That detail became uncomfortable later.
At 8:11, Imani walked toward Government with her notebook under one arm. She had stopped at counseling first to turn in a scholarship form, making her later than usual.
She opened the door.
The fishing line tightened.
The bucket tipped.
Nearly three gallons of cold water crashed straight onto Imani’s head.
Her body froze in the doorway. Water streamed down her braids, face, leather jacket, white shirt, black jeans, and boots.
The bucket struck the top of the door before swinging sideways. Students gasped.
Avery laughed.
Harper did too, though her expression changed faster.
For several seconds Imani did not move. Her eyes were closed.
Water ran from her chin onto the tile. Her white shirt had become soaked enough that she pulled the leather jacket closed instinctively.
Somebody behind the desks whispered, “Oh my God.”
Avery said, “Good morning.”
Imani opened her eyes.
She looked at the bucket first. Then the line.
Then Avery.
“Did you do this?”
Avery shrugged. “Senior prank.”
“You’re under a no-contact order.”
“It’s water.”
Imani looked around the classroom.
Several phones were already raised.
That detail hit her immediately.
“You wanted this recorded.”
Avery smiled. “Everything isn’t a conspiracy.”
Imani stepped fully inside. Water left small prints beneath her boots.
Harper remained near her desk.
Imani looked at her. “You helped?”
Harper said nothing.
That silence answered enough.
Imani’s hands started shaking. She closed them, then opened them again.
Avery noticed.
“There it is.”
Imani stared at her.
“What?”
“The temper.”
Several students shifted uncomfortably.
Imani understood at once.
Months of angry. Aggressive. Attitude.
Real personality.
A bucket of cold water.
Phones ready before she entered.
“You wanted me angry.”
Avery laughed. “You are angry.”
“Yeah.”
Imani’s voice was calm.
“You dumped water on me.”
Avery stepped closer.
“Exactly. Water.”
Imani looked toward the door.
“I’m going to Wilcox.”
Avery moved into her path.
“Of course.”
“Move.”