Page 78 of Drifting

Then, I remember what I need to do today, and I groan. I’m not looking forward to this. I should be happy that I’m going to clear my name, but I can’t get rid of this feeling that I’m starting something I’m going to regret.

After the family meeting, Peter informed me he already called the school while at his office and made an appointment with Ms. Webb. At least, Hannah and Nick left at their regular time, so I don’t have to worry about seeing her until later.

After getting ready, I stroll in to the kitchen and catch Peter and Mom making out.

I cough to let them know they’re no longer alone, and they break apart, both with red cheeks.

“Are you ready?” Mom asks, running a hand down her dress.

“I guess.” I stare at my feet as I tuck a lock of hair behind my ear. “I just hope this doesn’t backfire on me.”

Peter stops pouring his coffee into a thermos. “What do you mean?”

“I’m possibly getting two or three cheerleaders kicked off the team.” I absently draw lines on the marble counter with my finger. “I hope the entire school doesn’t hate me.”

“We didn’t think of that, honey,” Mom says, peering up at Peter. “Maybe she shouldn’t do this?”

Hearing her say that, my back goes up. “I have been called a lot of things in my life, but a cheater isn’t one of them. I’m not sure if college is in my future, but I don’t want that stigma hanging over me. Plus, those girls have made not just my life a living hell, but Paige’s as well.”

“Shelby, I know I pushed for you to fix this, but I didn’t think about retaliation. Before we leave, I want to make sure you know that you don’t have to do this.” Peter smiles.

“I can handle whatever they throw at me. It’s Paige I’m worried about.” I stand taller. I need to do this for Paige. She’s been their slave long enough.

“If you’re sure, then we should go,” Peter says.

Mom walks over and wraps her arm around my shoulders. “I’m proud of you. It might be hard, but you’re doing the right thing.”

I smile and straighten. “Thanks, Mom.”

I just hope she’s right.

On the ride to the school, I go over what I want to say, knowing I need to keep my temper in check. I hope the guys are smart and stay away. The last thing I need right now are any distractions. This will be hard enough without them.

At the school, we head into the office and are shown to the conference room.

Nick’s already there. So are Maddie, Carrie, and Hannah. The girls all sit on one side and Nick on the other. I take a chair beside Nick, while Peter and Mom sit a little farther down the table.

Nick leans in. “The guys want me to tell you that you got this. And Mav wants me to kiss you, but I’m not going to do that.” He scrunches up his nose at that last statement, making my lips twitch as I fight off a smile. “They all wanted to be here, but I figured it would be better with just me.”

Thank you, Nick, for using your brain and telling them to stay in class. But it’s nice to know they have my back.

“Thank you for not letting them in,” I whisper. “It’s going to be a three-ring circus as it is. Also, thank you for not kissing me. I have enough problems.”

Nick chuckles as the door opens, and Ms. Webb strolls in. “I cleared an hour for this. I don’t think it should take longer than that.”

Bitch! Knowing she’s already made up her mind, I lean back in my chair. This is a total waste of time.

“It sounds like you’ve already made up your mind, Martha.” Anger heats Peter’s voice. “I don’t know if you can be fair to Shelby, since she’s accusing your girls of cheating.”

“Really, Peter? Last time I checked, I’m the principal at this school,” she sputters out as she sits at the head of the table.

Mr. Sullivan, the vice-principal, walks into the room and closes the door, carrying a stack of papers and a notepad. “I think you have too much at stake in this, Martha. These girls are your top cheerleaders.”

I haven’t met the vice-principal, but I recognize him in passing. He’s a tall, wiry man with graying hair that he wears parts on the left side and plastered to his scalp.

Ms. Webb’s eyes grow large. “I don’t remember asking you to be here, Greg.”

Mr. Sullivan takes the seat at the opposite end of the table and stares down at her. “No, you didn’t, but the school board thought it best that an impartial person makes the final decision.”

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