He ignored Sam’s stare and looked at Sophia. “Let’s go.” He jerked his head in the direction of the principal.
Principal Duncan closed the door once everyone was in the room. “Please, have a seat.”
Liam glanced at Sophia, who sat in the office chair, arms crossed over her chest, a frown pulling down her face. He took the vacant seat next to her.
Principal Duncan took a seat at her desk and faced Sophia. “Would you like to tell us why you pulled the fire alarm today?”
“Because I could,” Sophia grumbled.
“Sophia.” Liam gritted his teeth.
“What? She asked for a reason.”
“It’s time to be serious.” He fisted his right hand.
“I am being serious. I pulled the fire alarm because it was there and I wanted to. So punish me and let’s move on.” She settled into the chair.
“Sophia, you can wait in the lobby.” Principal Duncan waited for Sophia to excuse herself and close the door behind her.
“I’d like to apologize for this. I don’t know what’s going on with her.” Liam rubbed his hand on his thigh. “I mean, I know, but I don’t know how to handle it. This all stems from her mother’s arrest and the upheaval it has caused.”
“I understand she’s had a very difficult time lately. Something no teenager should have to deal with.”
“I agree, but that doesn’t change the fact it’s a situation shehasto deal with. Hard isn’t an excuse.” He couldn’t do anythingabout the past. All he could do was help her now and make sure both their futures were better.
“Have you considered getting Sophia some counseling?”
“It has been suggested to me, yes.” A few of his friends in Virginia had mentioned it. He hadn’t had the time to find anyone since the move.
“Mental health is an important part of human well-being. None of us like the stigma associated with it, but if a person was sick or broken, treatment would be sought to heal them. Mental health is no different.”
Liam said, “It is something I’d like to pursue if it will help her. We’re new to Renegade. Do you have any suggestions?”
“I do have a list of counselors who work with the school. They come in and do therapy sessions on-site, so students don’t miss too much of their classes. It’s also discreet, so the students don’t have to feel embarrassed.”
“I appreciate it.” Liam relaxed a little.
“Now, back to today’s events. Because of the seriousness of the action, Sophia will be suspended for three days. We have video footage of the two pulling the alarm.”
Interesting.
“That being said, I’m not certain that they weren’t coerced into doing this.”
“You think someone forced them into it? Or dared them?”
“The footage shows the two of them meeting with a group of students just before pulling the alarm.”
Sounded like they needed an investigation. “And have you questioned those students?”
“I can’t give you any details, but we are looking into the possibility. Obviously, Sophia has decided not to incriminate anyone else. Maybe that’s something you can get her to talk to you about.”
Would she talk to him if she was in trouble? He hoped she would. “We’ll sit down tonight, and I’ll see if I can get her to open up to me.”
“I’d appreciate it if you would let me know what you’re able to find out. If it involves others in my school, I want to address it.”
“Yes, ma’am. I certainly will.”
“Even though she is suspended, Sophia will still have access to her online classroom and is expected to maintain her studies.” Ms. Duncan slid a piece of paper across her desk. “This is her login information, which she should already have.”
