"After a week straight of I.S.S are you three ready to explain to me why you decided to put laxatives in Mr. Hoskins's lunch?" Principal Mrs. Johnson asks you in a stressed tone.
Milo leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips. "Well it's his fault, Mrs. Johnson, so maybe you should ask him, he had it coming."
"How so, Mr. Perez?" Mrs. Johnson raised an eyebrow, her gaze shifting between the three boys.
Milo shrugged, his leg shaking restlessly. "Well, Mrs. Johnson, he's always breathing down our necks, especially mine. It's like he can't stand to see us breathe."
Mrs. Johnson folded her arms. "Have you ever thought that his actions might be justified?" None of the boys respond.
Her eyes narrowed slightly as she zeroed in on Milo. "Mr. Perez, have you been consistent with your medication?"
Milo quickly nodded, avoiding eye contact. "Yes, ma'am, I've been taking them."
Mrs. Johnson's gaze shifted to Aiden. "And you, Mr. Torres? You're usually the sensible one."
Aiden shifted in his seat. "Um, well, Mrs. Johnson, we all get frustrated sometimes. But maybe we didn't handle it the best way."
"Pussy," Antonio muttered under his breath causing Riley to chuckle.
"What did you say?" Aiden snapped.
"Enough," Mrs. Johnson interjected, her expression softening slightly. "Listen carefully. Respect is a two-way street. The only reason I'm not suspending you three is because I don't want you expelled. But don't take my kindness for granted."
"Understood," Riley said, nodding while standing.
"Give it to em Mr. Jackson." She said while looked Riley in the eyes.
"Give you what?"
"Don't make this hard Riley, just give me the pills.
Riley sighs and tosses a pack of laxative pills contained in a ziplock bag.
"Thank you Mr. Jackson, you three may take your leave."
As the trio exited the office, Riley nudged Aiden with a grin. "Mrs. Johnson, we all get frustrated but maybe we ain't handle it in the best way," he teased.
"Shut up," Aiden said as he chuckled but stopped abruptly when he spotted Harper Wilson. His heart pounded in his chest.
Riley noticed and teased him, "Go on, Aiden, now's your chance."
"I-I don't know, man..." Aiden stammered.
Milo smirked, giving him a playful shove. "Come on, don't be shy."
Taking a deep breath, Aiden straightened his posture and approached Harper. "Hi, Harper."
Harper turned, smiling warmly. "Hey, Aiden."
Before Aiden could continue, Daniel swooped in, draping his arm around Harper's shoulders. "Hey, Aiden," Daniel said with a smug grin.
Aiden forced a polite smile, suppressing his frustration. "Hey, Daniel."
Harper looked between the two, her expression faltering briefly. "Oh, Aiden, were you saying something?"
Aiden's heart sank. "Uh, it's nothing. Never mind."
Daniel smirked, tightening his grip on Harper. "Hey, Aiden, you should come to my party tomorrow at my house." Harper scribbled her address on a piece of paper. "It would be great if you could make it."
