Chapter 8 - Chapter 8

Mister Martinez rested his hand on Cherry's scholarship folder without opening it."Even capable students can lose important opportunities," he said.Cherry sat straighter."My grades are still high, sir. I've completed all the renewal forms.""For now."She looked at him.His smile remained polite, but she could not tell whether he was questioning her grades or warning her about something else.The renewal notice had arrived that morning. Cherry had checked every form before coming to the guidance office after class.Her scholarship covered her tuition. Without it, she could not keep studying while paying for Luke's needs.Several days had passed since Benjamin cornered her at the hotel. She had not seen him on campus since Gilbert made him leave.She hoped he had taken the warning seriously. For now, she had classes to attend, hospital visits to make, and shifts to finish.Luke remained unconscious. Gilbert's thirty thousand pesos had covered the immediate gap in his expenses, but more bills would follow.Cherry needed to keep working. She also intended to repay Gilbert.Losing her scholarship would leave her with a choice she already knew how to make.Luke would come first."I've submitted my assignments," she told Mister Martinez. "Is something missing from my application?"He leaned back."I received a report about you."Cherry's fingers tightened in her lap."What kind of report?""It says you've been spending an unusual amount of time with certain schoolmates."She thought of Troy driving her to the hospital. Someone might have seen them leave the university together.But she did not know whether that was what Mister Martinez meant."Which schoolmates?""Is there something you should tell me?"Cherry kept her eyes on him."I don't know what you're asking about.""Relax, Miss Blaire. I'm not accusing you.""Then does the report affect my scholarship?"He did not answer directly."I like to know when my students need support."His gaze moved over her, and Cherry shifted in her chair."What kind of support?""Rumors travel quickly here. Students sometimes make poor choices when they're under pressure.""What rumors, sir?"He picked up his pen and tapped it against the desk before setting it down again."If you find yourself with no other options, you can come to me. We could make sure you don't lose your scholarship."Cherry glanced at the folder under his hand.He had not checked her grades. He had not pointed to a missing document or explained a rule she had broken.Instead, he was offering something she did not understand and linking it to the one thing she could not afford to lose.She moved her chair back slightly."My scholarship is based on my academic record," she said. "If there's a problem with that record, please tell me."For a moment, his smile disappeared."You're misunderstanding me. I'm offering guidance."Cherry remained still."Your family situation must be difficult," he continued. "Your brother is in the hospital, and you're working several jobs."Her breath caught.She had not told him about Luke."How do you know that?"Mister Martinez paused."People talk.""Who told you?""That isn't important.""It is to me."Her voice was respectful, but she no longer tried to smile.He looked at her for a moment."Don't let pride make your life harder than it needs to be."Cherry stood.She reached for her folder, and he moved his hand away."I'll take these to the scholarship office," she said. "If there's a concern about my renewal, I'd like them to explain it."His expression hardened."Be careful, Miss Blaire."Cherry stopped with the folder against her chest."Is that a warning?""I'm reminding you that scholarships can be reviewed.""Then my grades and records should be part of that review."Silence settled between them.She wanted to explain that Troy had only helped her reach the hospital. But Mister Martinez had never named him. Offering details now might give him something else to question. Cherry pressed her thumb against the folder's edge and kept quiet. He needed to explain the report he had mentioned.The chair stood between them now. Cherry was grateful for that small distance. She could hear voices outside the office, ordinary conversations carrying through the closed door. Other students were nearby. If he asked her to stay, she could refuse and step into the hallway. She reminded herself of that.She had needed help before, and she would need it again. Troy had offered a ride. Her manager had offered an advance. Neither had threatened her future when she hesitated. Whatever Mister Martinez intended, she could ask for a clear explanation before accepting anything. Needing help did not change that.Cherry's heart pounded, but she stayed on her feet. She would not agree to an unclear offer because she was afraid. She needed to leave this office and find someone who could tell her what was actually required.Mister Martinez opened his mouth.Before he could speak, the door opened.The dean entered with two school directors. Gilbert followed them.Cherry froze.Mister Martinez immediately straightened in his chair."Good afternoon," he said, his polite smile returning.Gilbert's gaze moved from him to Cherry.She stood beside the chair, clutching the folder he had never opened.Why was Gilbert at her university?She had not called him. She had come to renew her scholarship, determined to handle at least this part of her life herself.Now he was watching her, and she could not read his expression.Only days earlier, he had helped her when Benjamin grabbed her wrist. She still remembered how carefully he had touched the red mark afterward.But she also remembered him accusing her of using his family.He had entered after Mister Martinez's offer. He had not heard how the conversation began.If the guidance officer gave his version first, would Gilbert listen to hers?Cherry loosened her grip on the folder. She had nothing to be ashamed of, even if standing in front of all of them made her feel exposed.Gilbert looked back at Mister Martinez, then at her."Cherry."She raised her eyes."What exactly is going on here?"