Emily's pov
We were all stunned by Mr Raymond's abrupt entry and the look on his face showed just how angry he was.
"Ethan Madleev, come over here" Mr Raymond demanded with authority.
Looking at him, I had a very bad feeling.
Ethan dragged himself to stand in front of Mr Raymond, his head bent low.
"Where is it?" Mr Raymond asked, his voice full of disdain.
Ethan raised his head in shock.
I myself was a bit puzzled. Where was what?
"What do you mean sir? Where is what?" Ethan asked with a confused expression.
"Don't play dumb with me boy. I'll ask you again, where is it?" Mr Raymond asked again, his voice as cold as ice.
"I'm sorry sir, I don't know what you're talking about" Ethan replied with a blank expression but I noticed his clenched fists.
"Alright. Since you want me to spell it out for you, where is the silver necklace that I kept in my bag?" Mr Raymond asked, his body shaking with anger.
The whole class gasped at his question.
A silver necklace? Missing?
I glanced at Ethan to read his expression, unsure of how to feel at the moment.
"Silver necklace? What silver necklace?" Ethan asked with a puzzled look.
"You were the only one who went to my back after I left the staffroom. Are you still trying to deny it?" Mr Raymond asked again, his sharp eyes scrutinizing Ethan.
Ethan took a deep breath with his eyes closed, his expression taut as he denied it.
"I didn't do it"
"Oh really? Then I stole it myself. Is that what you're trying to say?" Mr Raymond shouted.
"Why does he keep denying it when it's so obvious"
"Not only is he a worthless orphan but also a thief too?"
"I feel so bad for Daniel and his parents"
The other students murmured, glaring at Ethan with disdain.
Why are they so sure he did it?
Could he have.....
No he wouldn't, right?
I looked at Ethan again, looking confused.
"Ethan, can you stop disgracing my family and just admit to what you've done. How can you be this shameless?" Daniel shouted, walking towards Mr Raymond and Ethan.
I wanted to say something but was unsure of what to let out.
I've only known him for a few days and we haven't interacted much.
I honestly don't know what to think.
"I didn't do it, okay?" Ethan said in a low voice through gritted teeth.
"Hmph, a poor orphan claiming he didn't steal. I'm sure you had taken it with the thought of selling it for money, am I wrong" Daniel asked again, standing face to face with Ethan.
"I... I.." he stammered.
"Stop wasting time here loser and just admit it. We all know you did it" Daisy shouted, her voice filled with hatred.
"Yeah stop denying it, you thief"
"How can he be so shameless"
Ethan stayed silent taking in all the insults. Although it wasn't that obvious, I noticed his body shaking slightly, his fists clenched so tightly that it drew blood.
A knot tightened in my stomach.
I glared at Daisy and walked towards the trio.
"Mr Raymond, I think this might just be a big misunderstanding" I suggested.
Whoosh
whoosh
whoosh
All head turned to look at me after my statement, each eye filled with both confusion and contempt.
The whole class fell silent.
Ethan raised his head to look at me.
Daisy turned to look at me in shock.
I ignored their gazes and fixed my eyes on the boy before me.
The whirlwind of emotions I saw in his eyes made me feel overwhelmed.
Pain, confusion, sorrow and ....hatred.
"What are you saying Emily? Have you gone mad?" Daisy shouted at me.
"Yeah, what do you mean misunderstanding? Who else would have stolen it if not him? Besides he was the only one who went into Mr Raymond's bag?" Daniel scoffed.
I didn't even bother to argue with him. How can they conclude he was the thief just like that? Isn't that wickedness?
" Emily, I would advise you to stay quiet. Ethan was the only one who opened my bag. Who else would have dared? If it were any other thing, I wouldn't have bothered but that was a gift my wife bought for my birthday. I can't take it lightly okay. " Mr Raymond said coldly
"You can't accuse him without evidence sir. That isn't right" I stood my ground.
Although I looked so brave on the outside, only I knew how nervous I was.
Who wouldn't be?
Standing up to your teacher like that?
I glanced at Ethan who never shifted his gaze from me.
Why is he so quiet?
Shouldn't he be defending himself?
Am I doing the right thing?
"He's the only one who could have done it. Don't you get it?" Daniel shouted, looking frustrated.
"That's enough. Since Emily insists, then let's investigate this properly. Ethan, come with me to the principal's office" Mr Raymond declared.
Principal's office?
Isn't he taking it too far?
What if I defended the wrong person?
The mention of the principal's office made my stomach tighten. Hope I didn't make matters worse.
For a few minutes, Ethan didn't move and kept looking at me.
After giving me one last glance, he followed Mr Raymond out.