This is the eleventh part in a series, so if you have not already done so, you might want to read Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V, Part VI, Part VII, Part VIII, Part IX, and Part X before continuing.
I’ve calmed down by the time we get to the principal’s office. It’s been a few hours since I last saw Addie, and so far, I’ve only seen her in my bedroom and my bathroom. I’m hoping that means she’s confined to that area. It won’t help me sleep at night, but I’ll worry about that at bedtime.
In the meantime, I need to focus on this meeting. I wanted to review my social media to see if there was anything incriminating, but since I’m suspended, I couldn’t access my accounts. All I can do is wait to see what the principal has to say.
“The school has launched an investigation into your online conduct. We’ll make our final decision at that time, but until then, your suspension will continue.”
“How long will that take?” Mom asks.
“It depends, but we’re expecting it to take about a week.”
“And what’s the … worst-case scenario?”
The principal looks at me for a moment before looking back at Mom. “The safety of our students is our top priority. If people don’t feel safe around Jessica, I’m afraid we can’t allow her to continue at this school.”
“But I didn’t do anything.”
“If our investigation finds that to be the case, then you can return to school and resume your classes. But I’m afraid, aside from this meeting, we can’t let you on school grounds until the investigation is complete.”
“This is such bullshit!”
“Jessica!” says Mom.
“Sorry,” I mumble. “But it is.”
“That language is never appropriate on school grounds, and certainly not in a meeting of this nature,” says the principal. “I had hoped you would recognize the gravity of the situation, but I can see that’s not the case.”
I remember what Dad had said about how I should act more contrite, and I make an effort to swallow my indignation and follow his advice. “It’s because I recognize the gravity of the situation that I’m so upset. I don’t want to be blamed for something I didn’t do.”
I give the principal my best worried look, eyes wide and sad.
But she’s not falling for it.
She looks right back at me with narrowed eyes. Out loud, all she says is, “We’ll see.”
To be continued…