Chapter 9
Brooke was suspended.
Then removed from the competition team.
Then banned from representing the school in state arts events.
Her parents appealed.
Of course.
At the hearing, Caroline wore pearls and brought an attorney.
My mother wore her diner uniform because she had come straight from work.
Caroline looked satisfied when she saw it.
Like clothes could win arguments.
Then Alicia walked in behind us.
Caroline’s smile disappeared.
The hearing reviewed the video.
The injury report.
The witness statements.
The prior incidents.
Caroline’s attorney argued that teenagers make impulsive mistakes.
Alicia responded, “Impulsive mistakes do not include filming, placement, backup tacks, and months of targeted sabotage.”
The panel upheld every consequence.
Brooke sat there crying.
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I wanted to feel sorry for her.
I felt tired instead.
