Angel in the Courtyard [Book 2]

Chapter 77 - Tomasia

Last night was a beautiful dream. I went to bed next to the love of my life...but by the time I woke up, he was already gone. I wasn't sure what scared him away. I wasn't even sure if he was really there or if he was a figment of my imagination. One thing was clear, the warmth, comfort, and love Zander instilled in me dispersed the following morning.

The second I read the article, I knew it was over. All my hard work, my persistence, and ambition flushed down the toilet. The presidential race came to an immediate halt and my rival won by default. I didn't know what was worse, knowing that Loyal was the one who posted the article, or hearing Yoon's victory over the school's morning announcements. I knew my brother was "handling" things for me, I knew he was going after Mr. Fal but I never thought it would be at the cost of my reelection.

I couldn't help but resent Loyal in that moment. I couldn't help but be furious with him. I could have cursed him out over a text message but I resisted. I resisted because I was conflicted by my unsettling emotions. I lost the race the second I threw myself into my boyfriend's arms at school. I lost when I decided to risk getting caught for a few moments of bliss with him. Loyal wasn't the only one to blame. So, would it really be fair of me to lash out?

I was stared at and gossiped about during and after the announcement. Mrs. Moon didn't stand for bullying, so she warned everyone to focus on schoolwork instead of disrupting her teaching space. She made a quick comment about how bad deeds never went unpunished and advised everyone to strive to be better humans.

Then phone rang.

Mrs. Moon moved to answer it, and as she did, her eyes landed on me. It was the dean. He wanted to see me in his office.

"You must understand," the disciplinarian said, once I found my way down there. "We're not accusing you of anything but we cannot allow you to win under these circumstances."

I inhaled slowly. "I understand."

"And I must ask, do you know who wrote the articles?" he went on. "It's clear that both were intended to hurt you in some way."

"The first one was the school receptionist," I replied. "Her jealousy led her to reveal my relationship with Zander Easton because she wanted him for herself."

The dean rubbed the temples of his head. "I would like to assure you that she has been dismissed and reported to the authorities."

"Great."

There was an uncomfortable pause.

"And being underage, Zander will not be punished by the law," the dean added.

I nodded.

"Now, about the second article," he questioned. "Do you know who wrote it?"

I shrugged.

"Tomasia," he said softly. "I understand that you have been dealing with a great deal, academically and personally since your brother left the academy, but please continue to be candid with me."

"I don't know who wrote the second article," I said, holding eye contact. It wasn't a complete lie. Loyal worked to post it but I knew he didn't write it out himself. He had been getting his friends to do all the dirty work for him up until now, I had to assume nothing had changed.

"There will still be a school assembly where Joon will get the opportunity to address the student body," the dean said. "And appoint his Vice President. I'm not sure if that's something you would like to show up for, so I'll leave that to your discretion."

"My brother," I said, changing the subject. "He might come by today to watch the assembly. I don't think he's the type to miss out on something like this. When that happens, could you please keep our conversation confidential? I'll tell him myself that I lost the election."

"He might already know," the dean replied.

I shook my head. "If he did he would have contacted me by now but he hasn't. He doesn't live at home anymore either, so, please. Can you do this small favour for me?"

"I'll do so as a courtesy for your honesty about Ms. Findlay."

"Thank you," I said getting out of the chair. I walked towards the door but couldn't exit right away. If the school ever came to learn about my brother's side business or that he was directly involved in getting the school receptionist and student teacher fired, I wanted them to know despite all his wrongs, he genuinely loved the school. I might be crazy to look out for him after what he did to me, but he was my other half. He was the only one I could proudly call family. I had an obligation to protect him.

"Did you know that my father purposely dismissed my brother's readmission to the school?" I asked the dean.

"I did not," came the quick reply.

"He might not say it outright but this academy means the world to Loyal," I said.

The dean blinked at me inquisitively.

"I just thought you should know that," I smiled.