Chapter 23: Leave her or I will send these pictures to your family and the school board
Three months have passed just in the twinkle of an eye since Maria started teaching in John Mills High and two months have passed since she started going out with Ad-Din.
At first she was worried that things would not be as smooth but Ad-Din had proved to be the best choice for her. Not only was he respectful towards her at school, he had also been the best boyfriend to her too.
He was kind and considerate of her and always did his best to make sure she was comfortable.
Maria had almost forgotten of all her worries and was finding life very comfortable. She did her best at school. She felt she was excelling both in her career and love life. She was happy.
Her father had stopped coming to the house to harass her since that night. Thinking of her father, he hadn't appeared before her since that night that he came and begged her to let Ad-Din let him off. His absence was a breath of fresh air but Maria felt it was a little strange.
Her father wasn't one to back away just because someone told him to. Especially after been pushed to the corner like that and her thought was right. Her father never backed off. He was working with Karen Kash. They were gathering information and evidence of Maria and Ad-Din's relationship.
They were allowing them to have a little fun before they struck them.
It was a Monday and Mondays were the busiest of all the days of the week for Maria. She had six lessons throughout the whole day.
After her fourth lesson, which was with the second year class 2 A, Maria was exhausted and hungry. She walked out of the classroom the moment the bell rang. She wanted to escape the classroom because the students kept asking her a lot of questions.
Maria massaged her shoulders as she walked with the books in her hand. She suddenly felt the weight of the books lifted off her and turned. It was Ad-Din who had snatched the books from her and was now walking in front of her. Maria was so flustered and rushed in front trying to take the books back.
''You should act normal, Miss Lee. Right now I am not your boyfriend. I am just a student who is helping out a teacher right now''. Ad-Din said and looked at the students around them.
Maria followed his gaze and saw that if she continued to insist, her actions would turn suspicious so she slowed Ad-Din to go with the books while she followed behind.
''You look tired, Miss Lee. Is it tough having to teach us all day?'' Ad-Din asked as he walked in front.
''Not at all. This is my work. Is what I am paid to do''. Maria responded trying to act normal even though she was blushing.
"Miss Lee is so diligent. Should I dominate you for best teacher award? I feel that you deserve to be recognized for your hard work"
"You really make me speechless" Maria murmured and glared at him.
Maria and Ad-Din walked towards the staff room as they chatted.
Karen walked out of their classroom holding a big brown envelope. She looked at their back view and chuckled sarcastically. She had finally gotten the evidence she needed and was ready to strike.
....
Lunch time.
Ad-Din put his tray on his table and sat down to eat when Karen Kash walked over and sat across him with her tray. She was holding that envelope.
Ad-Din looked at her lazily and asked. "What are you doing here?''
''I have something interesting to show you, Ad-Din. You are going to be very surprise. Even I was shocked by it''. Karen said and flash a smile.
The cafeteria was packed with students and teachers. Everyone was busy eating.
''Leave right now''. Ad-Din told her.
''Come on, Ad-Din. I haven't even shown you what I have here? I bet you won't be acting all smug with me when you see it?'' Karen pointed at the brown envelope in her hand.
''What do you want?'' Ad-Din asked impatiently.
''I stumbled upon these pictures recently. They were quite interesting and I felt that it would be a shame for only me to have them''.
Karen tore the envelope and showed the pictures to Ad-Din. They were pictures of himself and Maria. They were intimate pictures of them hugging and kissing.
Ad-Din's face darkened and he said ''you are really sick. Aren't you?''
Karen's face distorted as a sly smile appeared in her face.
''I have only one request. Leave her or I will send the pictures to your parents and the school board. I am close to the school board president. The one you handed over to. You know that right?"
Karen lifted one of the pictures out and placed it on the table. She picked her fork and stabbed on where Maria's face was as she continued.
"What do you think will happen if these pictures were to be uploaded onto the school forum and also the internet?
A teacher dating her student? Or a teacher sleeping with her student? It is going to be a buzz worthy piece of scoop''.
Karen chuckled and looked towards the teachers' table. Maria was eating and laughing at something one of the teachers said.
''I really underestimated Miss Lee. How could she stoop so low as to date a minor? Doesn't she know is an abuse of her position? Unlawful act on her part? Ad-Din, I am worried about you. She didn't threaten or force you in any way, right? You can trust me and tell me the truth"
Ad-Din looked at her coldly and stood up with his tray and Karen added ''should I go to her instead with these photos?''
''Follow me''. Ad-Din said coldly and walked away and Karen followed.
School roof top.
...
Ad-Din pulled Karen up the stairs and pushed her against the wall as soon as they reached the rooftop.
''Are you going to beat me? I didn't know you were someone who beat women? Do you also beat Miss Lee? Is that why she is dating you?''.
''You really don't have the brakes to stop, right? Karen, don't push your luck with me''. Ad-Din told her.
''Then, break up with her. What does she have that I don't? I am even younger than her. I have always treated you nicely. I bought so many expensive things for you but each time, you will refuse them. But, she just came about four months ago and you are already smitten with her. Aren't you ashamed of yourself, Ad-Din? Going out with a woman older than you? What did she do to you? Did she seduce you with that pretty face of hers? Do you even know anything about her?"
''I always thought you were just a normal girl who had a crush on me but now I know it wasn't just a crush. Miss Kash, you are sick. Your obsession over who and what I am. The kind of life I can give you. My background and family. That is sickness''. Ad-Din said coldly.
''I am not sick. The one who is sick is you. Isn't it obvious? You are the one dating an older woman who is also your teacher. Ad-Din, I am going to get engaged to you at all cost because only I deserve you. You are mine. What has that woman done to deserve you? If you don't leave her then don't blame me for being vicious to her''.
''Go and do whatever you want but don't also blame me if anything happens to you:'. Ad-Din said and walked away.
Karen knelt down and wept. She clutched unto the envelope as her face turned ashen and vicious.
Since Ad-Din didn't want to reason with her, then she wouldn't reason with him either.
She had thought that he would listen to her and break this off with that woman but no, he instead just threatened her. This was something Karen couldn't take. She was the one who was supposed to do the threatening but because of Miss Lee, Ad-Din threatened her.
Karen wiped away the tears and removed her phone and made a call.
Since the only way to stop them was to expose them, Karen was glad to do that.
If that would make Ad-Din hers again. All she had to do was to get rid of the measly teacher, Miss Lee.
The call connected and Marley Suwait's voice could be heard from the other side. "Miss Kash, how may I help you? Is it time already?"
"There will be a Parent-Teacher Association and board of directors meeting next week. I want you to come to the school along with the evidence in your hands''. Karen spoke on the phone and hung up. She didn't wait for any response and stuffed the phone into her side pocket.
She turned to go and saw Calia at the door.