Chapter 53 Chapter 53

Chapter 53 Chapter 53


Carter

I gripped the steering wheel tightly as I drove to the school. My mind was racing with thoughts of what could happen when I got there; would I be fired, or would the issue be settled amicably despite the rumours, or would I find a more juicy story to it? Whichever it was, I am going to see through like the man I am.

Mila had warned me that the school might call me in, and now it was happening.

"Dear Mr. Carter, you are hereby invited to the school by the school management for a meeting regarding the springing up rumors on a breach of the school rules and regulations." The text message had entered not quite long after she said so.

I told Tessa to come home, and I waited for her homecoming, but since she was not forthcoming and seeing I could not delay myself anymore, I decided to go to the school even with her absence.

As I parked my car at the school parking lot and stepped out, I couldn't shake off the feeling of nervousness. I took a deep breath and walked towards the school entrance.

"Hello, I'm here to for the...," I started to say to the receptionist.

"The school management and boards are waiting for you in the meeting room; you should hurry down there, Mr. Carter." The receptionist said slowly cutting me off before I could finish my statement.

They were already in the school before I was summoned through the message. "I just hope this is not serious," I thought inwardly, walking towards the corridor to the far end of the meeting room.

"Ah, Mr. Carter! Please, take a seat. We are grateful for coming in as soon as possible and not keeping us waiting." One of the school directors motioned to an empty seat.

I took in a deep shuddering breath and sat down, fidgeting with my hands. I made my fear; the worst I would do is let them see me right through before our discussion.

I sat up, trying to compose myself.

"We've called you here today because of some rumors or rather accusations leveled out against you," she began.

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. Accusations? Against me? It couldn't be true.

"What are you talking about?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

The school management's expression turned serious. "We've received allegations that you're involved with one of our students."

My mind reeled. Involved? Sexually? No, no, no. This was insane.

"I deny it," I said firmly, trying to keep my anger in check. "I have nothing to do with any of the students like that. It is part of the rules and regulations of the school; Why do you think I would be against it knowing it?."

The other school management, a man's eyes narrowed. "We understand this is a serious accusation, but we have to investigate it properly."

I felt a wave of panic wash over me. Investigate? What did that mean? My reputation, my career, and everything I'd worked for were at stake.

"This is ridiculous," I protested. "I'm a good lecturer and everyone knows it in here and out here. I care about my students, but I would never... never cross that line."

The woman's expression softened slightly. "We appreciate your dedication, but we have to take these allegations seriously."

"How did this happen?" I demanded. "Who made these accusations?"

The principal hesitated. "We can't reveal that information yet, it is both for your good."

I slumped back in my chair, feeling defeated. My world was crumbling around me.

In the meeting room, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. Who could be behind this? A disgruntled student? A rival teacher? Even with the AC turned on, I was sweating terribly inside of me.

What would happen next? Would I lose my job? My reputation? I need to be positive here. I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes. How could someone do this to me?

"Am I done here then? Since you won't listen to me, you can go and carry out your investigation," I said, slightly pissed off.

The male school management cleared his throat and flipped through some files in front of me. "I know this sounds absurd, but I can't control myself from not asking Mr.Carter," he paused, and I stelled myself from what was to come.

"Are you romantically involved with one of your female students? Like are you both having an intimate affair with each other?" He sighed asking.

I felt my face burning with anger and embarrassment. "Romantically involved?" I repeated, incredulous. "No, absolutely not! How could you even suggest that? Wait, what is the difference between what you said earlier and now?"

The management team exchanged skeptical glances, their expressions unreadable.

"We have reason to believe," one of them began, "That you may be having an inappropriate relationship with one of your students. And besides, we just want to be sure you heard it correctly."

I shook my head, trying to clear the fog of outrage. "That's not true," I said firmly. "I'm a professional. I would never compromise my integrity or put my students in harm's way."

The team leader leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "We've received reports of you being overly friendly with one of your female students."

I took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. "I'm a caring teacher, yes. But that doesn't mean I'm romantically involved with anyone."

"Which student?" I demanded, my curiosity getting the better of me.

The team exchanged hesitant glances before the leader spoke up. "We can't disclose that information yet."

I slammed my hand on the table, frustration boiling over. "This is ridiculous! I have a right to know who's accusing me!"

The team leader's expression turned stern. "Carter, we understand your frustration, but we must follow protocol."

Protocol? This was my life they were playing with!

"Fine," I said through gritted teeth. "Investigate. Ask my students and my colleagues. They'll tell you the truth."

I tried to focus on lesson plans, but my mind whirled with questions. Who was the accuser? What evidence did they have?

"At least tell me the gender of this person involved?" I said, sitting up.

"It was a boy that made the report to us." They released the bombshell looking at me.

I sat in stunned silence, my mind racing with questions. A boy had made the report? But why? And what could he possibly say that would lead them to think I was involved with a student? Could Tessa have told anyone anything about our relationship? I know Tessa can be strong-headed and annoying, but she would never do that.

"Who is this boy? Is he a student in my department?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

The principal hesitated. "We can't reveal his identity yet, but we assure you, we're taking this seriously."

I felt a wave of frustration wash over me. Serious? They were being serious? This was my reputation, my career, my life they were playing with.

"I want to know what he said," I demanded. "What proof does the person have?"

The principal's expression turned sympathetic. "We understand your concerns, but we have to follow protocol. We'll investigate and gather evidence."

I slumped back in my chair, feeling helpless. This was a nightmare.