The paper had taken her hours to complete.
Not because the questions were required, but because she wanted to understand every step before the fellowship examination.
Madison dropped the remaining pieces.
“There. Now you can stop pretending.”
Amara bent to retrieve the papers.
Madison stepped in front of her.
“Look at me when I’m talking to you.”
Amara straightened slowly.
“I’m done talking.”
She reached for her phone.
Madison caught her wrist.
“Not so fast.”
“Let go.”
“Who are you calling? Your mother?”
Amara pulled free.
“Give me my phone.”
Madison snatched it from her hand.
“Maybe we should call someone who actually matters.”
She tapped the screen.
The phone rang.
Amara watched as Madison’s face shifted from triumph to uncertainty.
The call was answered.
And the voice on the other end asked whether Amara was safe.
The crowd around them had grown.
By the time Dr. Brooks identified herself, nearly thirty students had gathered near the parked cars. Several teachers were approaching, and the security officer had moved closer.
Madison stared at Amara.
“You called the headmaster?”
“Dr. Brooks is the head of school,” Amara said.
“I know who she is.”
“Then you know she’s listening.”
Madison glanced at the phone.
Dr. Brooks spoke calmly.
“Madison, I want you to step away from Amara.”
Madison’s lips parted.
“This is a misunderstanding.”
“Then we can clarify it in the appropriate setting. For now, step away.”
Madison looked toward her friends.
Chloe lowered her phone completely.
Sloane stared at the ground.
Madison’s cheeks flushed deeper.
“I was only trying to show her that she can’t cheat and get away with it.”
“Have you reported your concerns to a teacher?”
“Yes.”
“Then why did you take her phone?”
Madison hesitated.
“She was being difficult.”
“That doesn’t answer my question.”
“She wouldn’t listen.”
“Why did you search her backpack?”
“I was looking for proof.”
“Did she give you permission?”
Madison said nothing.
“Why did you tear her papers?”
“They were evidence.”
“Why did you destroy them?”
Madison’s mouth opened and closed.
The crowd had become so quiet that the distant sound of a car door shutting seemed unusually loud.