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“In light of everything that happened in the cafeteria, and your unruly appearance, you are excused from the rest of your classes today”

My throat goes dry as nervous needles tickle o in my file that I was suspended I’ve never been in trouble before I have no idea how this will affect my future

What if the University of Florida pulls my scholarship? Or worse, what if they rescindto UF has been rade I don’t knohat I’ll do if they kick me out because of this

“Please, Mrs Baxa, you can’t suspendthere, having a conversation, when Liaht, but Liam and Asher are like oil and water They don’t et help I tried to break it up I don’t deserve to be suspended”

Mrs Baxa exhales an impatient breath “I know all of this, Miss Walker Both boys insisted you had nothing but good intentions this afternoon”

“Then why are you sending me home?” Tears of frustration pool behind ht I won’t let it

“Because you were physically assaulted and are covered in blood” Principal Baxa huffs She glances at her watch and her lips turn down into a frown, probably fro rude If I had to guess, I’d say the wo is always happening Be it a fight or a spontaneous electrical fire in the woodshop, shit here is never ending

“Oh,” I say, relaxing a little “So I’m not in trouble?”

“No”

“And you don’t have to call irl can hope

“The nurse needs to call them to explain the incident, but no I don’t have to” She pauses and stares at me skeptically “Unless that’s what you want”

“No!” I shout, jue of my seat

Mrs Baxa’s lips lift into an aht is as rare as an A on my report card “May I offer some advice?”

I nod, not sure ords of wisdom she could offer

“The sooner you end your lover’s quarrel with those boys, the better I’m very much aware of the tension between Mr Heiter and Mr Anderson Their situation warrants as much, but you don’t need to add to it”