For The Better

In The Office

"Miss Matthews, I'm glad you are here. I doubt you are confused as to why."

Skie could feel herself shaking but willed her voice to remain steady. "No, ma'am."

"Today, fifty dollars were taken from Ms. Wheaton's desk. Do you know anything about this?"

"Yes, ma'am."

The headmistress leaned closer. "Tell me the truth, Miss Matthews. Did you take the money?"

Skie took a deep breath.

"Yes, ma'am."

"Very well. Now, one hundred dollars was also taken from the dormitory of Isabelle Richardson. Did you take that as well?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Skie glanced around the room. Hazel had a hand on Raven's arm, neither were looking at her. Her parents were both looking at her, her mom concerned, her dad glaring. Ms. Wheaton looked slightly puzzled, the Headmaster had his mouth in a stern line, the tall man with glasses was studying her, and the woman Skie assumed to be Izzy's mom was looking at Izzy. Isabelle herself was looking at Skie with wide eyes filled with shock.

Skie looked back at the Headmistress. It hurt too much to see everyone else.

"Did you have any purpose for taking the money?" The Headmistress asked.

"No, ma'am."

"And you still have it, yes?"

"Yes, ma'am. In my dorm."

The Headmistress nodded. "Good. Now, we must discuss what will be done. Mrs. Richardson and Ms. Wheaton, you agree not to press charges?"

Both women nodded silently.

"Very good. Now, Miss Matthews, I am very sorry, but you are hereby expelled from East Hill Private-"

"Wait."

All eyes flew to Hazel, who had gotten to her feet.

"Miss Jamison?" The Headmistress seemed a little put out.

"I'm very sorry to interrupt, ma'am, but at the beginning of this school year, you placed Miss Matthews with me in a mentoring relationship. Since then, I have seen her grow in ways she may not even see herself. I cannot allow what has been achieved to remain unstated. I know it is not my place, ma'am, but I do not agree with this punishment." Hazel looked a little flustered, but very determined.

Before the Headmistress could speak, Ms. Wheaton stood as well. "I agree with Miss Jamison. I have had Skylar in both my classes and in my play, and I have never found her to be anything other than a sweet girl. I believe in second chances, and I do not agree to this expulsion."

Raven stood up. "I've known my little sister for a long time, ma'am, and I've never seen her as well behaved or as happy as she is at this school. Hazel was right in something she said once, this school works for people who other schools don't work for. I think it would benefit her more to stay."

"Raven, sit down." Her father hissed.

"No, Scott, let her take a stand. I agree with everything she said. I've seen a change in my daughter that I never expected. I, too, would push for a lesser punishment." Raven's mother stood and looked defiantly down at her husband

Go Mom. She never disagrees with him.

Izzy stood. "I don't really understand everything, ma'am, but Skie's always been a good friend to me. I know she wouldn't purposely hurt me. I don't think you should kick her out."

Izzy's mother stood and put a hand on her daughter's shoulder. "I've only ever heard good things about Skylar, and I do think that this is rather harsh. If my daughter holds nothing against her, I certainly won't."

The Headmistress looked at the Headmaster and the other man. "Headmaster? Superintendent?"

The two men glanced at each other, nodded, and then looked back at her.

"It is your decision." The Headmaster stated.

The Headmistress looked at the one person still seated. "What say you, Mr. Matthews?"

Mr. Matthews took a deep breath. "I am disappointed in my daughter's actions, certainly. However, there does seem to be something to be said for the points brought up. I am not a sentimental man, to be sure, but I do like to see my children doing well. And Skylar certainly has been doing well. However, whatever punishment you believe to be fair, I will stand by."

The Headmistress looked around at everyone, finally stopping at the very nervous Skie.

"Very well. Rules are rules."

Skie closed her eyes. She knew what was coming next.

TBC...