Ms. Menides heard the penitence in Claire's voice, sensing that it was real -- or at least, real enough. She felt a twinge of pity for the girl: she knew that love could inspire humankind to great deeds and great disaster alike. Helen. Cleopatra. Juliet. All women who fell for the right men in the wrong circumstances, and suffered dearly for it. Claire hadn't brought a country to war, but as a sixteen year old girl, she would feel this heartbreak for a long, long time.
Of course, Ms. Menides also noted the way Claire gripped her arm rests. There was a lot of anger in this girl, anger that needed to be directed somewhere before it did anyone harm. Track & Field obviously wasn't cutting it.
"That is... very mature of you, Ms. Fox," Ms. Menides said. "You're very young, still, and though it may not feel like it, you will love again. Someone who is more appropriate. Someone who can return these feelings to you." Ms. Menides eyes drifted towards Mr. Kaden. She raised an eyebrow at him.