Chapter 389
“Claire is so heartless. Sending Molly away didn’t even do her any good, did it p>
“I never realized before, but maybe things have been building up for a long time. Wasn’t Molly always cozying up to Cindy and putting Claire down p>
“Molly runs her mouth, sure, but who actually goes through with something like Claire did? Honestly, if I were her classmate, I’d be scared of her too p>
Everyone was whispering, saying Claire had gone way too far this time.
Sophia finally had enough. She stood up, not even bothering to keep her voice down. “What are you all muttering about? Got something to say? Say it so everyone can hear p>
“You’re all here pretending you’re so fair and caring. But none of you were forced to quit winter camp, were you p>
“You weren’t the ones everyone said cheated or had something shady going on with a teacher p>
“You weren’t the ones who got roasted online, insulted, dragged through all that disgusting mess p>
“So where do you get off judging Claire p>
“Or do you want to be like Molly, thinking it’s fine to bully someone online p>
Sophia’s words hit hard. She barely needed to say much, but suddenly the room felt smaller, like everyone was looking at their feet.
But really, she was right. Claire was the one who got hurt. Yet everyone was accusing her of being too cruel, just because she finally fought back.
Sophia had already spoken up for her, so if Claire stayed quiet, people might actually start thinking she was weak or scared. She reached for Sophia’s arm and gently pulled her back into her seat.
Then, Claire looked around the room, meeting everyone’s eyes.
“Today, it was me,” she said calmly. “Who knows who it could be next time p>
“I hope your lives are smooth from start to finish, and you never meet anyone like Molly p>
“Because if you do, I’d like to see which one of you just forgives someone who ruins your life like it’s nothing p>
Claire’s voice was steady and clear. Her words cut right through the haze in the air. No one could ignore what she’d gone through anymore.
“Imagine your college acceptance letter stolen, someone else taking your place at university p>
“Or you’re out shopping with your family, and suddenly your photo gets splashed online with people calling you a gold-digger p>
“Or you make it to university, and someone tries to make you give up your scholarship, just because they want it more p>
“If that ever happens to you, then come talk to me p>
The classroom went completely silent.
They all knew, deep down, Claire was right. None of this had happened to them, so it was too easy to pretend Molly’s actions were no big deal. Now that Molly was facing real consequences, instead of realizing how serious everything was, everyone just wanted to blame Claire.
No one noticed when the teacher appeared at the back door, arms crossed as she watched.
She felt proud of Claire-really,
genuinely proud. Even when the
rumors almost broke her Claire handled ery challenge gracefully,
even when classmates started taking it out on her. She stood
strong and spoke with more
confidence than anyone else could.
The teacher began to clap, slow and purposeful.
Heads turned. When the students realized the teacher was there, not a word was spoken. The room hung in a strange, heavy pause.
Was the teacher actually applauding Claire?
Did that mean the teacher supported what happened to Molly as well?
The teacher spoke, her tone even and kind. “I get that you want to stand up for a classmate,” she said.
“You’ve all spent over two years together here. Maybe you had disagreements with Molly, but you never held deep grudges p>
“But remember, there was no deep hatred between Claire and Molly either p>
“Molly spread lies and rumors online just because she was jealous. That’s wrong and it’s serious, hope, C someday, you’ll learn to look at the whole story-not just one side.