Chapter 20 (Landon)
Dean Crane's eyes narrow into tiny slits and she purses her lips. I know this look, I've seen her give it to plenty of other students before.
She's trying to determine not only if my story is full of shit...but if there are any underlying aspects that would compel me to lie to her.
To most people, she's intimidating as hell. But this woman is someone I consider my mentor...therefore I'm calm and collected.
“So Theo O' Conner just picked a fight with you out of nowhere in the parking lot?” she questions, walking over to her desk.
“Yes, I was walking out of the library after a tutoring session and out to my car which was parked right next to his.”
She presses her pointer fingers to her lips, appearing to think about this. “Theo says he never touched you and that you threw the first punch after he and his teammate Asher Holden had words.”
I clear my throat, hiding my nervousness. I thought for sure this meeting would go a lot smoother.
I point to the bruise on my face. “He struck me first. And yes, I hit him back but it was self-defense. After he made derogatory statements.”
“What kinds of statements? According to him, he's never even spoken to you before yesterday. In fact, he states that no words were exchanged between you two during yesterday’s incident.” She sits down at her desk. “He said there was an altercation between him and Mr. Holden—whom he's had previous issues with—and that you put yourself in the middle of it.”
“That's not—”
“Look, I can only go by facts. And the fact is that you both are stating that Asher Holden was there—and both he and Mr. O' Conner have had prior incidents in the past...one that resulted in Mr. O' Conner being attacked. The other fact— is that according to Coach Crane you weren't at the library tutoring a student...you were in the locker room with Asher.” She looks hurt. “I don't like being lied to, Landon.”
I open my mouth but she holds up a hand, silencing me. “Now, I know that you are tutoring him. My husband informed me that he appears to be doing well academically under your guidance. That being said, if he's threatening you in some way and using—”
“Are you kidding!” I shout, much to the shock of the both of us. “I'm here reporting an assault that happened on your campus and you're trying to take the offender's side and twist this into something it's not?”
She rubs her temples. “That's not what's happening, Landon. If anything, I'm only trying to look out for you and get to the bottom of this.” She holds up a file. “So, I'm going to level with you. Asher Holden has been known to cause trouble in the past. His record at his previous school speaks for itself.”
She slams the file on her desk. “This file is full of reports from his previous University stating numerous incidents and issues that they've had with him—”
“You mean the file full of bullshit to cover their asses?” I scoff. “The one they put together after they just so happened to kick him out after a sex tape of him with another guy went viral. The University that dropped him on his ass and helped ruin his life when they should have been supporting him. The University that had no issues with him when he was on that field winning championships...until the day they found out that he liked to have sex with men and it was caught on tape for the world to see. The University that knew how much money Asher's family had and the potential lawsuits that would be awaiting them if he were ever attacked on campus for his sexuality, so instead they kicked him out so they didn't have to deal with it. That University?”
I stand up, disgusted. This is a woman I once held in such high regard. I feel like a kid discovering that Santa isn't real for the first time.
“I'll admit...I didn't like him at first either, Dean Crane. But then I got to know him...really got to know him. And I discovered things about him—things like why he needs that scholarship you've given him so badly.”
When she gives me a look I say, “Because his own family turned their backs on him. And I can tell you personally that he's working his ass off, trying his hardest to put the work in even though classes haven't even started yet. Just ask your husband, he'll tell you.”
My jaw hardens. “Or you can just take my word for it...because I'm telling you the truth. O'Connor is a homophobic bigot. And he's going to be an even bigger problem the longer you allow him to remain here. Asher Holden isn't perfect...not by a long shot. But he's trying.”
She takes a deep breath. “Okay.”
“Okay?”
She studies my face. “You're a good kid, Landon. One of the best students at this school. So if you think I misjudged Asher and the situation with O' Conner...perhaps you're right. I was originally going to suspend them both...but after careful consideration—I think it's in the school's best interest to expel Theo O' Conner. Now if you want to go to the police, I can go ahead and get the ball rolling for you.”
Her face softens. “And for what it's worth, I'm sorry that you were attacked yesterday. I had no idea that you were gay.” She pauses, as if catching herself. “Not that it matters...but rest assured that this University has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to bullying and violence.”
We both know she's covering her and the University's ass, but at least she's doing the right thing. I walk toward the door. “Thank you.”
“One more thing, Landon,” she calls out, halting me. When I turn around she says, “I have no problem with you tutoring Asher Holden. However, it's clear there is a personal relationship between the two of you. Now, the university has rules stating that TAs and students cannot date.” Concern pulls on her features. “You've worked your butt off the last three years to be a TA this year, Landon. The hours, the studying, the doubling sometimes tripling up on classes. I'd hate to see all that hard work go to waste.”
My stomach drops. “I— We're not dating.”
She narrows her eyes, her gaze scrutinizing. “Well I thought—”
“No,” I state quickly. “I'm not—it's not like that between us. We have a professional and platonic relationship, I assure you.”
She thinks about this for a moment. “Well, then I guess we have nothing to worry about here.”
“Great.” I turn to the door but she stops me again.
“Word of advice? And I'm not saying this as the Dean—I'm saying this as a person who knows how quickly things can crumble if you're not careful. This is your last year. You're almost at the finish line. Please don't get caught up in things that might bring you down. Because I honestly think out of all the students who have passed through my doors...you're destined for greatness, Landon. Whatever road you choose to go down will be a great one. Don't let the wrong people take advantage of that.”
“Thank you,” I say again, closing the door behind me.
I dial Asher's number and bring the phone to my ear. When he picks up on the second ring, I say, “Hey, great news. O' Conner's being expelled.”
“Oh,” some deep voice that I don't recognize answers. “I'm sorry, this isn't Asher. He left his phone here earlier.”
I swallow hard and grit my teeth, the impact of what he's saying slamming me in the chest.
“But hey, if you get a hold of him can you tell him he left it here?”
“Sure thing,” I say before I slam the phone down.