Page 68 of Drifting

When she slides a packet toward me, I read the first couple of lines. “What’s this?”

This isn’t mine. The first line doesn’t even make sense. Whoever wrote it didn’t even use spellcheck on it.

“That’s a homework assignment a student handed in who graduated last year, though I don’t know how.” She says the last part low, as if she’s speaking to herself. “Now, this is the assignment you handed in. They’re identical.”

Impossible. I spent hours on that assignment.

I jump up. “Are you accusing me of cheating?”

“Yes, Ms. Winters,” she says in a monotone voice. “You handed in another student’s homework. That would be considered cheating.”

That bitch. She’s had it out for me ever since I laughed at her when she asked me if I was a cheerleader.

“This isn’t my paper. I did mine on Emily Dickerson, not Robert Bridges.” I glance over at Peter and Mom.

“Can you prove it, Shelby?” Peter asks, crossing his legs.

I stumble back into my seat. Can I prove it’s not mine? I never thought I’d have to. “Yes, I can. My copy is still on my computer at home. Also, Nick read over my paper.”

Miss Web shakes her head. “Since your computer is at home, we cannot use that as evidence. You could simply go home and write it. As for Nick, even though he’s an excellent student, he’s your stepbrother and could lie for you. I’m sorry, but I will have to suspend you for two days. You can come back on Friday.” She taps together the papers she handed me, getting them back in order.

I look at Mom. Why hasn’t she said anything?

“Say something,” I tell her. “I didn’t do this.”

Patty straightens in her seat. “Ms. Webb, I believe my daughter when she says she didn’t do this. There must be a way for us to prove it to you. Don’t you think a suspension is a little much?”

“Mrs. Tate, I understand you want to believe your child didn’t do it, but the proof is here. I’m sorry, but the suspension stands.”

“This is bullshit!” I storm out of the office, slamming the door behind me.

This has Barbie Squad written all over it. My phone buzzes in my pocket, and when I storm out to the main area, Mav and Luke are there talking.

Once they see me, they come over.

“What happened?” Luke questions.

I throw up my hands. “I’m suspended until Friday.”

“For what?” Mav asks.

“I supposedly handed in someone else’s English assignment who graduated last year.”

“What?” Luke appears as surprised as I was when Ms. Webb accused me of this bullshit.

Mav scoffs. “That’s absurd.”

“I told them I can get my computer and prove it, but she says she can’t use that. Like I could go home and write a new paper right now,” I huff out.

Mav pulls me against him. “I’m sorry, sweetheart, we know you didn’t do it.”

Luke puts his hand on my shoulder. “We’ll figure out who did it.”

“Oh, come on. We know who did it. It’s the damn Barbie Squad. They’re getting even since Paige won’t do their homework anymore.” I press my face against Mav’s neck. He always smells so good.

“Shelby, sorry to interrupt, but Peter needs to go,” Mom’s smooth voice says.

I take in a deep breath before I kiss Mav’s cheek. “I’ll talk to you guys later. Can you tell the others and Paige what’s going on?”

---