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Osgood," he said kindly, "one could also argue that her painful death is retribution for her immoral behavior."
Ariana felt a distinct pang in her chest. Like Holmes was condemning her to the same fate as Emma Bovary
right then and there. "Like karma," Ariana said quietly.
"Exactly like karma," Mr. Holmes replied, fiddling with his wedding band. He glanced up at the clock.
"Sorry, folks. I kept you a few minutes late. We'll continue this discussion after the break, so if you have any
thoughts on morality as it relates to the book, jot them down and bring them in." He pulled a folded
newspaper from his back pocket. Like Natasha, Mr. Holmes was always working on the New York Times
crossword puzzle. "Just a reminder that your papers are due in my mailbox-no e-mail attachments, people-
before you leave campus," he called over the din of chatting students. "Have a great break, everyone." The
paper. Suddenly, Ariana's blood coursed through her veins at a fevered rate. In all the morning's drama, she
had completely forgotten about the paper. And so far, all she had was a blank Word document and a massive
case of writer's block-which was unlike her. Ariana had always been able to focus, no matter what was
happening around her. As a child, she'd learned to sink into her own mind and settle there until it was safe to
return to reality. To curl up in bed with Jane Eyre or Mrs. Dalloway and pretend she didn't hear the chilling
screams, the threats her mother tossed at her father like active grenades. Just try me. I'll do it.... I swear to
God, I'll do it, and you'll be sorry.... "What's wrong with you?" Isobel pulled a pair of oversize Gucci
sunglasses from her tote and slipped them on as Ariana and Paige gathered their things. "Nothing," Ariana
said, nervous about making eye contact with Paige. Paige had the power to make her winter break miserable.
To make her life in Billings miserable. In her quest to please Mr. Holmes, she had gone temporarily insane
and forgotten that fact. Why had she felt the need to show Paige up? No one crossed Paige Ryan, and
everyone at Easton knew that. Even Connie Tolson. "It's just this paper," she told Isobel as she buttoned her
coat. "I'm nowhere close to being done. I think I'm going to have to stay behind for a day or so to finish."
"That's ridiculous," Paige scoffed. "Just ask for an extension." Isobel nodded. "He let me turn in my paper on
Dangerous Liaisons a week late."
"Yeah. I suppose," Ariana said, even though the thought filled her throat with bile. She had never asked for an
extension before, and she didn't want to start now. But she knew that Paige wasn't simply suggesting that
Ariana get an extension. Paige didn't suggest. She ordered. Clearly the idea of Ariana missing a day of
Daniel's precious Christmas plans was unacceptable to her. "I'll ask," Ariana conceded, letting her blond hair
fall over her face as she reached down to pick up her bag. Anything to avoid having to look at Paige. "I'll
catch up with you guys later." "Later," Isobel said lightly. Ariana watched as she and Paige sashayed past Mr.
