“You’re insane.”
Caroline moved closer.
“No.”
“I’m just tired of you acting like putting on our uniform makes you one of us.”
There it was.
No ambiguity.
Audrey’s phone recorded everything.
Amara looked directly at Caroline.
“I am one of you.”
Caroline laughed.
“No.”
“You’re somebody the school brought in so it can brag about being inclusive.”
Sloane’s smile weakened.
Even she seemed surprised by how clearly Caroline said it.
Amara answered, “I got admitted.”
“So did lots of people.”
“I got the fellowship.”
“Exactly.”
Caroline lifted the tie.
“You didn’t grow up here.”
“You don’t ride.”
“Your family isn’t part of this community.”
Amara stared at her.
“My family is standing in the school parking lot more often than yours.”
Caroline stepped closer.
“You know what I mean.”
“Yes.”
Amara’s voice became quiet.
“I finally do.”
Caroline closed the scissors.
The lower half of the tie dropped.
Nobody laughed immediately.
Amara looked down at it.
Then at Audrey’s phone.
“Keep recording.”
Caroline’s expression tightened.
“You going to cry to Bell again?”
“No.”
“Good.”
Amara nodded toward the scissors.
“I want you to explain that part later.”
Caroline moved closer and caught the front of Amara’s blazer near the collar.
“Stop acting tough.”
Amara pulled backward.
“Let go.”
Caroline did not.
The black SUV turned into the visitor lane.
Security officer Daniel Reeves stepped out first.