I scowled out at the morning mist. In my twelve years as principal here, I'd never seen the like. The Cullens were great students, straight as an arrow inside school and out. And so was Mike Newton, mostly. I never would have guessed he was the one who vandalized Edward Cullen's locker. But even when he came in before school today and confessed, I couldn't find the heart to be angry at him. He was so dejected. He knew it was a stupid thing to do. And he was right — his father would rake him over the coals. I was actually feeling just a touch proud of him for doing the mature thing and owning up to his mistake when he brought up the Cullens.

He tried to act all cool about it, but he was genuinely scared. On the one hand, I could understand why. Even though the Cullens were a good bunch of kids, that Emmett was a bit intimidating just by his sheer size. On the other hand, it strained the imagination, the thought of those quiet, studious Cullens actually being violent. After all, Rosalie Hale had weaseled the truth out of him several days ago, by Mike's own account. All this time, and they hadn't so much as lifted a finger against him. Jasper Hale buying a camping knife hardly qualified.

Still, it was best to look into it, all the same. I'd told Mrs. Cope to call Emmett and Jasper to my office during the first hour, not bothering to pull Ms. Hale from her class. I just couldn't imagine her taking part in any revenge her brothers might be planning.

I was sure it was nothing. At least, I hoped ...

A sharp knock on the door startled me. "Yes?"

The door opened, and Jasper Hale peeked in. His expression was mildly curious, and I instantly relaxed. Why was I so jumpy this morning?

"You wanted to see us, Mr. Greene?" he asked.

"Yes. Come in and have a seat, boys."

Jasper slid easily into the room, but Emmett filled the doorway as he sauntered in. I'd never needed to call either one of them into my office before, but it suddenly felt very close. Emmett was big, but Jasper loomed almost as tall. I'd never noticed.

Then they took their seats, and I felt much more at ease. I probably exaggerated their height because I was still sitting.

They watched me expectantly, and I was suddenly flustered at having been caught staring. It took me a good five seconds to gather my thoughts again, and I was embarrassed all the more. Nervously, I cleared my throat. "I'm sure you're wondering why I called you in here today."

Emmett bobbed his head, his eyes wide in innocent confusion.

"Well, you see..." Get a grip! "Mike Newton came to me before school with some... concerns."

They exchanged an unreadable glance, then Emmett asked, "Mike Newton?" He clearly didn't follow me.

Jasper was just as puzzled. "Do you want us to help tutor him, Mr. Greene?"

I laughed with sudden relief. "No, no. Nothing like that. He was concerned that you two might be... unhappy with him."

"Unhappy?"

"Well, he was terrified, actually, that you might want to get revenge on him."

"We wouldn't do anything to him," Jasper insisted, "even if he did do something to make us angry. You know us, Mr. Greene."

"Yes, Mr. Hale, I do." I felt so foolish.

"I don't understand," Emmett added. "Why did he think we would want revenge? It doesn't make any sense."

I cleared my throat again. "He thought you knew. He confessed to vandalizing Edward's locker."

"He confessed?" Emmett snorted, then burst out laughing.

Jasper snickered, and I chuckled, too. "I assume you're not upset about the locker, then?"

"Not at all," Jasper assured me, still grinning. "I thought it was rather amusing, actually."

Emmett was still laughing too hard to answer.

"Well I won't deny I'm relieved to hear that, Mr. Hale. Don't let me keep you from your classes."

"Yes, sir," Jasper answered, rising to his feet. Emmett wordlessly followed him out the door, still shaking from laughter.

I smiled as the door shut behind them. Any rumor to the contrary was just sour grapes. Those were good kids.