Unknown Happen Stance

Chapter 18: Remedial Goodness

"Welcome, my dears," the Headmistress began, her voice tinged with a bittersweet warmth. "Typically, this is more of a freshman class, but given the challenges we faced with respect for one another just over a year ago, I've made it a permanent program. And now, there's something important I need to share with you all. This year marks my last as your Headmistress. It's time for me to pass the torch. Until a replacement can be found, Mal will be stepping in as acting Headmistress. Belle and Cinderella will join us as the next instructors, as they embody the very essence of what this Academy stands for. Carlos and Lonnie will also lend their support as assistant teachers."As she spoke, a palpable mixture of nostalgia and trepidation filled the air, echoing through the hearts of the students who had grown under her guidance.Just then, the door creaked open, and in walked Evie, a vision of grace with an air of purpose about her. The classroom fell silent, a wave of gasps rippling through the students. Clutched in her hands was an ornate letter sealed with the royal Auradon rose, gleaming against the deep purple of the envelope."Fairy Godmother," Evie said, her voice steady yet reverberating with emotion, "this letter is for you from Princess Mal. Pardon my intrusion into your first session of your last year teaching here in this hallowed space." Evie stepped forward, eyes shining with a mixture of admiration and anxiety. "Mal insisted you open it today, Headmistress, and read it aloud in front of me."Taking her seat at the desk adjacent to Musa, Evie leaned in and whispered, "Please, don't tell anyone about Mal's use of magic on you an hour ago."Musa nodded, a hint of a smile crossing her face. "Sure, I won't."
As the Headmistress carefully opened the letter, the room held its breath.
"Dearest Faye, the Fairy Godmother," the Headmistress read, her voice softening with every word. "I have reflected deeply on your generous offer, and with a heavy heart, I must decline the position of Headmistress. Despite my best intentions to do what is right, people still fear me. Unlike my best friend Evie, I struggle with connecting to others. After much discussion with my crew and Ben, we've come to a consensus. Evie should temporarily step in as Headmistress until I hear back on my second choice. This might surprise Evie, but let it be known, she didn't propose this herself.
In light of bringing new VKs to the Academy today, I believe she is the ideal choice to succeed you. Evie is warm, welcoming, kind—a loyal friend who has an extraordinary talent for forging connections, even with those who may initially resist her. Above all, she possesses a gentleness that ensures no one would feel intimidated or, heaven forbid, burned by a display of magic, even by accident. With so many Princess duties demanding my attention, it pains me to have to refuse this opportunity, but I wholeheartedly trust Evie will carry on the legacy you've helped build. Love sincerely, Princess Mal."
A hush fell over the room, the weight of Mal's words settling into the hearts of each student.
"Well, you heard it, ladies and gentle lads," the Headmistress announced, her voice steady despite the emotion welling within her. "Give it up for Evie, the Headmistress-in-training!"
Evie's face reflected a mix of shock and disbelief, overwhelmed by the enormity of the moment. Carlos nudged her gently with his shoulder, eliciting a playful grimace. "Really, Carlos? Control your limbs!" she laughed, though the tremor in her voice betrayed her.
"I always knew you'd win," Carlos replied, beaming with pride.
"It was his idea, Evie, to nominate you," Jay chimed in, his voice an encouraging whisper amidst the chorus of shared excitement.The room erupted into applause, echoing with the promise of new beginnings and the undeniable bond of friendship that would carry them through this journey together. Evie's heart swelled with gratitude and determination; she was ready to step into this role, not just for herself, but for everyone who had ever believed in the potential of good.
"Didn't you guys already graduate this class? I mean, you guys are sophomores?" Musa asked, her voice laced with confusion and concern.
"Jay didn't graduate," Carlos interjected, a serious note creeping into his tone. "He's still struggling with his anger management issues. He has this overwhelming urge to punch someone, literally." He ran a hand through his hair, the weight of his friend's challenges clearly weighing on him. "It's not just about him—it comes from his father, Jafar, who was always prone to violence. Jay channels that tension into sports, but it's tough for him. That's why I chose this class as an elective; I wanted to coach other kids and be an intern counselor. I just want to help him."
"Oh, that is very sweet of you,"
Musa replied, her eyes softening with admiration for Carlos's loyalty.
"Please, spare us the sentimental mumbo jumbo," Chad groaned, an edge of disdain in his voice, which echoed into the tense atmosphere.
"Zip it, Chad!" Evie snapped, the authority in her voice slicing through the tension like a knife. Her fingers snapped emphatically, each sound punctuating her determination. "That kind of attitude doesn't belong here."
The noise made Chad flinch, surprised by Evie's intensity.
"Do you really want to make the college tournament team and finally earn your father's pride, to hear him cheering for you instead of comparing you to your perfect baby sister?" Evie's voice softened slightly, but there was an unmistakable fierceness in her gaze. "Look, I know you've felt jealousy over Chloe, your little sister, being the golden child, and acting out has been your way of grabbing attention. But honestly, that kind of behavior isn't showing the Charmings' true legacy from Cinderella's burg! Snap out of it! If you want to make the college team, you first have to graduate this class and this school!"
"But Fairy Godmother—" Chad gasped, desperation creeping into his voice.
"I don't want to hear it, Chad," Faye interrupted, her tone unwavering. "Carlos filled me in on what happened last year—trespassing into dorms, stealing his key, even making a copy of it with a 3D printer you had no permission to use. You need to listen to Evie; she holds the position of acting Headmistress now. Evie, what would you like him to do first?"
Evie took a steadying breath, grounding herself in a moment that felt bigger than just this conversation. "I want you to apologize, Chad. You need to show us you're the Prince you claim to be. Start by apologizing to me for forcing me to do your homework when I first came to school here, pretending to be a fake boyfriend and friend. Then apologize to Carlos for breaking into his room, using his printer without permission, and stealing and forging keys, Chad Charming."
"Wow, she's intense," Musa said, awe evident in her voice.
"She's been through a lot—just like Mal," Carlos replied, his tone shifting to deep empathy, understanding the weight of their shared struggles. "So, Chad, are you ready to apologize to me?"
Chad looked between them, his cheeks flushing with a mix of shame and realization. The vulnerability of the moment settled over him, heavy yet affirming; his path forward lay not just in rebellion but in the courage to face his mistakes and take responsibility. In that silence, the air was charged with possibility, echoing the unspoken hope that redemption and growth were still within his grasp.
Chad shifted uncomfortably in his seat, the laughter and camaraderie around him fading into the background as Evie's intense gaze bore down on him. Realizing the gravity of the situation, he took a deep breath, the corners of his mouth twitching downward.
"Okay, okay. I get it," Chad began, his voice steady but tinged with nervousness. "I messed up. Carlos, I'm really sorry for stealing your dorm key and printing a fake one with your printer without asking to use your 3D printer too. I thought it would be funny or clever, but it was just... wrong. You trusted me, and I abused that trust. I shouldn't have invaded your space like that, and I promise it won't happen again."
Carlos nodded surprised by the sincerity in Chad's voice and genuine responded. "Apology accepted."
With a sigh of relief, Chad turned his focus to Evie. The room was quiet as everyone awaited his next words.
"Evie, I owe you an apology, too," Chad said, nervously running a hand through his hair. "I'll be honest—I treated you like you were easy to manipulate because I thought it would make me look cooler to my friends. Pretending to be your boyfriend and making you do my homework was just... really messed up. You deserved better than that. I see that now. You've always been one of the nicest people here, and I regret putting you in that position. I truly apologize for my behavior and for taking advantage of your kindness."
Evie's expression softened, and she could see the genuine regret in his eyes. "Thank you, Chad. That means a lot."
With both apologies voiced, the tension in the room eased a bit, and Evie's gaze shifted back to the other students, a hint of pride shining through the anxiety she had felt earlier. As she glanced at Carlos, he gave her a supportive smile. "See? You're already making an impact as Acting Headmistress."
Evie chuckled lightly, trying to shake off any lingering nerves. "Well, I guess that's what I'm here for. Now, let's make this a class that brings out the best in all of us!"