The meeting

It was a pleasant Friday afternoon. Linda trudged in exhausted, her usual state after a long day at school. As she headed to the kitchen for a snack, she noticed her parents tiptoeing towards the door. They looked like they were up to something suspicious. Linda couldn't help but giggle silently.

Just as they reached the door, Linda broke the silence with a playful giggle. "Mum! Dad! Where are you both going?" she asked with her curiosity piqued. Mr. Lee chuckled awkwardly and turned around, trying to maintain the charade. "We're going on a date, dear. Take care of yourself," he said, hastily exiting the house with Mrs. Lee in tow. Linda smiled, lost in thought, and continued with her snack.

Meanwhile, Mr. and Mrs. Lee arrived at the school and were greeted by the receptionist, who led them to the waiting room. Fortunately, the principal, Mrs. Kara, was available to meet with them promptly. As they entered her office, Mrs. Kara, a middle-aged woman with a kind smile, welcomed them warmly.

"Mr. and Mrs. Lee, Linda's parents?" she asked to confirm. Mr. Lee nodded. "Yes, that's us."

Mrs. Kara's expression turned serious as they recounted Linda's ordeal. "We've noticed that whenever she comes home, she's either hurt or upset," Mrs. Lee explained. "We've asked her about it, but she insists on handling it herself."

The principal listened attentively, nodding sympathetically. "I see. We take bullying very seriously here. Can you tell me more about what you've observed?"

Then, Mr. Lee pulled out his phone and showed her pictures of Linda's bruises and torn clothes. "These are from the past few weeks. We think it's getting worse."

Mrs. Kara's expression turned stern. "This is indeed serious. However, I have to consider the possibility that there might be more to the situation than meets the eye. Sometimes, kids can misinterpret situations or even frame incidents to get attention."

Before she could finish, Mrs. Lee interrupted, her voice rising in anger. "What are you saying? You're implying that we're overreacting or that Linda is fabricating this? Do you think we came here for entertainment?"

Mr. Lee tried to calm her down, and Mrs. Kara remained composed. "I apologize if my words came across insensitively. I'm just trying to understand the situation. Perhaps Linda's class teacher, Miss Flora, can provide more insight."

Mrs. Kara picked up the phone and contacted Miss Flora, who arrived shortly after. As Miss Flora entered the office, she greeted the principal warmly. "Good morning, ma'am."

"Good morning, Miss Flora. This is Mr. and Mrs. Lee, Linda's parents," Mrs. Kara introduced, gesturing towards the couple.

"It's lovely to finally meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Lee. Your daughter is one of my brightest students."

The principal's expression remained serious. "Mr. and Mrs. Lee are here to discuss a concern, and I thought it would be best to involve you since you're Linda's teacher."

Miss Flora's smile seemed to falter for a moment before she regained her composure and took a seat. Mrs. Lee then narrated everything to Miss Flora. "It's really making me worried. We've tried talking to her, but she said it's nothing. I know her and I know she's keeping something. "

Mr. Lee added, "We're concerned that someone might be bullying her. As her teacher, perhaps you could shed some light on the situation?"

Miss Flora's response was unexpected. "I don't think anyone's bullying Linda. She's actually quite...formidable. Linda's a skilled karate fighter, and she's not afraid to stand up for herself." Her tone seemed to imply that Linda was the aggressor.

The atmosphere in the room grew tense, with Mrs. Lee's expression turning skeptical. "A karate fighter? That's news to us. But the bruises and torn clothes...those aren't from her fighting or attacking someone?"

Miss Flora's smile never wavered. "Well, perhaps she's just a bit...accident-prone. I'm sure it's all just a misunderstanding."

The principal's eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze fixed on Miss Flora. "Let's hear more about this. Miss Flora, can you tell us more about Linda's behavior in class?"

Miss Flora's voice was firm as she spoke. "Well, nothing much. Linda usually skips classes and spends all her time in the restroom. She hardly interacts with her mates and acts rude to her teachers. Whenever she's asked why she avoids her peers, she always mentions a girl she claims she hates – Regina. And I assure you that Regina is a calm and loving girl. She isn't that type that causes discomfort"

Mrs. Lee's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing Miss Flora's bias. She knew the telltale signs of favoritism, and Miss Flora's tone seemed to convey a deep-seated support for this Regina.

"Who is this Regina? Linda must have a reason for avoiding and disliking her."

Miss Flora hesitated, and then spoke reluntantly. "She's Linda's seatmate."

Mrs. Lee now sensed a deeper connection between Miss Flora and Regina.

Mrs. Kara quickly intervened. "Maybe we should invite Regina and hear her side of the story." She nodded to her assistant, who went to fetch Regina.

Soon, the girl walked in with an air of confidence. She was stylishly dressed, her hair perfectly styled, and her demeanor exuded an aura of superiority.

"Regina, these are Linda's parents," Mrs. Kara introduced. "We're discussing some issues regarding Linda's behavior and interactions with her peers."

Regina's gaze flickered over the Lees before she nodded slightly. "Hello."

Miss Flora seemed to straighten up, her posture subtly shifting to convey her support for Regina. Mrs. Lee observed this and wondered what exactly was going on.

"Regina, can you tell us about your relationship with Linda?" Mrs. Kara asked, her tone neutral.

Regina shrugged. "We sit together in class. That's all about it."

Mrs. Lee sensed there was more to the story. "And do you know why Linda might be avoiding you or disliking you?"

Regina's expression turned slightly mocking. "Maybe because she's jealous?"

Mrs. Lee's eyes narrowed slightly in confusion. "Excuse me,Jealous? Of what?"

Regina's smile was quick. "Maybe of my grades, my friends, my life in general."

Mrs. Kara leaned forward and asked. "Regina, let's get straight to the point. Did you bully Linda?"

Regina shrugged, her confidence unwavering. "I don't think so. I just said it. I think Linda's just jealous of me."

Mrs. Lee's patience wore thin. "Linda is wonderful just the way she is. We just want to know who's making things hard for her."

Regina snorted. "Wonderful person? She's...different. And that hair...well, let's just say it's...interesting. And the skin, jeez. Did someone push her on the fire or something?. I wonder how Korea parent can give birth to a black child."

Mrs. Lee's temper flared. "You disrespectful girl! Have some manners!"

The principal intervened, her voice calm. "Mrs. Lee, please. Let's resolve this calmly. Regina, apologize for your comments."

Regina rolled her eyes. "Whatever."

The principal's expression turned firm. "Regina, I expect more respect. Let's schedule a meeting with your parents and Linda's. We'll sort this out."

Before they departed, Mr. Lee turned to Mr. Kara. "One more thing – Linda shouldn't know about this. She'd freak out if she knows we came."

Regina smirked, a mischievous glint in her eye, as she left the office.