Chapter 3

Brie' s shortcut was a disaster, just as I knew it would be.

Muddy, waterlogged roads, detours that led to more delays.

When we finally limped towards the testing center, the main gates were locked, officials turning away latecomers.

It was hours past the start time.

Kevin, ever the star athlete used to getting his way, and Mark, the student council VP, jumped off the bus, trying to argue with the stern-faced proctors.

"You don't understand! It wasn't our fault!" Kevin pleaded.

I watched their meltdown from the bus window, a cold satisfaction settling in.

Soon, Principal Thompson and the District Superintendent, Ms. Albright, arrived, their faces like thunder.

"We've had reports," Ms. Albright announced, her voice cutting through the rain, "that your group deliberately chose to delay your departure, against explicit warnings. There will be no makeup exam. This will severely impact your college applications and, for some of you, graduation."

Other parents, who had gotten their kids there on time, started yelling at our group, their faces contorted with anger.

Mark, the VP, immediately turned on Kevin, "This is your fault! You made us wait for her!"

Brie, tears already welling in her eyes, sobbed, "It's not true! I think... I think Sarah used her family's influence! Maybe she called someone, had them close the roads to sabotage me!"

Kevin, his face red with fury, whirled on me, "You! You did this!"