First Friday of the 2nd Semester: It was a student...Taylor (Luck: -100, Blackmailer -1)

It was Taylor, one of the energetic girls from Leah’s third period. She had the kind of attention-seeking walk that broadcasted the arrival of a minor crisis.

“Ms. Williams, can I talk to you?” Taylor asked, swinging her backpack off with dramatic flair.

“Of course, Taylor. Is everything okay?” Leah tried not to look like she was bracing for disaster, but Taylor’s tone set off a little spike of anxiety. With the **** drama, every interaction with students lately felt like a potential ambush.

Taylor perched on the edge of a student desk, tapping her fingers and looking around conspiratorially.

“So, I just wanted you to know, I figured out your secret,” she whispered.

Leah’s skin prickled as her mind raced. Shit. Had Taylor seen something? How had she found out? Was this going to be a new, horrifyingly young addition to the **** club? Leah **** a smile, hoping to play it off.

“My secret?” she repeated, keeping her voice light. “You’re going to have to be more specific, Taylor. I have a lot of secrets. I mean I don't I just well--you know.”

Taylor grinned slyly, but there was nothing malicious in her eyes, just a teenager’s delight in drama.

“I know why your class is always the best,” Taylor said. “It’s because you actually like us. Like, you care about us, not just grades and stuff.”

Leah blinked. It took her a second to process the left turn. Her heart started beating again.

“Of course I care about you guys. That’s why I teach.” she sighed internally.

“I just wanted to say thank you, Ms. Williams. Last semester was rough for me, but your class was always chill, you know? Like, safe.” Taylor got up, slinging her backpack over one shoulder. “Anyway, that’s all. Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me.” She winked and exited with the same flair she’d entered.

Leah exhaled in relief, letting the tension ooze out of her shoulders. For a wild moment she’d expected another threat, another demand, but it was just honest, clumsy teenage gratitude. She smiled to herself as she turned back to her desk. Maybe she was doing something right after all, despite the mess.

She was looking forward to the weekend. And luckily, the day flew buy and the weekend was soon Leah's.