With a sickening twist in the stomach, I suddenly had the urge to find a chair. I broke into a cold sweat after reading Elle's text over and over. I couldn't think of what sort of intention she might have to suddenly want to talk. As far as I knew I had done nothing to tick her off these past few days — unless the cat was already out of the bag.

It wouldn't have surprised me if she had discovered about me and Ethan. Elle was a smart one, that girl. Although, she might have been talking about something else entirely just now. Regardless, I had to be cautious.

Carefully planning out the sentence, my fingers were shaking while I attempted to type out a reply. After some minutes of beating my brains out, I yielded. I wished someone had written a manual on this kind of situation because as of now I could think of nothing appropriate to say.

Soon later, another message from her popped up on my phone's screen.

I was badly screwed. Elle would be saddened and disappointed if I confided the truth but, I have to take accountability for my actions. Dragging this matter out for far too long was getting exhausting.

I sighed and shoved my phone into my back pocket before making my way to the Chemistry Department. I was well aware that I was a terrible friend to Elle, but then, I simply couldn't just bring myself to get past the stuff she did to Ethan. Which, I hate to admit, was starting to make me feel less guilty about betraying her.

I was also well aware of how Elle tended to be cold-hearted towards people and how she often acted condescendingly whenever she wanted to - though it was seldom with me. Our friendship was built on mutual respect, admiration, and tolerance.

Talk about quick karma. The light in Mr. Gilinsky's office was on, making me assume he would be in the room and yet, I walked into a locked door.

I should have probably figured he was away since the blinds were closed. It looked like the day kept getting worse. I wondered if he forgot about our appointment and had wandered somewhere else.

No way he went home because of the turned-on lights and I could confirm it with his phone vibrating inside the room when I called him. I decided to wait for a bit longer. To pass the time, I plopped myself down in front of the door and went over some of my notes from the previous lessons.

Most of the teachers and staff members had left the building so the halls were dark and extremely quiet. Despite it feeling cold and eerie like a graveyard, the quietude helped me to focus on what I was reading.

A loud slapping along with the feeble sound of a grunt coming from the room sent me into instant alarm mode. Strangely enough, when I pressed my ear to the surface of the door I could only hear the sound of my breath.

Just when I thought my mind was playing tricks on me, the same grunting noise came back, this time louder. It sounded like someone was in pain. It caused me to knock on the door violently.

"Sir, are you in there?" I asked, twisting the knob and pushing my shoulder against the wood to get it opened.

I was getting scared and worried when the response was seemingly never given and it didn't help when I had a disturbing thought that my teacher had passed out. That explained why he never answered the door or picked up any of my calls.

"If you don't answer me —" I paused, trying to come up with a solution. "I'm going to get security to open the door."

Just before I could turn to run, the door finally clicked and swung open ajar. Mr. Gilinsky stepped out looking suspiciously disheveled and disoriented, far from his usual self. His face was drained of color, hair was unkempt, tie loosened around the collar with a few buttons of his shirt undone.

"Jesus, Andrew. Why all the fuss?" he asked, looking visibly annoyed.

"I knocked on the door multiple times, even tried to call you but you didn't answer. I thought something bad happened to you," I replied.

"I just fell asleep," he replied with calm composure.

Not entirely convinced, I tried to see past him into the office. "What's the noise I heard just now?"

"I accidentally knocked some stuff off the desk," he said as he subtly moved his body to prevent me.

"Do you sleepwalk or something?" I cracked a joke that he did not laugh at.

"I'm not feeling quite well so we need to reschedule our meeting," he told me and let out a little cough after.

Looking at my teacher, his appearance indeed looked pale and sweaty. "Is there something I can do for you?"

"No," was his quick reply. "I have taken some medicine I'm sure I'll be fine."

I should have left him to rest then, but I was so eager to ask him about my work that I couldn't hold my tongue anymore.

"Anyway, have you read the essay draft I emailed you? I received no reply." I asked him, immediately cringing after the words left my mouth.

Mr. Gilinsky smacked his palm to his forehead. "Sorry about that. It must have slipped my mind but I promise I will."

"Don't worry, I get it. You're a busy man," I said, faking a laugh.

Mr. Gilinsky grabbed my shoulder and gave it a tight squeeze. "Thank you. I know you're a very understanding person."

I had to control myself not to let out a sharp yelp from the grip. Those magical hands. I could still remember how good his hands felt messaging my shoulders the other day.

"Not to be annoying or pushy but the due date isn't too soon, right?"

"Not even close," he answered. "Even if it is I'll have my friend on the committee extend the deadline just for you. I'll do anything for my favorite student."

I felt my cheeks heated up. How was it possible that this man is making me blush like a little girl? How did I allow this?

"Alright." I giggled, not knowing what to say anymore other than wishing for his speedy recovery. "Get well soon, Isaac."

My teacher gave me a slight nod, retreating into his office to close the door, and while he did so, driven by curiosity, it gave me a chance to quickly glance inside.

I sucked in a hard breath as the first thing my eyes find is someone's protruding, frightened eyes, staring right back at me as they slowly peeked up their head from behind Mr. Gilinsky's desk.

!