Chapter 5: The Office Ultimatum

As a good student, it was my first time being called to the office over a conflict.

The familiar hallways felt suddenly cold and unfamiliar as I walked down them, each step echoing with a sense of dread.

The homeroom teacher frowned. "There are cameras in the classroom. Since you both say you didn’t do it, we’ll check the footage. Whoever did it will take responsibility."

Maybe because neither of us looked guilty at all, the teacher hesitated.

"Otherwise, you’ll both be publicly reprimanded."

That word—reprimanded—sent a ripple of anxiety through me. It meant a formal write-up, something permanent in our school records.

Right as she finished, Mallory blurted out, "Ms. Harper—"

She was cut off by a knock at the door.

Noah Carter walked in, calm and polite. "Ms. Harper, I wrote it."

The office went silent for three seconds.

Noah explained, "I spilled water this morning and accidentally got my books wet. The marker must have transferred onto Aubrey’s desk."

Total nonsense. Even he couldn’t explain it.

Ms. Harper’s face stiffened, but Noah walked over to me.

"Aubrey, sorry for causing you trouble."

Mallory looked at him, her eyes shining with delight.

So this is what it means to be a childhood friend?

I smiled. "Since Noah is so sincere, how about you help me with my AP homework as compensation?"

Noah nodded.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Mallory’s eyes flare with anger.

As I left the office, Mallory’s glare burned into my back. This wasn’t over—not by a long shot.