“You’re enjoying this.”
Amara’s eyes remained steady.
“No.”
“Don’t pretend.”
“I wanted to go home.”
Madison looked away.
Dr. Brooks asked the security officer to escort the students involved to separate locations while the school documented the incident.
Amara was invited to the administration building.
Madison was directed to wait in the student conference room.
Chloe and Sloane were asked to remain available for statements.
As Amara gathered her bag, Ethan helped collect the final pieces of paper.
“You okay?” he asked.
Amara nodded.
“I think so.”
“That was unbelievable.”
She placed the damaged notebook inside her backpack.
“Thank you for helping.”
“Of course.”
He hesitated.
“Are you going to be okay with the fellowship?”
Amara looked toward the administration building.
“I don’t know.”
Ethan’s expression softened.
“You should get it.”
Amara gave a faint smile.
“I hope the committee decides based on the work.”
Then she walked toward the school.
Dr. Evelyn Brooks had been head of Westbridge Academy for eight years.
She had previously worked as a mathematics teacher, department chair, and university admissions adviser. She had seen students excel, fail, recover, and disappoint the people who believed in them. She had learned that a school’s culture was not defined by its mission statement or the names on its buildings.
It was defined by what happened when someone with influence mistreated someone without it.
When Amara entered the administration building, Dr. Brooks was waiting in her office.
The room was spacious but modestly furnished. A large window overlooked the central courtyard, where a bronze sculpture stood among flowering shrubs. On one wall hung framed photographs of graduating classes. On another were certificates recognizing the school’s academic programs.
Dr. Brooks rose.
“Amara, please sit down.”
Amara sat on the edge of the chair.
The head of school closed the office door and placed a glass of water on the table.
“Before we discuss the incident, I want to ask you something. Are you feeling safe?”
Amara considered the question.
“Yes.”
“Do you feel comfortable returning to class tomorrow?”
“I think so.”
“If that changes, tell us. You do not have to handle this alone.”
Amara nodded.
Dr. Brooks opened a notebook.
“I’d like to understand the sequence of events. We have some information from the parking lot, but I want to hear your account without interruption.”
Amara described the confrontation again, including Madison’s accusations, the search of her backpack, the destruction of her papers, and the taking of her phone.
Dr. Brooks listened carefully.
When Amara finished, the head of school asked about the mathematics examination.
“Did you see any examination materials before the test?”
“No.”
“Did anyone send you photographs or questions?”
“No.”
“Did you discuss the test with another student before it began?”
“No. We were told not to discuss the assessment.”
“Did you receive any unusual assistance?”
“No.”
“Did you use any unauthorized materials?”