Quinn looked over and sighed. Keiran's face was completely blank, and this principal seemed like the type who relished tears from the students. He was going to get the book thrown at him.
"I'm not interested in why you thought you had to hit young Mr. Daniels -"
"He called my mom the n-word," Keiran said without emotion. "I'm not sorry I hit him."
The principal looked extremely uncomfortable. He'd obviously been gearing up for a good proper bollocking.
"How long is Keiran suspended for fighting?" Mercedes asked, taking pity on the man.
"Ah… two days. And I'll want an essay on my desk Monday about a better way to resolve…uh…conflicts."
Keiran nodded, but said nothing.
"Yes sir?" the principal prompted.
"Yes sir," Keiran said immediately and without emotion.
"And how long is Adam Daniels suspended?" Quinn asked frostily.
"Sorry?"
"The Eamon Menx School Statement says, and I quote, that the school is committed to fostering global citizens by encouraging diversity and teaching tolerance. The students will be held accountable for broadening their worldview, and no instance of discrimination or bigotry will be tolerated. Now, I'm sure Mr. and Mrs. Daniels will argue that this was neither, as the slur wasn't directed at my son, but it really is. Adam knew what he was saying, and who he was saying it about and to. He should be punished just like Keiran is being punished for fighting. Zero tolerance policy all around."
The principal was sweating now, and looking anywhere but at Mercedes. "Of course, I agree. And he will be. I'm not at liberty to discuss the discipline of another child with you, but I assure you, it will be dealt with accordingly."
Quinn gave him the coldest of nods and stood. "Then we'll be on our way, if you don't mind."
When they got to the car, Mercedes turned to look at Keiran. "So what did you hit him with?"
"Mercedes!" Quinn said.
"What? Keiran's hands look fine, but the kid had a broken nose! I'm just curious…."
"I slapped him first, but then he started punching me, so I hit him with my binder," Keiran said.
Both women flinched. Keiran's binders from this year and years past could be used as building material.
"At least he won," she muttered.
"Mercedes!" Quinn said, glaring at her wife. "Not helping. He can't go off hitting people, no matter how tempting it might be to beat the ignorance out of them…."
Mercedes smiled slightly. "I know. But I'm just saying…for his first fight? Our ballet dancing, kitten rescuing, regularly in a headlock by Pezberry's demon spawn, gentle giant of a son did well."
Quinn tried not to smile, she really did. It was best not to encourage them. But she couldn't help it. Rolling her eyes, she pulled out onto the road and drove them home.