worry and embarrassment.

I took a deep breath. The silence in the auditorium was suffocating.

"Go on, Sarah," Mr. Davies urged, a cruel edge to his voice. "We're all waiting."

I unfolded the thick paper. The handwriting was elegant, practiced. Definitely Ethan's attempt at something special.

"Dear Sarah," I began, my voice shaking despite my efforts to control it.

The words on the page were not silly, not superficial. They were... thoughtful.

"From the first day I saw you in freshman English, your intelligence and determination captivated me. I've watched you debate in Mock Trial, lead in Student Government, always with a passion that's truly inspiring."

Mr. Davies shifted, a small frown appearing. This probably wasn't the vapid nonsense he was expecting.