The Mind Bender

Chapter 6

"This is unfair. You can't suspend my son for something he wasn't responsible," Elaine protested. She leaned to the table of Principal Aaron M. Parks, who looked at her casually as if dismissing her protests.

Dane quietly sat on the chair from across his mom. They've been talking for about half an hour about the incident that happened yesterday.

"I heard from the kids that that boy was bullying my son. Why hasn't your school done anything about it?" Elaine almost yelled. She looked irate, her fingers pressed hard on the table. She looked at Sherri. "And now you're suspending my son?"

"Mrs. Walker, calm down. We're conducting an investigation, and we're still deciding whether your son could be held liable for what happened." Principal Parks rested his chin on his interlocked hands, elbows on his table. His eyeglasses glinted as light from the window beside his table reflected on them.

"I agree with Mrs. Walker," Sherri interrupted. "Max is a mischievous kid. He's been toying with the other kids. I've sent him to our counselor a few times already."

Principal Parks closed his eyes and nodded. "Very well."

"Where are Mr. and Mrs. Amos?" Sherri asked.

"Max's dad hung up on me, and I couldn't contact his mom," Mr. Parks said.

"Who's taking care of the kid?" Elaine asked.

"I've left Mrs. Amos a message. She should be seeing him later today," Sherri answered.

Dane sat quietly as he listened to the adults talking to one another, never wanting to interrupt them or speak his mind. His tailbone still hurts. He had a few bruises. But he didn't want to make a fuss about his discomfort. 

He wasn't sure about what happened to Max, although part of him blamed himself. He must have caused it. He must have hurt him. At least, his bully was still alive. He never intended to hurt him, in the same way he had never intended to hurt his dad. Dane felt a mild jolt in his head.

"You can't suspend my son for something he didn't do."

"I think Mrs. Walker is right," Sherry said. "Besides, the other kids said they didn't see Dane try to hurt him in any way."

Principal Parks sat quietly for a moment. He looked as though he was contemplating on a decision. Then he spoke. "All right," he said, looking at Dane, who had drooped his head, "he can go back to classes."

Sherri smiled at Dane. Elaine looked worried.

Principal Parks turned to Sherri. "I want future cases of bullying reported. I think we have to set up a faculty meeting."

"Right, sir."