Chapter 3The Teacher's Revenge

But he didn't know. This time around? I was a psycho. All sunshine and rainbows to everyone else. Pure evil to him.

His injury was bad. School nurse sent him to the hospital.

Next few days, Ethan came to school. Hand all wrapped up.

Tried hard in my class. Always raising his hand. Answering questions. I ignored him completely.

Even when he won first prize. School computer competition. Brought glory to our class. I didn't say a word.

His eyes changed. From eager to dark. Once came to ask me directly:

"Ms. Summers, why don't you ever notice my efforts? No matter how hard I try?"

I swiveled in my chair. Didn't even look at him.

If kindness only bred betrayal? This time, I didn't mind being the villain.

As long as I could protect myself.

"Because you don't deserve it. Some things can't be changed by trying. Like your disgusting inner self. Even uglier than your face."

Even now, I had good reason to say this.

Few days ago. On my way home from work. Caught him torturing a stray cat. By the time I found them? Little white cat was already dead. Scalded by boiling water.

He'd smiled and said, "This stuck-up cat scratched me. How could a cat be better than a human?"

Now, Ethan glared at me. Hate in his eyes. Hands clenched under his sleeves.

I didn't care. Kept giving him the cold shoulder.

Even the head teacher noticed. Frowned as he reminded me:

"Olivia, teachers should treat all students the same. We shouldn't be harsh on special cases. Should give them extra care."

But I didn't hold back. Said right in front of Ethan:

"What's so special about him? He has hands and feet. He's mentally sound. If we give him special treatment, is that fair to the other students?"

He started to hate me. Spread rumors. Said I had a wild private life. That I was seducing the principal. That sort of thing.

But on the surface? He'd still flash me a grin. Say hi when he saw me.

As autumn turned to winter, Ethan started wearing shabby coats. Ripped jeans. Stuck out like a sore thumb.

I'd heard he was orphaned young. Raised by his grandma. Spoiled rotten.

On my 25th birthday, I won the city's Outstanding Teacher award. Double celebration.

I had a great rapport with my students. This was the job I'd always dreamed of.

Several students chipped in. Bought me a huge, gorgeous bouquet. I accepted with a big smile.

"Megan, Jenny, you both made top ten in the recent mock exam. Didn't you two want to be desk buddies before? I was worried you'd chat too much and fall behind. Now, go for it."

"Travis, your literature score's looking up. Try to shift some focus from science and math to memorizing more poetry. Easy points, right?"

As I was chatting with the students, I spotted an uninvited guest in the crowd.

Ethan had brought me flowers too.

Whether by accident or design, it was a single white rose. Petals crushed and oozing sap. Hideous.

"Ms. Summers, I saved up my allowance for a week to buy this for you. You have to like it, okay?" He held it out to me. Hope shining in his eyes.

My smile vanished. In front of all the teachers and students in the office, I picked it up with a tissue. Dropped it on the floor.

Wrinkled my nose in disgust.

"Filthy."

Ethan's lips quivered. But he bent down. Picked up the flower without a word. Walked away.

The dark look in his eyes sent chills down my spine.

But I didn't look back. I wasn't afraid of his hatred.

He always preyed on those weaker than him. Cowered before the strong.