Chapter 29: Compensation

Truth didn't matter when perception had already ruled against them.

"Someone has to get a teacher," one of the girls in the crowd insisted.

"No need," came a cold, authoritative voice from the entrance.

The sea of students parted as Mrs. Callahan, the vice principal, stepped into the bathroom. Her sharp eyes scanned the scene, quickly assessing the situation. A moment of silence stretched between them before she spoke.

"Would someone care to explain this?" she asked, her voice eerily calm.

Instantly, multiple voices erupted at once.

"They were beating Olivia up!"

"She was screaming for help, and when we got in, they were cornering her!"

"They hit her!"

Rose felt her stomach churn. They were being convicted before they even had a chance to defend themselves.

Mrs. Callahan turned to Olivia. "Olivia, is this true?"