Diane smirked. “That’s one way to put it.” She slouched deeper, arms crossed. Carol braced for a lecture, but the principal only nodded slowly, studying her with unnerving calm. The silence stretched until even Diane shifted uncomfortably, her bravado cracking beneath the weight of quiet scrutiny.
“I believe in fairness,” the principal said at last. “But fairness begins with honesty. Why do you think you’ve been sent home so often?” Diane rolled her eyes. “Because teachers can’t handle me. They’re boring. Rules are boring. I’m just being me.” Carol winced at the careless words.