LORI
The announcement came while I was halfway through solving for x, and honestly, I wished x would solve my life instead.
“Lori Lowell, please report to the principal’s office immediately.”
Every head turned. I didn’t even get fake sympathy this time, just open-mouthed stares and a few snickers from the back of the class. I grabbed my bag and stood slowly, ignoring the way my stomach twisted itself into a noose. My pencil clattered to the floor. I didn’t bother picking it up.
Ms. Calhoun muttered something about “unresolved conflicts” under her breath like she wasn’t dying to follow me with popcorn.
In the hallway, the fluorescent lights felt hotter and harsher. The walk to the office felt longer than usual. Like the school had stretched itself just to mess with me.
Halfway there,
