My name is Claire Hope Evans and I will not be afraid, I repeat the mantra from my favorite book in my head as I walk towards the Monroe building. My heart is beating so hard my chest hurt and I can feel the sweat forming on my brow as I walk up the stairs. I’m not that out of shape, I’m just anxious. I take a few deep breaths as I check the email for the room number I already have memorized and made my way into the room.

My first thought is that I’m late, even though I’m not, but the room is already full of people. My second thought is ‘what the hell’ because both Heidi and Hannah are here and they didn’t tell me they were going to be.

The chair-desks are arranged in a circle around the room, and Heidi motions me over to the seat next to her. I look around and realize that everyone has a notebook. Shit, I didn’t know I had to bring one. Heidi rips a page out and hands it to me with a pen before I can even ask. I give her a grateful smile, but I don’t say anything because no one is talking. It’s weird, you can literally hear a pen drop because it’s so quiet, except I can’t because my heart’s still having a jam session in my chest. I hate anxiety.

The board says to get into groups of five so we ask the two guys sitting on each side of us to join our group. I can’t help but notice that they’re both attractive in their own ways and they’re both tall, at least compared to my 5’6” they are.

“I’m Will,” the one with sandy blonde hair introduces himself. Hannah, Heidi, and I introduce ourselves before the brunet introduces himself.

“Luke,” his voice is deep and I sense that he doesn’t talk much.

I squelch a grimace as the awkward silence starts and the realization that we have nothing left to do sets in. That’s when the door opens and none other than Dr. Nina French enters the room.

Some of the students gasp when they see her, but I can’t help but think that of course, she’s here, who else is this involved in my life?

I can't help but wonder if everyone in this room is here because of her. The question is, did she save us or doom us?