Updated Apr 8, 2026 • ~2 min read
Chapter 20: Someone Saw
Sienna
Monday morning, Principal Okafor calls Sienna to her office.
Sienna’s stomach drops. She KNOWS.
“Ms. Martinez. Sit.”
Sienna sits.
“A parent expressed concern about your relationship with Mr. Blackwell.”
Sienna’s blood runs cold. “We don’t have a relationship—”
“They saw you having coffee together over Thanksgiving break. In public.”
Damn it. DAMN IT.
“We’re friends—”
“Teachers cannot be ‘friends’ with parents. It creates the appearance of impropriety.”
“There’s nothing inappropriate—”
“Appearances MATTER, Ms. Martinez. If parents believe you’re showing favoritism toward Harper because of a personal relationship with her father, it undermines your credibility.”
“I’m not showing favoritism!”
“I believe you. But perception is reality. From now on, you maintain PROFESSIONAL boundaries with Mr. Blackwell. No coffee dates. No personal meetings. School business ONLY. Am I clear?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Good. You’re a talented teacher. Don’t throw your career away for a man.”
Sienna leaves the office shaking.
Someone saw them. Reported them.
This is REAL now. The threat to her job.
She texts Jace immediately.
**Sienna:** Principal called me in. Someone saw us at coffee. She warned me to maintain professional boundaries.
**Jace:** Shit. Are you okay?
**Sienna:** No. We have to stop. COMPLETELY.
**Jace:** Sienna—
**Sienna:** I’m serious. No contact except required school stuff. Until June. Or I lose my job.
**Jace:** Okay. I understand.
**Sienna:** I’m sorry.
**Jace:** Don’t be. We knew this was risky.
**Sienna:** Six more months.
**Jace:** I’ll wait forever if I have to.
And Sienna knows: this is going to be the longest six months of her life.
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