chapter 4

Fists and Confessions*

"Maybe I will," Liam said, his fist connecting with Alex's jaw.

The hallway erupted into chaos. Shouts and screams filled the air.

"Stop it, you two! You'll get us all in trouble!" I yelled, rushing between them.

Emily pointed to the door, where Vice Principal Ms. Elizabeth stood, eyes narrowing.

"What's going on here?" Ms. Elizabeth demanded.

"The three of you, to the principal's office, now!" she ordered, cutting off my explanation.

We trudged to the principal's office, tension hanging heavy.

Principal Alexis looked up from her desk. "What brings three good students here so early?"

Ms. Elizabeth spoke up. "Fighting, ma'am."

Principal Alexis's expression turned stern. "Explain."

"Well, ma'am, it's all a misunderstanding," I began.

Alex interrupted. "Amy started it."

Liam countered. "She tried to stop us."

Principal Alexis raised her hand. "Enough. Fighting's not allowed. Your punishment: pluck all the weeds."

Ms. Elizabeth objected. "Detention would be more fitting."

Principal Alexis waved her hand. "Let's give them a break. They'll learn from their actions."

We left the office, relieved.

As we walked to the backyard for our punishment, Alex sneered. "Come on, bro, ignoring me over a girl?"

Liam's eyes flashed. "She was my girlfriend."

Alex smirked. "Your ex. She's been mine for three months."

Liam's face fell. "What?"

Alex turned to leave. "I'm calling in sick. Later."

Nora greeted us in the backyard. "Five minutes late."

I apologized. "Sorry."

Joshua lounged nearby. "At least I'm here."

Nora sighed. "Josh, you're doing nothing."

We worked in silence, plucking weeds.

After finishing, Nora announced. "I'm planning homecoming. Anyone want to join me?"

Anita yawned. "Can we go now?"

Nora persisted. "Anyone?"

I volunteered. "I will."

Liam added. "Me too."

Soon, everyone joined Nora.

As school ended, Emily waited beside Liam's car.

"Emily, what are you doing?" I asked.

"Wait for me later?" Emily requested.

Liam appeared. "Hey Amy, hey Emily."

Emily's voice trembled. "Liam, I have something to tell you."

"I'm listening," Liam said.

Emily took a deep breath. "I... I really liked you."

Liam's eyes widened in shock.

To be continued...