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Chapter 36
Leyna
Ilook out the officewindow as the rain falls incessantly, pelting the already water-logged ground. Sheets of rain wash down the hill, cascading down the cement and I’m glad I don’t have to go outside, at least not anytime soon.
Instead, I’m stuck in the office and in some ways, I wish I was out there because I can feel a storm brewing inside, too. Even on a good day, Lorna’s a picnic short of a sandwich. But today, she’s been storming around and I’d rather not be around when she blows her top.
I try to ignore her huffs of frustration every few minutes. I sit quietly at my desk, working at the computer, trying to remain as inconspicuous as possible.
‘Leyna, have you collected those questionnaires?’
Shit.Here we go, she’s finally found something to pick a fight about. I hadn’t done the questionnaires but to be fair, Lorna had only sprung them on me a few days ago. I suspect that was because they were hers to do but she was drowning in paperwork. ‘I’ll go do it right now.’
Lorna sighs audibly, like I’m the biggest thorn in her side. It fucks me off so much but I suck it up. Like I always do.
I walk around the English Department, knocking on doors and asking for a questionnaire most of them haven’t done or have completely forgotten about. A few professors fill it in while I stand waiting. I don’t really mind since it keeps me away from Lorna, but I know she’ll be unhappy because so many of the forms won’t be filled in.
I have to make the long walk back to the main office, as though I’ve done something wrong and the teacher has sent me to face the headmistress.
‘Hi Lorna. I’ve collected what I could. Most members of staff had forgotten to fill them in.’
‘Of course they have, Leyna. They are academics. That’s why you need to remind them a few times before you go and collect them, which I’m assuming you never did.’
I stand there silent. No matter what I say, Lorna will find a way to twist it. I go to sit back down at the computer.
‘Not going to answer?’ Lorna presses.
‘I’m sorry. I haven’t done these before.’
‘It’s no excuse.’
And then I say the quiet part out loud. ‘I’m happy to support you with your own workload if things feel too overwhelming, but if I’d had a bit more notice and clear instruction, I would have had them finished sooner.’
I’m not sure what I was thinking, talking back to Lorna like that. I think I hadn’t thought at all—just reacted. Months of trying to prove yourself to someone can leave you exhausted.
Lorna’s face is a sight—stunned, shocked, and livid all at once. ‘Just who do you think you are, Miss Burrows? Do you think there are different rules for you? Do you think you’re better than the rest of us?’
‘What? No. Why would I think that?’
