In the quiet administration hall, the heavy oak door to Principal Harrison's office stood open, the cool air conditioning humming inside.
Principal Harrison, a stern man in a grey suit, sat behind his large mahogany desk, looking over a folder as Ethan and Maya walked in.
Principal Harrison: Ethan? Maya? What happened to your face, young lady?
Ethan: Chloe Vance just assaulted Maya in the cafeteria in front of fifty witnesses, sir.
Principal Harrison: Assaulted her?!
Maya: She... she slapped me because I wouldn't move away from a lunch table...
Principal Harrison: Good gracious. Maya, sit down on the leather sofa right here. Let me get the school nurse.
Ethan: I already called Nurse Jenkins, sir. She's bringing an ice pack now.
The office door suddenly slammed open with a loud bang, and Chloe marched in with her phone held tightly in her hand.
Chloe: Principal Harrison! I demand that you suspend Maya immediately for instigating a physical fight!
Principal Harrison: Chloe! You do not barging into my office without knocking!
Chloe: I just called my father! He is on his way here right now with our family attorney!
Ethan: Good. Let your attorney watch the security video of you hitting a girl half your size.
Chloe: She insulted my family estate! She called my parents corrupt!
Maya: I never said anything about your parents, Chloe... I don't even know who your parents are...
Chloe: Lying again! You're just a jealous little charity case living in a foster home!
Principal Harrison: ENOUGH! Chloe, take a seat on that chair and be quiet!
Nurse Jenkins rushed into the room carrying a cold blue gel ice pack, gently pressing it against Maya's swollen cheek.
Nurse Jenkins: Poor dear... that is going to be a heavy bruise by tonight. Who did this?
Ethan: Chloe did it, Nurse Jenkins.
Nurse Jenkins: Absolutely disgraceful behavior for a senior student.
Chloe: Nobody asked for your opinion, nurse! Just do your job and stop talking!
Principal Harrison: Chloe Vance, one more disrespectful line out of your mouth and I will have security escort you to the detention hall!
Chloe: You wouldn't dare. My father's company pays for half the athletic equipment in this building!
Ethan: Money doesn't excuse assault, Chloe. You're about to find out that your father can't buy everything.