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“No, that’s not what I want! We shouldn’t let so bad about hoe look! And it’s not even about you guys! It’s about me Samantha Nelson hates me, and those are just the cards I’ve been dealt I have to figure how to deal with this on my own,” I say fiercely

My parents are shocked at my vehement reply, but they shake their heads

“No sweetheart, you don’t have to deal with this on your own Principal Hartman thinks it would be best to have what he calls a ‘truth and reconciliation ’ at school later this week He wants the three of us to meet with himself and the Nelsons to work this all out”

I can’t believe my ears

“ABSOLUTELY NOT! I don’t want to even face Samantha, much less have a heart to heart with her! What, do they think she’s going to change overnight? No, I refuse I a that”

My dad holds up a hand in a placating manner

“Tilly, I knoon’t be an easy thing to do, but I think Principal Hartirls need to work out You’ll feel better about the whole thing after talking about it face-to-face”

Clearly, they don’t know Samantha Nelson They don’t know that she’s evil to the core, and that nothing can change her Mom sees that the look of horror has not yet dissipated fro to well up behind my eyes as well

“You won’t be there alone, sweetheart Your father and I will be there to mediate and to support you”

I shake my head furiously

“No, this stupid truth and reconciliation thing will only s worse! Don’t you see?” I blurt out before I realize the words are even co “Sam will only use it as another reason to pick onabout how she made me feel? Can’t we just pretend this never happened andto ride out the next few raduate, and move on with my life Shoot, if I have to, I’ll transfer to private school for the rest of senior year I’ with irls just as much as I do”