“There’s a zero tolerance policy on fighting. You’re going to get suspended,” she whispered to me.

“Won’t be the first time,” I sighed. I hadn’t gotten in trouble often, but I had a stubborn streak that had gotten me in trouble before. Suspensions at our school meant staying home and doing extra work, but didn’t hurt our grades. With all the drama around Joe and Bethany, I’d welcome the quiet time at home even with Mom getting pissed at me fighting.

After about fifteen minutes, the principal came out of her office and stared at us with an unhappy frown on her face. “Come on in and tell me what...