Chapter 31: Tutor from hell
Merlina’s footsteps echoed down the empty hallway as she approached Dean Halbridge’s office. The doors were heavy, the kind that looked like they belonged in a courtroom or a place where someone would tell you life-shattering news.
Her heart was beating faster than normal, but that wasn’t exactly a surprise. After the email, the spiraling thoughts about Craig, and that weird, unsettling conversation with Louis earlier, she wasn’t sure what to expect.
She knocked on the door, and a voice from inside called out.
"Come in."
Taking a deep breath, she swung the door open and walked into the Dean’s office. It was the kind of room that made you feel like you were about to get your life evaluated. Dark mahogany bookshelves lined the walls, and there were leather chairs that looked like they cost more than her whole dorm setup.
Dean Halbridge was sitting behind his desk, flipping through a stack of papers. His glasses were perched at the end of his nose as he glanced up, offering her a polite, detached smile.
"Ah, Miss Sanchez, please take a seat."
Merlina sank into the chair across from him, trying to ignore the chill running down her spine. She had no idea why she was here—was it about her grades?
Was it about her mysterious disappearing act earlier in the week? Or was it something else entirely?
"Thank you for coming on such short notice," the Dean said, his voice calm but professional. "I’ve been going through your academic record and thought it best to have a face-to-face chat."
Merlina’s heart skipped. "Uh... okay. Is something wrong?"