“And I’m not letting anyone hurt you.”
Before bed, I asked Stella to write down every incident she could remember involving Lucy. Names. Dates.
Details. I also texted Ava’s mother. We had only spoken a few times, but she replied almost immediately: “Lucy has been tormenting Ava for months.”
The next morning, Stella and I walked into the school office together.
Ms. Grant was already there, sitting stiffly with a folder on her desk. The principal, Mr.
Bennett, stood by the window. Ms. Grant folded her hands.
“I hope Stella is prepared to apologize.”
I looked at her. “I hope we’re prepared to discuss why multiple kids say Lucy has been bullying them.”
Her mouth tightened. “That is not what happened.”
The office door opened.
And in walked Heather, holding the hand of a girl who looked exactly like her. I recognized her instantly. Older, of course.
Better dressed. Same expression. Same polished cruelty.
Beside her stood Lucy, with the same sharp chin and smug little mouth. Heather took one look at me and smiled. It was not a nice smile.
“Well,” she said. “I thought that face looked familiar.”
Stella glanced at me. Lucy smirked at her.
“Mom, that’s the girl,” Lucy said.
