Chasing Danger

35. Interrogation Room

One week later

Ciara's POV

The director made it clear that nobody was pressing charges or going to court. He talked to both Riele's parents and my mom, but my mom already knew about the fight, and she wasn't mad.

"Nobody goes anywhere until it's talked out" the director said. "If you guys can't figure it out, you're all suspended for a month!"

"Can I say something" Suzy said. "Something I should've said a long time ago."

Nobody verbally gave Suzy the 'okay' to start speaking, but we all stopped talking. All eyes were on Suzy.

"In terms of ethics, Ciara should apologize, because that's what's right. In terms of everything else, Riele owes Ciara one big apology", Suzy said.

"She owes Jace one too" Ella chipped in. "That's not how you treat a 'best friend'"she added as she made quotes with her fingers at the 'best friend' part.

Ella was right. Jace considered Riele to be his best friend. Riele did what she did because of me, and that sucks for Jace.

"Wait" the director cut in. "Why does Jace deserve an apology? He wasn't apart of the fight."

"I'm glad you asked" I said. "Remember that time when you pulled Jace and I out of the room to talk to us about allegedly sleeping together in the studio? Well that whole thing was a rumor that Riele started. Best friends don't do that to each other." I looked at Riele when I said the last part.

"It's your fault" Riele said to me. "Why would you two be in a dark basement alone?"

The she turned towards everybody else. "That doesn't seem a little odd to you guys?"

"They could've just been exploring the building" Ella said.

"Or they could've been looking for something" Suzy added.

"Okay you know what!" Riele raised her voice. "I don't even know why she's still here! Seriously, she fought Leslye, she hit me for no reason, and then just last week, her and her bosom buddy Kyla jumped me."

"Wait a minute!" Jace interrupted. "You encouraged Ciara to fight Leslye, she didn't even want to do it. You provoked Ciara to smack you, for something that wasn't even her fault. You know what else? Nobody told you to slide up on Suzy's Snapchat post, and nobody told you to ask for Ciara's address. This is your fault Riele."

Everybody started clapping. Considering this conversation was about me, I didn't really know what to do. I started clapping with everybody else and mouthed a "thank you" to Jace.

"Riele why did you even do that? What did Ciara do to you that was so bad that you had to start a rumor about her?" Suzy asked.

"Maybe it was the little scuffle they had on stage a while back?" Ella suggested.

"Riele and I made up from that. Or at least I thought we did" I said. Riele made a face at me.

"Maybe" Jace suggested, "she's mad that Ciara and I are official, because I don't call or text her as much any more."

"First of all" Riele said. "Wasn't I the same one trying to get you and Ciara back while you were crying like a baby?"

"Or maybe" I said, completely ignoring what Riele said. "Riele's wanted Jace and I to be together at first, but now she's mad because she likes him!"

Everybody gasped.

"I don't like him!" Riele said.
"Seems like you do" I said back with a smirk.

"Alright were getting off topic here",the director said. "Riele, you're suspended for two weeks."

"What!" Riele exclaimed as she got up from her seat. "Why am I the only one getting punished?"

"Well Ciara didn't start rumors or show up at anyone's house" the director said. "Pack your bags, I'll see you in two weeks."

A smile illuminated my face. Under the table I could feel Jace trying to intertwine his fingers with mine, so opened my hand and gave him access. 

Riele quietly walked out of the room. For the first time since I met her, she looked defeated.

"I'm sorry for everything that I might've caused you guys" Sean said to us. "We're supposed to be a family, and family doesn't gossip about one another."

"Hey, things happen" I said. "It's all about how we rebound, as a team."