Guided by a Glow (74)

As he led them away, the hallway buzzed with a whisper. Starfania caught sight of Aeron and Daniel in the crowd, their faces a mixture of worry and disbelief. She felt a knot tighten in her stomach. The uncertainty hung heavy in the air, wrapping around them like a shroud. Aeron glanced her way, his eyes darting with unspoken questions, while Daniel remained rooted in place, his brow furrowed. Starfania knew they were concerned, but she couldn't afford to show her own fears. Taking a deep breath, she quickened her pace, trying to push through the crowd. Each step felt awkward, as if the floor beneath her was shifting. The murmurs rose and fell, a chorus of confusion and speculation. She overheard fragments of conversations, pieces of doubt and anxiety. Phrases like "What if..." and "Did you hear..." floated past her ears. Determined to keep her focus, Starfania forced herself to look ahead. The doors were just ahead, slightly ajar, offering a glimpse of what lay beyond. She could sense the weight of their stares, but she had to keep moving. 

 As they entered the principal's office, an air of authority seemed to radiate from the space. Principal Dexter, a tall, imposing man with sharp features and piercing eyes, sat behind his sleek black desk. The room was impeccably tidy, with a polished nameplate reading Principal Dexter perched prominently on his desk. He gestured towards the two vacant chairs in front of him, his expression stern and unwavering.

" Take your seats, " he said, his tone leaving no room for instruction. Becka and Starfania exchanged uneasy glances before sinking into the chairs, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on their shoulders. As they settled in, the door creaked open once more, and Professor Shadow followed us into the room. He stepped to the side, his gaze briefly scanning both of them before settling on Principal Dexter.

" I trust you'll handle this appropriately, Principal, " he said, his tone laced with disapproval.

 Dexter leaned back in his chair, his steepled fingers resting thoughtfully under his chin.

" Professor Shadow, I always do. Your timing is impeccable, as always, " he said, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. Shadow gave a small, satisfied nod, his piercing gaze flicking towards Starfania. 

" Good. I expect a thorough report on this, " he added before excusing himself from the room. As the door clicked shut, Principal Dexter leaned forward, folding his hand on his desk. His eyes watched their every move before he said, " Now, let's address the matter. Shall we. "

He spoke deliberately, his voice a perfect blend of authority and disappointment. " You are both here because your behavior has disrupted the order of this school. Fights are unacceptable, and the consequence of your action will not be overlooked. "

 Becka and Starfania sat rigidly, unsure on how to answer. Principal Dexter gaze moved between them before he leaned back in his chair, his eyes landing on Becka. " Now, care to explain your side. What started all this? "

The room fell into a tense silence. Starfania opened her mouth to speak, but Becka beat her to it, her voice ringing out. " Starfania started it! She hit me for no reason. I was completely innocent in this! " 

Principal Dexter raised an eyebrow, skeptical of Becka's outburst. 

"Innocent, huh?" he said, leaning forward slightly. "And what exactly led to this incident?" 

Becka hesitated, her confidence wavering under the weight of his steady gaze. "Uh, well, we were just… talking. Then things got heated."

She glanced at Starfania, who looked ready to explode. "But it's not my fault! She was saying stuff." 

"Stuff? What kind of stuff? Dexter pressed, his tone remaining even but firm. Starfania crossed her arms, frustration evident on her face. "I wasn't saying anything that deserved to be hit! She just overreacts!" 

"Overreacts? " Becka shot back, her eyes narrowing. "You called me a worthless loser in front of everyone! You also had the audacity to blame me for my mother's demise." 

 Principal Dexter rubbed his temples, trying to make sense of the escalating confrontation. 

"Let's take a step back, " he said, his voice calm but authoritative. "Accusations are flying here. I need to hear both sides clearly." 

Becka opened her mouth to speak again, but Starfania cut her off. 

"You don't know what it's like for me! You don't know my story! " Her voice trembled slightly, filled with pent-up emotion. Dexter turned his gaze to Starfania, nodding for her to continue. 

"Every time something goes wrong, everyone looks at me like I'm the problem," she said, her voice gaining strength. "I'm tired of being blamed. I didn't ask for any of this!"