Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 32

Cecilia’s cheeks turned a deep shade of red, tears shimmering in her eyes as Theodore gently led her out of the room.

Ms. Brown shot a fierce glare at Mr. Warren, as if this entire scene was somehow his fault. Then she turned to Emma. “So, what are your thoughts on this project? We’ll follow your lead.”

“Please don’t worry about me, Ms. Brown. Whatever you and Mr. Warren decide is fine by me.” Emma gave her teacher a playful wink. “You know me–I’m Little Linnet. I’ll always find a way to soar.”

Ms. Brown finally relaxed, letting out a sigh of relief. “That’s more like it! We only sat through all that melodrama because of you. We didn’t want to break anything precious while swatting at a few mice. If you’re alright with it, then I’m at ease.”

The others weren’t close to Emma or Theodore, so they’d kept their distance during the commotion. Now, hearing Ms. Brown’s words, everyone seemed to loosen up, the tension in the room fading away.

“Alright, let’s get back to business,” Ms. Brown said with a warm smile, gathering everyone’s attention.

Emma spent a lovely evening at Ms. Brown’s place. Everyone was welcoming, and by the end of the night, they’d all exchanged phone numbers. One girl, in

particular–Serena Innis, a fellow dance major–stood out with her sunny disposition, radiating warmth and cheer like a little sunbeam.

When it was time to head home, Sebastian insisted on driving Emma back and walked her all the way up to the sycamore tree outside her apartment building.

Under the leafy branches, Sebastian looked a little nervous. “Emma?“.

“Hmm?” Emma smiled at him. “Thanks for seeing me home.”

But Sebastian hung his head, the picture of remorse, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have exposed your personal business tonight without your permission. That was out of line.”

He really had been upset–indignant on her behalf.

Emma shook her head. What did that matter? The people who truly crossed the line never once felt guilty about it.

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Chapter 32

“It’s nothing. It was bound to come out sooner or later.” Her split with Theodore was inevitable. If he hadn’t kept refusing, they’d have been divorced by now.

Emma’s words seemed to spark something in Sebastian; his eyes lit up again. “Emma, Little Linnet, I believe you’ll fly higher than ever–even if your wings are battered.”

Back in college, her nickname had been Little Linnet–her leaps and turns were so light and high, she looked like a bird in flight.

All evening, hearing that old nickname had stirred something in her, bringing back memories of those days spent sweating through endless practice in the studio.

“Emma…” Sebastian called out as he was about to leave, then turned back to face her. “There’s nothing shameful about an injured foot, or about scars on your legs. The only shame belongs to those who mock you. They’re the ugly ones. Good people will always cheer for you! Goodnight, Emma!”

With that, Sebastian spun around and dashed off, waving his arm in the moonlight as if to prove his words–good people really were cheering her on.

Emma stood rooted to the spot, watching him disappear down the empty street. Her

heart was in turmoil.

It was the first time anyone had told her this: her scars were nothing to be ashamed of. The ones who should feel shame were those who ridiculed her.

She had never confided in anyone about the pain of being mocked–not even her dearest grandmother. She’d never wanted to burden her with that sorrow.

But how had Sebastian known?

“Still standing there? Can’t bear to go inside?” a voice called out from the shadows.

She turned. Theodore stepped out from beneath the streetlight.

“No wonder you keep bringing up divorce,” he said, looking completely different from the elegant man she’d seen at the party. Under the yellow glow, he looked tired, worn down.

“You’ve got it wrong,” she replied quietly. “I only just met Sebastian.”

But Theodore wasn’t listening. “The flowers in our apartment–did he send them?”

Chapter 33

Chapter 33

“Yes.” Emma didn’t bother to explain further.