Chapter 7 - The Anonymous Notification
While Lily was dancing under the ballroom lights miles away, my phone buzzed quietly on the kitchen counter.
It was an alert from the Oakridge High staff group chat—the very same chat where I had exposed Vanessa’s betrayal days earlier. Even though I had muted the notifications, a direct tag had just broken through.
Mr. Harrison (Vice Principal): “@Claire Vance, if you are available, please call the main administrative office tomorrow morning. The school board has concluded its preliminary review regarding Counselor Vance.”
I stared at the screen, a knot tightening in my stomach.
Ever since I dropped that digital bomb into the faculty chat, Vanessa’s world had completely imploded. Principal Hayes hadn't just placed her on administrative leave; an audit of her department records had been initiated. Rumors were swirling through the school board that her casual attitude toward ethics extended far beyond stealing a prom dress—there were whispers of mismanaged club funds and preferential treatment for favored students.
My phone buzzed again. This time, it wasn't a school official.
It was an unknown number with a local area code.
I hesitated for a moment before swiping to answer.
“Hello?” I said cautiously.
May you like
“Claire?” a strained, familiar voice choked out on the other end. It wasn't Vanessa. It was my mother.
Her voice lacked its usual sharp authority. It sounded tired, brittle, and impossibly old.
