"Difficult Choices"

The next day, a meeting was held at the principal's office regarding Sydney's condition. Her parents came with her to discuss their decision for their daughter in the coming days. Bringing with her the magnetic drawing board, she entered the room, seeing the worried faces of some of the teachers present there. Green tea and a bowl of fish crackers were served by Miss Elle, and she gave a subtle smile to Sydney.

Then the meeting started off with the old principal explaining the situation, "Mister and Missus McKee, thank you for attending this very important meeting… about your daughter's well-being," as he sat, he placed his hands balled on the table, "We are very concerned with your daughter as she might have had a hard time lately. As we all know she was at her best school performance when she was active at the music club, but now that she can't speak or sing she might have a hard time catching up with the club activities. We are worried that she might get depressed…

He cleared his throat as he thought of the right words to say to the unfortunate student's parents.

"Aside from that we all know and observed that she was a very jolly and talkative person before her illness got worse," Principal Marx continued, "Therefore, after the deliberation and teachers' meeting, we have decided to help her transfer schools and start a new school life."

Sydney widened her eyes in shock. Having heard Principal Marx's statement, she shook her head and then wrote two huge letters on her board: [NO]

Then, the principal replied, "If not if you do not want to transfer schools you have the option to take a long break until your voice comes back."

Sydney showed her board again and shook her head.

"I'm sorry but you only have these two choices-"

Sydney's father interrupted, "Excuse me, Mr. Principal but can you give us some time to think about it? It must be hard for Sydney to decide now. We want to weigh out things first."

The principal then nodded, "Alright. We shall give you three days to decide. You may also think about other ways on how we can handle the situation."

"Okay, thank you, Principal."

After that meeting, Sydney's parents went back home and she went back to class. Matt, who was worried about the outcome of the meeting, quickly approached Sydney as soon as she entered the room. "Syd, what did they say?" he asked.

Juana went near them to know about it. But when she saw some of her classmates looking at them, she scribbled on her board: [LATER].

When Miss Elle's music class ended, she called Sydney to the music room and she was accompanied by Olivet and Matt. When they went inside, Lenoir was already there.

"Sydney, what's on your mind?" the concerned Miss Elle asked her.

Sydney took a chalk and started writing on the blackboard. [I don't want to transfer schools, but I also don't want to take a break from school. I don't know what to do anymore."

"Don't lose hope," uttered Lenoir. "Let's think about it. We will help you."

"He's right," her best friend Olivet added. "My mother knows some doctors abroad who might know how to bring your voice back in the fastest way. I'll ask her help."

"Wait! I also know some doctors in England who might help too, Sydney," said Matt.

Sydney smiled at them and she wrote the words [Thank you everyone!].

And with that, they ended their short discussion. When the four students were about to leave, Miss Elle tapped Matt's shoulder. "Can I talk to you about something?" she asked.

Hearing this, Matt decided to stay, since it might be a serious discussion seeing his teacher's worried face. "What's the problem, ma'am?"

"I want to confirm and ask a few things. It's about your class president, Juana."

Matt wondered what might be the reason, "What about her?"

"Well, I have been observing my students for a long time, now. Do she and Sydney really get along well in general?"

"No. They always argue."

"I thought so, too. I never saw them being on good terms. It's weird…"

Matt was confused, "Why?"

"I thought they got along during the inter-school concert…"

"What do you mean, Miss Elle?"

"I've noticed that she was extra friendly to her that time, but after the concert, she was unfriendly towards her again," Miss Elle sighed, "I asked her if she could suggest anything for Sydney's situation. But in front of the teachers and the principal, she suggested that she be transferred schools…"

Matt was surprised to hear this. "No way…"

"You see, I am just concerned for Sydney. I hope she won't get depressed over her and Juana's discord. This is a difficult time for her."

"Don't worry, Miss Elle. She has us beside her, and we won't leave her whatever happens," he uttered, forming a smile on his lips.

The music teacher was relieved to hear this and thanked him. She then bid goodbye to the VIP student. But when she turned her back from him and started walking away, the smile disappeared from Matt's face. He thought deeply about what happened and planned to investigate what was going on.

The next day, when it was recess time, Olivet and Sydney went to the cafeteria to buy sandwiches. Juana approached Greta and her group, "Can I join you?"

"Sure," Greta uttered, pointing at the chair in front of her, "You can sit there."

"Thanks," she uttered, then took a bit on the burger she was holding.

Greta stared at her for a while as she ate quietly. "Juana," she called her.

"Yes?"

"I'm looking for good tea. Can you recommend some?"

"Ah, I'll ask around. I don't know any tea stores."

"Really?" Greta responded as she played with her long, blond hair, "I see… You haven't bought any tea? Like ginger tea?"

"Yes. Why the heck will I buy it?"

"How about the ginger tea that you gave Sydney during the concert?" Greta raised her eyebrow, "Where did you buy that?"

Juana stopped eating her burger. There was silence as she thought of the right answer, and she replied, "At the convenience store."

"But Sydney said that you told her that you bought it from an old lady," a male voice suddenly interrupted them.

It was Matt. And he was glaring at her.