Grover's head was reeling with the implications of everything he had just discovered. He made a silent vow to only live in cities and to stay clear of any remote villages from now on in case he accidentally ran into Maria's teacher somewhere.

“Actually, Maria, I came over to tell you something. Jessie just called."

Francis relayed the details exactly as they had transpired. When he was done, Maria turned to Grover and looked at him, her eyes pensive.

Feeling a chill run down his spine, Grover rushed to explain the matter. "I knew it was wrong, but I had very little choice, Miss Jenkins. Jessie forced me to make trouble with you. I am really sorry. I promise you, it will not happen again. Please forgive me this one time."

His eyes were wide with pleading.