Safe Hands

29. Another Phase

The smell of bacon and eggs filled the air as the family gathered around the breakfast table. The mood was generally upbeat, with casual conversation and the clinking of cutlery against plates. Russell was particularly animated, eager to share his news and get his plans rolling like dice.

"I got a B+ on my math test, and it was a surprise math test," Russell announced with a grin, looking around the table for reactions.

Alex smiled, nodding approvingly. "That's great, Russell. Well done. You've been working hard. I bet if your dad was here he would say the same thing."

Russell's smile tightened at the mention of his father. "Yeah," he agreed sheepishly.

"You're so smart," Alex added.

Russell beamed, basking in the praise. Alex turned his attention to Grayson, who was keeping a locked focus on his food.

"And what about you, Gray? How did your tests go?"

Grayson shrugged, avoiding eye contact by keeping his gaze on his food. "I didn't check my grades. Misplaced the sheet, I guess."

Russell raised a brow before pulling a folded piece of paper from his pocket. "Oh, you mean this?" He held up Grayson's test sheet with a big red F circled at the top. Julian flinched.

Grayson's face turned red with anger and embarrassment. "You stole my paper, you jerk!"

Russell smirked. "Found it in the trash. Thought it might be important."

Alex's expression darkened, not with anger but with disappointment. "Grayson, is this true?"

Grayson stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. "Screw you, Russell!" He popped his finger.

"Guess who's screwed? You!" Russell retorted, getting ready to go physical, but Alex stepped in between them, pushing Grayson back.

"Enough! Both of you, sit down," Alex commanded. The room fell silent, tension crackling in the air.

Julian, usually quiet during these moments, looked upset. "Russell, why did you have to do that?"

Russell shrugged, looking slightly guilty but defiant. "Just thought he should be honest."

"That's enough, eat your food, and Grayson meet me in the study after breakfast," Alex said, sounding dead serious. Grayson shot Russell a glare while he rolled his eyes.

After breakfast, Grayson finished his laundry before going to answer his convocation. He walked into the study reluctantly, knowing a lecture was coming. Alex sat behind his desk, gesturing for Grayson to take a seat.

"Why did you lie about your grades, Grayson?" Alex asked, his tone calm but firm.

Grayson slumped in the chair, feeling the weight of Alex's disappointment. "I didn't lie. I just didn't want to talk about it."

"Failure is not defeat, Grayson. Lying about it or hiding it is what defeats you," Alex said softly. "Now, tell me what happened."

Grayson took a deep breath, trying to control his emotions. "Mr. Simon thinks I cheated. He gave me an F and said he didn't know how I did it, but he was sure I cheated."

Alex frowned, leaning forward. "Did you cheat?"

"No! I didn't," Grayson said emphatically. "I put all my effort into it, but he just assumed I cheated."

Alex nodded slowly. "Then you need to fight for your rights. We'll talk to Mr. Simon together on Monday."

Grayson stiffened, "You want to come to school to talk to a teacher, like defend me?"