‘And now you stand here, unable to stand by what you wrote.’ She shakes her head. ‘Pathetic.’
She walks away, and the bell goes. It’s time for English. Part of me wants to go home, but what did Mum say? Being an adult is about facing the consequences.
‘This wasn’t personal, you know,’ says Tori, looking smug. ‘I’m a journalist, it’s within the public interest.’
Even though she says it sincerely, I can see something else in her eyes. Victory. It may not have been personal to her, but she’s enjoying this.
And I am starting to have a sinking feeling that Kira was right about the Secret Sender all along.
***
I get to class moments behind Paula. It’s completely full and the whispers rise as I walk in.
In truth, I’m really mad at Kira. How could she just out me like this without warning me? Maybe the silent treatment is a good thing, because I would have nothing good to say to her right now.
I sit down by my desk. Ms Harkness immediately starts class, handing out essays. I’ve got near full marks again, but I can’t enjoy it. Not with the glares people are giving me. I sit in silence, noting down what Ms Harkness says, but barely taking it in.
The thing is, there’s nothing to question. It’s clear Kira did this to prove her point.
And it is clear people have found the Secret Sendercontroversial. Some don’t like what she says. And now they have a face to pin that to, it’s clear they don’t likeme.
I get handed a note during class.
It’s easy to comment when nobody knows who you are. Can’t believe you were the one who everyone was listening to this whole time! From, Farah
I crumple the note. What’s getting everyone the most is that it ismewho is the Secret Sender. And it stings that to everyone, it’s so unbelievable.
Ms Harkness comes by my desk at the end of the lesson. People are starting to pack up, slowly drifting out.
‘How are you doing?’ she says. ‘Are people giving you a hard time?’
I think about it. ‘No more than I probably deserve. I’ve been in the habit of falling out with people recently. It would make sense it’s now the whole school.’
‘You can talk to me, you know, if it gets too much.’ She looks at me with a lot of concern.
‘Didn’t you tell me secrets weren’t always good to keep?’ I say.
‘Doesn’t mean you should be torn down for it.’
I shake my head. ‘I’ll be fine.’
‘Getting some extra writing help?’ quips Tori, looking at me and Ms Harkness. Ms Harkness sighs and backs away. ‘Wouldn’t think such an illustrious writer would need the support.’
It’s a small jibe, but it really gets under my skin. Tori is doingitbecause she can. Because now I’m just Selena, the girl who doesn’t fight back. Who doesn’t confront.
But I’m also the Secret Sender. And it’s time to own it.
‘Illustrious writer is right, Tori,’ I say sweetly. ‘We all know the only reason anyone readThe Common Roomwas for me.’
There’s an ‘ooooh’ from all those still in the room.
Tori walks over with such intention in her step I can practically feel her coming towards me.
‘You had the novelty factor,’ she says.
‘I think you’ll find I had good writing,’ I say, holding my ground.
‘Your “articles”,’ she air quotes, ‘were five lines long!’
