Ava nervously enters the principal's office, her backpack slung over her shoulder.
Principal Anderson sits behind a large desk, his stern expression sending a wave of apprehension through Ava.
"Ava, please have a seat."
Ava takes a seat across from Principal Anderson, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, her eyes downcast.
Principal Anderson leans forward, his voice carrying a tone of disappointment mixed with concern.
"Ava, I've called you in today to discuss your recent academic performance. Your grades have been consistently low, and it's a cause for concern.'
Ava's shoulders slump, a mix of shame and guilt washing over her.
"I'm sorry, Principal Anderson. I've been struggling, and I don't know how to improve."
Principal Anderson's expression worsens slightly.
"I'm very disappointed in you, Ava. You know better than to act this way. You are a bright student and I expect more from you. This kind of behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Do you understand?"
Ava nodded again, her eyes filling with tears.
"I'm giving you one last chance. If you don't shape up and start behaving, I will have no choice but to suspend you. Do you understand?"
Ava nodded, her voice trembling as she spoke. "Yes, ma'am."
The principal nodded and then dismissed her. Ava quickly left the office, her heart still pounding in her chest. She had never been scolded so harshly before and it had left her feeling shaken and scared.
...
Ava paces back and forth in her dimly lit bedroom, her face etched with fear and anxiety.
She clutches a crumpled piece of paper, a note from the principal detailing her recent academic struggles.
The sound of her mother's footsteps approaching the hallway outside sends a surge of panic through her.
"She can't find out... She can't know about this."
Ava hurriedly stuffs the note into a drawer, desperately trying to hide the evidence of her academic struggles.
She jumps back onto her bed, grabbing a book and pretending to study, her heart pounding in her chest.
Martha enters the room. Her face grows increasingly worried as her eyes scan the page.
"No... This can't be right."
Ava knows she's in trouble and awaits her fate.
"Ava! What is the meaning of these grades?"
Ava flinches at the sound of her mother's voice and tries to find the right words to explain herself.
"I'm sorry, Mom. I... I've been struggling in some of my classes."
Martha slams her hand on the table, making Ava jump. Her voice trembles with anger and disappointment.
"Struggling? You call this struggling? These grades are beyond poor! I can't believe you've let this happen!"
Martha's eyes water up as she tries to hold back her tears. Her voice cracks with emotion.
"I thought you were doing well, Ava. I trusted you to take your education seriously, and this is how you repay me?"
Ava's face fills with guilt as her mother's words hit her hard. She tries to find the right words to defend herself.
"I didn't mean to disappoint you, Mom. I know I should've done better, but the work has been really difficult lately."
Martha wipes away her tears, her face now turning red with anger. She rises from her seat, towering over Ava, who shrinks back.
"DIFFICULT? LIFE IS DIFFICULT, AVA! BUT THAT'S NO EXCUSE FOR FAILING! YOU NEED TO START TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR ACTIONS!"
Ava breaks down, tears streaming down her face. She feels a mix of guilt, sadness, and frustration.
"I'm sorry, Mom. I'll try harder, I promise. I don't want to disappoint you anymore."
Martha grabbed Ava's favorite things including her electronics, "YOU'RE GROUNDED!"
YOU ARE READING
Unspoken Desires
Fiksi UmumCheska, a girl whose heart bore the weight of abandonment, had carried the scars of her past with her throughout her life. The wounds ran deep, originating from the neglect she had endured at the hands of her parents. Their absence had left her with...
