When the bell rang, Amara gathered her books and headed toward the mathematics building.
She had almost reached the door when Madison called her name.
“Amara.”
Amara stopped.
Madison approached alone.
For a moment, neither girl spoke.
Then Madison said, “Can we talk?”
Amara looked at her carefully.
“About what?”
“The incident.”
Amara adjusted her bag.
“The school is handling it.”
“I know.”
“Then what do you need to say?”
Madison glanced toward the passing students.
“Not here.”
Amara considered refusing.
But Madison’s voice lacked its usual sharpness, and her posture seemed uncertain.
“Fine,” Amara said. “We can talk in the courtyard, where other people are nearby.”
Madison nodded.
They walked to a bench near the science building.
Amara sat at one end.
Madison remained standing for a moment before sitting several feet away.
“I didn’t think it would get this big,” Madison began.
Amara looked at her.
“You took my phone and tore up my work.”
“I know.”
“You searched my backpack.”
“I know.”
“You accused me of cheating in front of everyone.”
Madison looked down.
“I thought I had proof.”
“You didn’t.”
“I know that now.”
Amara waited.
Madison rubbed her palms against the sides of her skirt.
“I’m not good at being wrong,” she admitted.
Amara did not respond.
Madison continued.
“When the school praised you for the competition, I felt like everyone was comparing us. Then the fellowship came up, and I thought you were going to get it too.”
“That was possible.”
“I know.”
“And?”
Madison swallowed.
“I wanted to stop you.”
Amara stared at her.
The admission was so direct that it seemed to surprise Madison herself.
“Why?”
Madison’s eyes filled with frustration.
“Because you keep winning.”
Amara’s expression hardened.
“That isn’t a reason.”
“I know.”
“You wanted to ruin my chance because I might succeed?”
Madison looked away.
“I didn’t think of it that way.”