2/2 Chapter 26 Mia turned to see Lucy , who was felgning shock as she looked at her . The forum says Sarah only has a high school diploma and used underhanded methods to get hired as our counselor . She's less educated than any of us , and it's embarrassing to be associated with someone like her ! " Lucy shot Sarah a disdainful look , her face full of arrogance . Mia , fuming , was about to confront Lucy , but Sarah calmly stood up , placing herself between them . She faced Lucy with a steady gaze and asked evenly , " Was it you who started the forum post ? " Lucy didn't flinch , even with her actions called out in front of everyone . Instead , she looked even more pleased with herself . " And what if it was ? Did I say anything that wasn't true ? " She didn't care that Mia knew she was behind it . Sarah hadn't finished college , so calling her a high school graduate wasn't a lie . What was there to be afraid of ? Mia's eyes were cold as she looked at her . " That post is getting a lot of attention . You might not realize that fabricating stories and defamation can have serious legal consequences … The crowd's attention shifted between the two , and the tension grew . " Defamation ? " Lucy scoffed , dismissive . " Tell me what's false . That she only has a high school education or that she got her position through special means ? You seriously want us to believe she earned her way in ? " A high school graduate as a college counsellor ? Impossible . And it was true that Sarah hadn't officially graduated from college . No one believed Sarah could provide any proof to shut Lucy down . But then , in a firm voice , Sarah said , " I did . " Everyone was stunned . Lucy scowled , confused . " What did you just say ? " " I said , I earned this position legitimately . " Sarah's gaze was calm , her voice steady . " You're right - I didn't graduate or complete my studies here . I'm not technically a college graduate … " " Then how could you have earned this job ? " Lucy pressed , gritting her teeth . " Because … " Sarah looked straight at her , speaking slowly , " I'm technically still on academic leave . " Academic leave ? Everyone was surprised . By the timeline , Sarah should have graduated long ago . The school didn't allow anyone to take that long of a leave . Typically , exceeding the graduation period would mean expulsion . 1/2 At the time , I had some personal reasons that prevented me from graduating . The school made an exception and granted me an indefinite leave . My enrollment status remains active here … Part of the reason I'm back is to complete my Internship ; the other is to complete my degree . " Her calm explanation left the crowd torn between belief and doubt . ( 1 ) Lucy , however , couldn't help but sneer . " Sarah , stop making things up . Everyone knows the school doesn't make exceptions for anyone . Do you really think they'd let someone take that much time off as if they own the place … " Before she could finish, a gasp came from the crowd . " Oh my gosh ! I know who she is ! No wonder she looked so familiar ! " Everyone turned to see a girl with a round face looking at Sarah with excitement and awe . " Sarah , are you the legend from the psychology department ? The one who got near - perfect entrance scores , completed three years of coursework in one year with perfect grades , and successfully treated countless patients starting sophomore year ! " " I heard you never graduated , but all the professors have been waiting for you to return . I saw your photo in Professor Wells's office - I can't believe you're really back ! "