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“Don’t talk about my son that way,” Topher’s dad shoots at him.
“Let’s relax, all right?” Nakamura says. “I believe Chloe when she claims she didn’t write that article. But whatever the case, Topher did act violently toward Liam. This isn’t the first time he’s been called to my office for fighting. I told him the last time that he was on thin ice, and that if he ever got into another fight, he would be expelled.”
Topher’s mom leaps to her feet. “Expelled?!”
“We have a zero-tolerance for violence here,” Principal Nakamura says. “So yes, I’m afraid I have to expel your son from Edenbury High School. Please pack your things and leave.”
Topher’s dad points at his son. “He’s one of the best players on the basketball team. You expel him and you won’t make it to state.”
Nakamura keeps her eyes on him for a few seconds before saying. “The team will survive. Now please go.”
Topher’s mom turns to Dad. “You’re the football coach. Putting your personal feelings aside, you understand how vital each player is to the team.”
“This concerns mydaughter,” Dad says through clenched teeth. “If any of my players touched a girl without her permission or punched someone, he would be off my team. No questions asked.”
Topher’s dad grunts.
“I won’t ask you again,” Principal Nakamura says. “Leave this school.”
“He’s graduating in a few months,” Mrs. Fletcher says. “What is he supposed to do now?”
Principal Nakamura shrugs one shoulder. “He should have thought of that before he harmed his fellow student.”
Topher lets out a grunt identical to his dad’s. His parents try one more time to change the principal’s mind, but she won’t hear it. Topher glares at Liam, curses under his breath, then follows his parents out of the office.
Principal Nakamura looks at Mom, Dad, and Ally. “I’m sorry this happened. We have strict rules in place, but unfortunately we can’t prevent the students from taking their anger out on one another. Topher won’t bother you again, Chloe. And in regards to that article, we’ll figure out who wrote it and I’ll take the necessary action. We don’t allow such pieces at this school.”
Our parents thank Principal Nakamura, Liam reassures her that he’s okay, and I tell her I’m fine, too. Then the five of us leave the office.
“Are you kids really okay?” Mom asks me and Liam.
He nods, trying to put on a brave smile.
“I’m okay,” I tell her.
Ally places her hand on Liam’s back. “I’m taking you to the hospital.”
“Why? I’m fine.”
“This isn’t up for negotiation.”
He looks like he wants to argue, but winces. That makes my heart ache.
He slowly turns to me. “Bye, Chloe.”
“Bye.”
Mom wraps her arms around Ally. “Take care of your kiddo.”
“You, too.”
Ally bids us goodbye before she and Liam walk off. I watch them go, my heart once again aching when I catch him limping.
Today, Liam Hastings was my hero. He put himself at risk to protect me. I don’t know if I can ever repay him. I appreciate him more than I ever did before.
Chapter Nine
Liam
