Clara and Samuel's meeting.

Author note. This branch is not something I plan to continue. It is just for context to how these two interact.

Clara's POV

"Come in Samuel," I said with a bit of a nervous smile. I really would rather spend as little time as possible around Samuel.

"You wanted to see me?" he said taking a seat.

"Regarding your damaged office. Mr. Kedder said he would be willing to share his office space for you while repairs are being done," I said.

"How sweet of him. But no, that won't be needed. I can work from home for the meantime."

"Okay, well then. That was all I had," I said, hoping he would just leave.

"Clara. What's the matter. I can see the tears from here," he said.

God why. I wanted to scream or part of me did. Another part of me was scared, that this was leading to a trap. But maybe worse of all, part of me liked it, liked the idea that he was acting like a father figure. Someone that would hold me and make me feel safe.

"It's nothing of importance," I said trying to shy away.

"Oh Clara, why are you trying to push me away. It has been too long since we have shared some time together. I hope I haven't left you feel neglected," he said.

"Last time, you... you were using me to scare Tessa and Kat weren't you?" I asked.

"Maybe a little. Did that make you feel uncomfortable?" he asked.

I nodded. "I know I surrendered. So maybe I don't have the right to complain, but I don't wanna be used against others. Please don't punish me."

"Oh Clara, I don't know when you came under the impression I would punish you for simply disagreeing with me, but this is something we should fix," he said tapping his lap.

I made my way to his lap and hugged him.

"I'm sorry Clara. It was inconsiderate for me to have you with that file. We won't do that ever again, okay?" he asked.

I just hugged him hard.

"I will occasionally need your help, but I won't you to feel safe to speak out. Okay?" he asked. "Oh and I got you a little something."

"Okay," I said. I reached out and took the box. He wrapped it in pretty paper. I shredded it. God it felt so good to just rip into that. Opening the box my eyes lit up. "Is this!"

"Yep, a coloring book from Rachel. Hand made for you," he said. "Turn to 121. It's a special page for just you."

I hurriedly did so. It had my favorite unicorn on it! I almost began crying again. "Thank you."

"So Clara, why were you crying earlier," he asked.

"You won't punish Tessa if I tell you?"

"I already owe Tessa a few punishments, but if you don't want me to punish her for what she did to you. I promise," he said.

I explained the situation about how she rejected the idea of playing with me.

"Oh I will be sure to make sure she makes it up to you."

"You said you wouldn't punish her though!" I said almost yelping.

"I think I will change some of my punishments to reflect the need to be nice to you. She will not be given additional or harsher punishments. Actually, to be honest. She is probably going to get a lighter punishment because you spoke up."

"That, okay I guess that works," I said.

"Let's make a deal Clara," he said. "And you are welcome to turn this offer down. Remember, you are such a smart principal. I value your insight. Help me with a few things I need done and in return. You are completely free to help Tessa and Kat in any way you seek, as long as you only advise them and do not directly interfere. You can even tell them about this deal too. I want you to have friends. You want to be friends with them don't you? Does that feel fair?"

"Yes!" I said. I just... I felt so bad for what I did last time. I got so caught up in the moment. I ended up making their second punishment so much worse. I didn't mean to. I wanted to help them. But I didn't wanna be a bad girl. If Samuel was gonna help me help them. This was the best deal I was ever going to get. "So as long as I only advise them, you won't punish me. Regardless of how much I advise them."

"Of course! I would never think of breaking my word, you know that, don't you?"

"Yeah. Also tell Rachel thanks for the coloring book. I am really excited." I smiled. Maybe things would be okay.