Chapter 1

The twenty-something boys and girls in Carla Bradford’s high school class at George Washington High School were likely expecting just another mundane day as they settled into their seats. But there was a subtle yet palpable energy floating in the air, causing some students to shift restlessly as they waited for class to begin. Perhaps it was due to the first spring rain that had graced the city that morning.

However, for Robert Gannon, all of this was insignificant. The irony was that he himself had no inkling of what was about to unfold. If anyone had taken a survey among his classmates, they would never have guessed that Robert would be the one to experience something out of the ordinary that day.

At sixteen years old, Robert was small and fragile-looking, thanks to his small frame and lack of muscles compared with the jocks on the football team. His brown hair was always neatly combed and trimmed to earlobe length. At first glance, he seemed like a nerd, but in reality, his academic, athletic, and social skills were all below average.

Despite these unremarkable traits, it was precisely this combination that caught Carla’s attention from the first day of class. She didn’t show any particular interest in him, but she always seemed to notice him amidst the chaotic classroom environment. And just when he thought he had become invisible to everyone else, she would make a passing comment or flash him a brief smile, making his heart skip a beat.

For nearly three weeks, Carla had been closely observing Robert, patiently waiting for him to slip up and give her a reason to discipline him. But just as she was about to give up hope, she finally caught him trying to peek up the skirt of one of the girls in class. Although she didn’t reprimand him in front of everyone, her piercing gaze made it clear that she had seen through his attempt. She waited until class was over and the other students began to gather their belongings before calling out to him, “Robert, I’d like to speak with you for a few minutes after class.”

As the students chattered and laughed while leaving the classroom, Carla stayed behind with Robert. The other boys and girls exchanged knowing looks, assuming he was in trouble.

Carla was a renowned figure at George Washington High School, known for her unwavering dedication to her job. At twenty-eight years old, she held the title of the “ice queen”, a moniker that perfectly described her demeanor. Her long, black hair was always pulled back into a tight bun, giving her an air of strictness and no-nonsense attitude. Her sharp features were only accentuated by the gold-framed glasses perched on her nose; their glare adding to her formidable presence. She wore minimal makeup, if any, and her attire was always professional but unremarkable, further cementing her reputation as an asexual and uninteresting figure among her students. However, despite their perceptions of her, Carla’s excellence as an educator could not be denied. Even the most critical of students and colleagues had to acknowledge her skill and dedication in the classroom. She had turned down numerous attempts at wooing from fellow teachers, solely focused on her work and shaping young minds for the future.

As the last of his classmates hurriedly left the room, Carla remained seated at her desk for a few moments, letting Robert stew in his own guilt and shame. The silence was heavy and suffocating, broken only by the dull hum of fluorescent lights and the occasional clatter of a pencil hitting the floor. Finally, Carla lifted her gaze from the endless stack of papers she had been grading and fixed it on Robert with a stern expression. “You know why I asked you to stay, Robert,” she said flatly, her words filling the room with an uncomfortable tension.

Robert’s face went pale and sweat broke out across his forehead as he tried to think of an excuse, but Carla’s sharp gaze seemed to read his thoughts. “Please, Robert,” she interrupted firmly, cutting off his stammering. “Let’s not make this worse by lying. I saw you trying to sneak a peek at Margaret Carbonero’s undergarments. Your eyes gave you away completely.”

Robert hung his head in shame, knowing that he had been caught red-handed. He struggled to find words to explain himself, feeling trapped and vulnerable under Carla’s accusing glare and the weight of deceit on his conscience.

“It’s students like you who have no respect for others that ruin the reputation of this school,” Carla continued in a disapproving tone. “Degenerates are not welcome here, Mr. Gannon. And I’m sure you don’t want to be seen as one, do you?”

The boy could only lower his head in regret and nod silently in agreement. The incident would surely haunt him for a long time to come.

“And what about Margaret?” Carla pressed on. “Do you think she would appreciate being objectified like that? Do you think she deserves to be treated as nothing more than a sexual object?”

“No, ma’am,” Robert replied quietly, feeling the weight of his actions.

Carla nodded. “I’m glad you understand the gravity of the situation.” She leaned forward and rested her elbows on her desk, clasping her hands together. “I want you to remember that every person deserves respect and dignity, regardless of their gender or appearance.”

Robert nodded again, feeling a sense of regret and remorse wash over him. He had always been taught to treat others with kindness and respect, but in that moment of weakness and peer pressure from his friends, he had failed to live up to those values.

Carla continued to study Robert’s guilty expression before speaking again. “The only sure way to teach those who disrespect their fellow female classmates not to do so again is to punish them,” she said with a mixture of sternness and compassion.

Robert’s heart sank even further at the mention of punishment. He knew he deserved it, but the thought of facing consequences for his actions made him feel sick with guilt.

“Of course, I could let your parents administer the punishment, or even report you to the principal and open a file on you,” Carla continued, her voice still soft but firm. “But I have a feeling you wouldn’t want me to do either of those things, would you?”

Robert cringed at the thought of his parents finding out about his behavior. He knew they would be disappointed and angry, and he couldn’t bear the thought of disappointing them even more.

A single droplet of sweat traced a path down Robert’s forehead, a testament to his nervousness as he struggled to control his shallow breaths. His gaze landed on Carla, an imposing figure with furrowed brows and a serious expression. “N-no, ma’am,” he stammered out in a quivering voice.

The teacher’s nod was slow and deliberate, her hand gesturing for him to stand up from his chair. “Then suppose you get up and close the door,” she said, her tone tense and commanding.

Robert obeyed without question, his heart pounding in his chest as he made his way to the wooden door and shut it firmly. “Lock it, please,” Carla instructed authoritatively.

Panic began to creep into Robert’s mind as he fumbled for the padlock, struggling to steady his shaking hands as he locked the door. “Now come to my desk,” Carla commanded.

With each step feeling like a weight dragging him down, Robert approached the solid wooden desk where Carla sat, her eyes still fixed on him. He couldn’t bring himself to meet her gaze, instead focusing on his trembling hands. “Pull down your pants,” she ordered with unwavering authority.

The young boy swallowed hard, his eyes widening in disbelief as he slowly repeated the words. “Pull down ... my pants?”

Carla’s voice rose sharply, commanding obedience. “Obey!” she exclaimed, her tone leaving no room for argument. She locked eyes with the boy and added coldly, “There is only one remedy for young perverts: a good beating. Or perhaps you think you are too old to be punished and would prefer that I inform your parents or hand you over to the headmaster?”