A PLACE CALLED HOME

THE FIGHT

Tessa leaned in, voice low. "You really think anyone cares about your invite? Like, who’s gonna show up?"

Amara’s smirk faltered. "Hey, it’s gonna be lit. Everyone’s coming."

Tessa laughed loud. "Oh, everyone? Like the JV soccer team? Cute."

Amara shoved her shoulder. "Shut up, Tessa."

Tessa pushed back, harder. "Make me."

Amara's eyes narrowed. "You think you're better than me, Tessa?"

Tessa snorted. "Better? I'm the one everyone wants to be around."

Amara scoffed. "Oh please, you're just a wannabe with a bad attitude."

Tessa's grin turned sharp. "At least I don't have to try to be popular. You do."

Amara's face reddened. "Shut up!"

Tessa leaned closer. "Make me, Amara. You can't even handle a little truth."

The canteen erupted, Amara lunged, grabbing Tessa's hair. Tessa yelled, kicking over chairs. Food trays flew – rice, stew, jollof rice went everywhere. Amara's designer bag hit the floor, ketchup splashing.

"YOU BOTH STOP!" Principal Miller burst in, voice like thunder.

Tessa and Amara froze, panting. The crowd scattered, leaving a mess.

Principal Miller glared. "Office. Now."

Tessa grinned, satisfied.This will do

Principal Miller leaned back, arms crossed. "Tessa, what happened?"

Tessa shrugged, innocent face on. "Amara started it, sir."

Amara scoffed. "Lied! She pushed me first."

Principal Miller sighed. "Both of you, fighting like kids. Your parents will be called."

Tessa's grin flickered. No, no, no. "Sir, do we have to"

"Yes, Tessa. You both will go clean up the mess in the canteen. After you're done, wait in the waiting area for your parents."

Principal Miller leaned forward, concern etched on his face. "Tessa, you've always been a good girl. Why are you causing trouble like this?"

Tessa looked down, shrugging.

Amara huffed. "This is so unfair."

Both girls left to clean up.

After they finished, they sat in the waiting area. A few minutes later, Amara's mother, Madam Chioma Okeke, walked in. Amara stood, looking sheepish.

Madam Okeke frowned. "Amara, what happened?"

Amara explained everything to Madam Okeke, emphasizing Tessa started it. Madam Okeke listened, frowning.

Tessa sat beside Amara, thinking, _Will Mum or Dad come? Or maybe they'll just send Emily again. Ugh, that'd be worse._

Madam Okeke turned to Principal Miller's office. "I'll speak with the principal."

Tessa zoned out, worrying about her parents' reaction.

Few minutes later, Emily Clarke walked into the waiting area, looking professional. "Tessa, what happened?"

Tessa stood up abruptly. "What are you doing here?"

Emily's expression remained calm. "I'm here for you, Tessa. Your parents are... unavailable."

Tessa's face hardened. "Go ask the principal why I'm here."

Emily's eyebrows rose slightly. "Tessa—"

Tessa cut her off, voice low. "Just go."

Emily nodded slightly and headed to Principal Miller's office.

Principal Miller sat behind his desk. Emily Clarke entered and asked about the issue.

Madam Okeke apologized for Amara's behavior. Emily explained, "Tessa's parents are busy, sir. They apologize."

Principal Miller nodded sternly. "Both girls are getting 2 weeks detention. They need to understand the seriousness. And Tessa's also skipping three classes lately."

Emily's expression tightened slightly. "I'll make sure to let her parents know, sir."

Principal Miller's voice was firm. "2 weeks detention. Each. For fighting. And, Tessa, get your attendance straight."

Tessa and Amara were called in. Both girls entered, looking sheepish.

Principal Miller's voice was firm. "2 weeks detention. Each. For fighting."

Tessa and Amara nodded.Tessa stormed off towards the detention room. Emily watched her go.

"Tessa, cool down," Emily said softly, but Tessa didn't look back.

Amara's mom, Madam Okeke, led Amara to the detention room too.

The girls spent the next four hours in silence

The clock ticked slowly. Tessa stared blankly at the wall, her mind racing. They don't care about me anyway... unless I do something big. What if I.......

Amara sat beside her, equally lost in thought.

4 hours passed. No one spoke.

The detention supervisor finally spoke, "Alright, you two. Detention's over. Go home."

Tessa's eyes narrowed, a plan forming.