Broken Boundaries

Chapter 5: Whispers In The Shadow

Dominic

The next morning, I’m in the staff room grading papers when the sweet, overpowering scent of rose perfume wafts in. I look up to see Hayvin, Aria, and Yara standing before my desk, their makeup perfectly in place, like they’ve come prepared for a pageant rather than a chat with a teacher.

“Good morning, sir,” they chime together, voices almost in harmony.

“Morning,” I reply, leaning back in my chair and giving them a curious look. “You girls seem serious. What’s on your minds? And was that why you were lurking around after school yesterday?”

“Yes, sir,” Yara jumps in, not missing a beat. “It’s just… it’s not fair that Celeste is the only one you’re giving extra lessons.”

Hayvin nods in agreement, her eyes wide and pleading. “We think it would be great if you took us for extra lessons too. We stayed back yesterday hoping to ask, but you seemed… occupied.”

Occupied? I nearly laugh at the ridiculousness of this. “You don’t need extra lessons,” I tell them, shaking my head. “You’re all doing just fine in English. Focus on the subject itself if you want to boost your GPA. I promise it’ll help you more than hanging around me.”

There’s an awkward silence, and then Hyvin blurts out, “Mr. Dominic, I actually… like you.” She gasps at her own boldness, and her friends exchange wide-eyed glances as if she’s just declared war.

I can’t help it—I laugh, a full, deep chuckle that echoes through the staff room. “It’s flattering to hear that,” I say, still smiling, “but if you want to ‘like’ something, try liking English. You’ll thank yourself later.”

They pout, but I notice a glint of something—defiance, maybe—in their eyes as I continue. “And one more thing: I don’t want you three lingering around me and Celeste anymore. I’m serious. Whatever you’re planning, it ends now.”

I turn back to the stack of papers on my desk, dismissing them with a wave. The trio leaves, strutting out like they own the hallway. I’m just settling back into my work when I notice Mr. Kunle standing by the doorway, his brow raised in suspicion.

I don’t need to explain myself, so I ignore him and keep grading. But I can feel his eyes lingering on me like he’s trying to piece together a puzzle.

Later that day, I get a call from the principal’s office. It’s never a good thing to be summoned like this. As I step inside, the principal is standing with her back to me, gazing out the large, glass window. Her hands are clasped behind her back, and she doesn’t turn around when I greet her.

“Celeste,” she says, finally breaking the silence, “seems to be getting a bit too close to you, Mr. Dominic.”

I stiffen, standing at attention as if I’m back in the military, though I’ve never served. “Ma’am, I’m only giving her extra lessons to help raise her GPA for the upcoming exams. There’s nothing personal about it.”

She turns slowly, her expression stern but with a hint of amusement in her eyes. “Students in the 12th grade can be… emotional, especially someone like Celeste. Don’t you think giving all that attention to just one student seems a little… greedy?”

“Celeste isn’t the worst student in her class,” I admit, trying to choose my words carefully, “but she struggles more than she lets on. She won’t improve without one-on-one help.”

The principal’s eyes narrow slightly, and she glides back to her chair, sitting with an almost regal grace. “Loneliness,” she murmurs, “isn’t just about the absence of company, but the absence of connection. When there’s no understanding between two people, even when they’re together, the silence can be suffocating.”

I swallow, unsure of where this is going. “What are you suggesting, ma’am?”

She raises a finger, twirling it slowly like she’s playing with invisible strings. “Include a few others in your lessons—Hayvin, Aria, Yara. It wouldn’t hurt to have some balance. You see, Mr. Dominic,” her voice drops, “I watch everything from the shadows. Even secrets that you think are well-hidden don’t escape me.”

Her words hang in the air, heavy and foreboding. “Tread carefully,” she warns, “because not every path is as safe as it seems.”

I nod stiffly. “Yes, ma’am. Thank you.” I turn and leave, her gaze following me out the door.

As I walk back to my classroom, her words echo in my mind. Secrets… shadows… what does she know? And what exactly is she hinting at?

It feels like there’s more to this than just extra lessons, but I can’t quite put my finger on it.

And then there’s Celeste—why does she need all this attention, and what’s hiding behind that quiet demeanor of hers? Something tells me I’m about to find out, whether I’m ready for it or not.