Change is constant

From that day, Oliver's harsh rebuke of Maeve's action in class weighed heavily on her mind. She assumed that after a couple of days, his anger would subside. However, Oliver hadn't spoken to her in a while.

Maeve noticed Oliver frequently accompanying the scholarship girl, Kate, in and out of school. His gleeful smile whenever they were together only added to Maeve's dismay. 

If he had to pick someone he wanted to mess with, why did it have to be with the scholarship girl? Maeve thought, her mind in deep turmoil. 

They had luckily lured and dragged her out to the school's sports shed, its metal exterior bearing the school's logo. The shed's metal doors were locked tight, while the back exit was being guarded by another male student. Maeve didn't want to be interrupted or caught. It would give Oliver more reason to avoid her.

Amongst the rows of neat and organised sports equipment, Maeve was sitting in the middle, a chair brought for her to comfortably sit and watch the cruelty unfold.

Her focus shifted to Kate, kneeling on the concrete floor. Her head was bent in submission. Some girls eagerly kept her pinned down, their faces reflecting a mix of excitement and cruelty.

Maeve sneered, "Such pitiful state you are in, If only you had learned how to use your words correctly." 

Kate's bravery surprised Maeve; she neither cried nor whimpered, despite her groveling state. This only fueled Maeve's anger. She longed to see Kate beg and cry for mercy. Perhaps even using her to lure Oliver back into conversation. 

Just then, the main door banged loudly, diverting everyone's attention from Kate. A booming voice echoed from outside.

"Kate! Are you in there?" Maeve recognized Oliver's voice. She bit her lower lip in anxiously. He would go to such lengths for this girl.

"Let's leave. There's no need to continue further for today." Maeve concluded, not before casting a menacing glance at Kate, who sat on the ground.

"There would be another time." Maeve promised.

"She won't break if we keep toying with her secretly," Isabella said. She has been there from the start, even convincing the girls to bring Kate out of class without Oliver in tow. 

"If she is expelled from the school, Oliver will simply have to forget about her," Isabella hinted subtly.

Maeve's tone darkened, her anger simmering. "Your plan isn't flawed, but it's misguided. Oliver isn't naïve. If Kate's expelled, he'll never forgive me."

Later that day, Maeve was called in to meet the director of the school. The news arose amongst students, mainly about how Kate was brave enough to report her.

"Maeve Brooklyn finally met someone who's her match"

"Kate doesn't look like she will back down." 

Maeve sauntered down the empty hallway, her confidence unwavering. She received a summons from the directors' office, curiosity piqued. She had an assumption in mind and thought that she had been bold to have reported her.

Upon entering, Mr. Sylvester Richard, the renowned director of the school sat in his armchair. His stern expression greeted her. "Maeve Brooklyn, Take a seat." 

For a moment, she flinched from his tone. The memories of her fathers' stern gaze reflected on the directors face. It was as though she saw her father in place of the director who sat in his seat.

She came to her senses soon enough, knowing she was safe and this was the school, not her home. She was in charge in this school and no one else could go against her. Maeve complied and took her seat opposite him, her demeanour calm and unbothered. 

"You shouldn't waste my time if it is nothing that important," she said. Maeve sensed something was amiss. And if it was what she assumed then all this was a waste of her precious time.

"Maeve, You have been charged with allegations of bullying a fellow classmate, thereby, undermining the rule that states no violence on school premises." his voice was bold and commanding.

Through her lowered gaze, she replied. " That's ridiculous. This is the first I've heard of such a claim. Why doesn't the accuser come forward with their complaint as of when I'm sitting down here in your office." She raised an eyebrow in speculation. "Or is this some kind of insult you throw at me? Must I remind you why this school thrives better than the rest? You owe it all the name Donahue, or do you seem to forget so already" she questioned with a sly and deceitful grin. Then added. "If she wants to stand up for her being wronged why doesn't she stand in front of me as she does so behind my back," 

"I never mentioned it was a female who reported," he said calmly. 

Maeve faltered. It wasn't her? She thought confused. Her slip-up had caused her to admit to the allegations directed at her. She bit her lips anxiously. Damn it. She screwed up. 

Mr. Sylvester Richard leaned forward. "It was Oliver Hathaway who reported the incidents and your erratic behaviors as he mentioned, observed from you while bullying another fellow classmate.

"Oliver reported me?" she said in an unsure tone. Her gaze dropped and her composure crumbled beneath the realization of his words. Oliver had betrayed her. How could he betray her because of some scholarship girl. 

She reigned in her feelings masking it with a concrete shield. "I have never caused harm to anyone and with no evidence of this violent allegation you are just supporting assumptions." Maeve said. She would be lying if she denied she didn't feel the sting of betrayal coursing through her veins. 

Mr. Sylvester Richard sighed. "While there's insufficient evidence for severe disciplinary action, the complaint warrants concerns. Consider this a warning. You'll attend counseling session" Maeve stare was icy. She picked up her purse to leave at once, silently fuming. 

"These are your final years, you shouldn't be making enemies rather build friends. Take my advice" Richard said. She slammed the door with no response.

As she exited his office, she came across Oliver. He was leaning against a locker close to the director's door, seeming to be waiting for her to come out. Her expression transformed into a piercing stare, conveying betrayal and hurt. Oliver's eyes softened, his face etched with concern.

"Hey, Maeve-- " Oliver began, stepping forward. But Maeve stormed past him, her fury and embarrassment boiling over.

Oliver's voice trailed behind her. "Maeve, wait! I didn't mean to... I'm sorry." Maeve quickened her pace, disappearing into the crowd.