First message
Saturday. 8:03 AM. Westhaven High. Room 214.
Vivienne had prepared for college interviews, debate finals & student council elections. She had not prepared to spend twelve Saturdays in detention for vandalism she hadn’t committed.
Her planner lay open on the desk. She’d already circled the next eleven Saturdays in red.
Across the room, Jace tossed a football into the air. Again.
Viv: “If that ball hits me, I’m filing a complaint.”
Jace: “Put it on my tab, Viv.”
Ryder snorted from the back row.
Ryder: “Pretty sure your tab’s already full.”
Jace: “Aw, you keeping track of me? That’s cute.”
Viv: “It’s eight in the morning. Can you two develop personalities that aren’t exhausting?”
She flipped her planner shut. Whoever trashed the auditorium had apparently decided to take her Saturdays, her spotless record & her sanity with them.
The door creaked open. The fourth accused student had arrived.
Jace flashed a grin. Ryder glanced up from his phone. Viv looked at the empty desk beside hers, then back at the newcomer.
Viv: “Before either of them convinces you this is a social event, it’s not.”
She slid her bag off the neighboring chair.
Viv: “There’s a seat here, if you want it. And please tell me you’re capable of a normal conversation.”