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Stuttering Stan takesin its place A shining computer in one corner Diplomas on the walls A small plaque on her desk, MRS LYNNE REED, PRINCIPAL, just in case anyone is in any doubt

Nancy’s already outside, waiting her turn I’lued to the floor, waiting for her to start in on me She transferred here the year that I started, and I was one of the first students she had to discipline, just a couple of days into her new job I’ve had to explain h in my defense it’s been a while since I was last hauled before her

Mrs Reed flicks through a file, slowly I’et My face is red and I keep s, in case she spots the I shouldn’t be worried I’rief, not when he hears what it was about Still, I’ and Mrs Reed isn’t the sort of person who makes you feel at ease in a situation like this She looks like so frolasses

"I don’t like it whenthe file aside

"Nancy started it," I say evenly, careful not to sound like I’

"I’ll let Miss Price state her case once I’h with you," Mrs Reed says "I suspect her story will differ significantly from yours Please tell me what happened, and try to be honest if you can"

I was going to spin it, but that last line stingsdown, Iandat Tyler"

"Tyler Bayor?" she asks

"Yeah Nancy stuck her nose in and toldracist"

"Were you?"

"No" I scowl "Iabout his kind not being civilized"

"That was stupid," Mrs Reed murmurs

I bristle but don’t retort Because she’s right - it was stupid

"Anyway," I mutter, "Nancy squared up to me I told her to butt out She didn’t Then she slapped me"

"She struck first?" Mrs Reed asks

"Yeah Everyone saw her"

"And you hit back?"