Something about making them pay. Ariel's mouth fell open. That's a lie. I never We have witnesses. Chase's father spoke up.
Other students who heard her. Where's the video? Miss Thelma asked suddenly. The room went quiet. My granddaughter says they filmed it.
Where's that video? Logan shifted in his seat, but his mother answered smoothly. There is no video. These are just excuses to cover up her behavioral issues. Mr. Roberts nodded, picking up a form from his desk.
Given the conflicting accounts and Ariel's continued combative attitude. We're issuing a 3-day suspension for disruptive behavior and making threats. You're suspending me? Ariel felt like she couldn't breathe. This is ridiculous.
Miss Thelma stood up. These boys attacked my granddaughter and you're punishing her for it. I want to speak to Principal Stevens. Dr. Stevens is in meetings all day. Mr. Roberts said, "This decision is final.
Ariel can return next Monday, assuming she's ready to cooperate better with her fellow students. " The boys smirked as Ariel and her grandmother left the office. Jake's mother was already on her phone, probably calling their lawyer. Chase whispered something to Logan, and they both laughed. The drive home was even quieter than the drive to school.
Ms. Thelma's jaw was set in a way Ariel hadn't seen since her father's funeral. When they pulled into their driveway, neither moved to get out. I'm filing a complaint with the school board, Miss Thelma finally said. This isn't over. But Ariel barely heard her.
Something had shifted inside her during that meeting. Seeing those boys smile, watching their parents defend them, hearing the assistant principal twist everything around. It awakened something she'd been trying to keep buried. She spent the rest of the day in her room, barely touching the lunch Miss Thelma brought up. By evening, she'd made a decision.
"I'm going out for a bit, " she called downstairs. Her grandmother looked up from her paperwork, concerned, but understanding in her eyes. "Be careful, " was all she said. The sun was setting as Ariel drove across town. The dojo's familiar storefront came into view.
Jordan's traditional karate, written in simple letters above the door. The parking lot was half full. Evening classes would be starting soon. She pulled into a spot but didn't get out immediately. Through the windows, she could see students warming up, their white gis bright under the fluorescent lights.
Sensei Jordan moved among them, making corrections just like he had when she was there. Ariel gripped her steering wheel, remembering the last time she'd been here. The tournament, the fight, the reason she'd walked away. After a long moment, she reached for her door handle. It was time to stop running.
The bell above the dojo's door chimed as Ariel stepped inside. The familiar smell of wood floors and sweat hit her immediately. Several students turned, their eyes widening in recognition. A few whispered to each other. She stood awkwardly by the entrance, her street clothes making her feel even more out of place.