Chapter 2: They'll Burn Before Me
"Seriously what is with that class?"
After the live-stream over the weekend where none other than Adrien Agreste had addressed his fans and viewers. No one had seen, let alone heard, from the young model in days since the scandal come out about accusations of assault. Seeing his face, still with remnants of bruising on his cheeks, bandages, and the marks around his eye from where it was once swollen and bruised nearly shut. It drew thousands of views as he addressed his whereabouts and his side of the story concerning the allegations against him. Including addressing rumors and gossip that had cropped up in his absence.
Thousands had watched it from beginning to end. Taking note of Adrien's demeanor and how he explained his own self. In all he was...natural. He spoke with a professionalism and politeness. Showing emotion, but not overlaying it. He did make it all about him, yet he did. Not trying to make the viewers pity him, but sympathize. To show them the truth, his truth, with no smoke and mirrors. He came as himself and only himself. Wounds and all. And by the end the comment section had blown up. The video having been shared on multiple parties over the web. And had become one of the most talked about topics in the city. Young teens or adults, almost everyone had a similar opinion on the subject. Especially around pre-teens and young adults, the biggest fan's of the young model.
"What a couple of creeps."
"Yeah who do they think they are?"
"A bunch of fake friends."
"Sheep."
"Did you see what they did to his face?"
"Poor Adrien."
Seeing the young model whose face had been posted and plastered all over Paris. Seeing his face with bandages and fading bruise marks. Hearing about his physical and emotional trauma he suffered. And knowing why he had been out of the spotlight and public view for so long. It was both shocking and heartbreaking. People had worried about him when he had disappeared and gone silent, but they didn't know it was that bad. And now they understood.
And of course they were not happy.
A couple of days afterwards a special report of B'zz Network, a channel founded and operated by 'The Queen', had been getting major traffic. Viewers listened and watched as the story broke of Adrien's struggle at school and at work. Especially with the rumors that had been maliciously made against him without proof or warrant. Including a couple of photos showing the deep scratches and claw marks on Adrien's arms. And of course the cause as shown in the video footage he procured from the photo shoots Adrien had been a part of. And to top it off a video of the 'confrontation' between Adrien and his classmates. The expose had gained thousands of views and might soon hit the millions before the end day, maybe even sooner. Cementing Adrien's innocence, as well as showing if anyone was the victim of harassment it was him. Especially with the pictures and video's showing Adrien getting grabbed, dragged, and latched onto on multiple occasions and without his consent. Most of the time looking either shocked or miserable when the other party didn't let up.
The young model, the Sunshine Prince, and Sweetheart of Paris. Innocence personified in a lovable ball that no one could seem to resist. He was polite, considerate, warmhearted, and respectful even to strangers. He even took the time to greet his fans and almost never turned down giving autographs and allowing photographs when in public.
So when word began to spread about accusations against the golden-hearted model it instantly blew up. Of course as more information came to light the more people's opinions seemed to point in one direction. No one believed the accusations of Adrien assaulting anyone, let alone a girl, when it was nothing more than a rumor. Many believing it as a tasteless joke or trashy piece of gossip.
The accusations were quickly picked apart by not only Adrien himself, but others who covered the story itself. Small channels online who reviewed the allegations and did their own research into the so called 'victim'. Cross-referencing the times of the 'alleged' assault and showing that Adrien was on the opposite side of the city was proven by very well paid individuals, well trained in video analyzes and working in some of the top firms, research labs, coding, and forensic teams in Paris. With multiple witnesses and accounts a frenzy was stirred and bubbling over. Especially when news of Adrien's 'unlawful' and 'unjustified' suspension from his former school without due process. The cherry on top was the video of Adrien's own assault and the injuries he had sustained during beating by his own classmates. Released on a public website for the public to see. Leading to vast criticism and scrutiny towards websites like the Ladyblog and it's founder who saw it's subscription tank by hundreds of viewers a day. And the comment sections overflooded with negative comments that it had to be disabled. Which didn't stop individuals from going on and downvoting any video the writer had posted and having anything with her name on it flagged minutes upon upload.
Support channels, groups, tags, and projects were being uploaded by the minute. Fans rallied behind the 'Prince of Paris'. The 'Sunshine' of the City of Love. With the #SunshineProtection campaign taking swift effect. Profile pictures, banners, and backgrounds being changed with the logo of the shirt Adrien wore.
Viewers and critics were also on the attack and defense. From the school which had unfairly suspended the young model without proof. There was even negativity towards the mayor as word began to travel of a cover-up by the office. The media was also getting a lashing for not showing more attention to the story.
Yet most of the action came from College Francis Dupont, Adrien's former school and the beginning of the chaos.
A week after Adrien's dismissal from school the building turned upside down. Students were walking around school wearing apparel to show their support for their fellow student. From t-shirts with Adrien's logo, buttons with his face or campaign title, wristbands with #StandWithAdrien in a variety of colors. There were pictures of the model in the lockers, markings on students' faces, stickers on book bags and notebooks, and a number of items bearing Adrien's face or name with a support tag on the front. Even Adrien's locker was being memorialized with flowers, cards, and other mementoes of support and care for their former classmate and friend to those outside his former homeroom. While it crushed them finding out he would not be returning, it didn't stop them from showing support for him.
Faculty members and staff didn't know what to do. They couldn't regulate what the students wore, save for anything that went against the policy of the school. Many had gone to the headmaster about the situation. Though his hands were tied as well. If they weren't causing trouble or disrupting the curriculum then nothing could be done. They couldn't punish a student just for supporting a cause unless it was a major controversy.
They could only let them be. The school was in enough hot water for the video circulating around on the internet. No one knew who took the video or leaked it to the internet, but it had placed a target on the schools back. The headmaster was filtering through dozens, possibly hundreds of phone calls from parents, guardians, media, and advocacy group's across Paris. That didn't even compare to the emails he had flooded his inbox.
For days the headmaster had his hands full dealing with the incident involving Adrien and the other students from Mlle. Bustier's class. When the incident had first reached his desk it was when a message was sent into his inbox from the school board. After that came the phone call from parents and concerned citizens. The video of the assault had already been spread, circulating and causing a stir unlike what he had ever seen in all his years as an educator.
Not even a day later he was in his office when a faculty member came bursting through his door and told him of a fight about to break out. Quickly leaping into action, and clumsy shock, the headmaster had rushed out of his office. Fights were rare, very rare in the school. There was more likely hood of an akumatization than a physical altercation. But, with all the tension in the school as of recent the up tick in arguments and altercations had increased.
When he finally made it to the halls where the fight was reported to be taking place he found not only a group of students that had formed a cluster. The headmaster made his way through the group of students. Pushing and calling for the students to let him through. When he got to the front, the eye of the storm, he was met with a sight. There was a number of students, some on the floor and a mess of papers on the ground.
"What is the meaning of this!?", he demanded. The students took notice that the headmaster had appeared. The two groups, no doubt the main fighters, had took some steps back. Other's helping the one's on the floor. Recognizing them as students of Mlle. Bustier's class. The homeroom teacher was trying to to aid her students, mostly a couple of the girls who had stayed back as their classmates looked to have been the one's in the scuffle.
"That's what I was going to ask?", a figure spoke, questioned seeing the large group of students in the hallways, "Why are you students not in class?", it was an older man. Tall, shaven head, and wearing a clean and neat dark brown suit.
"And who are you?", Mr. Damocles questioned, "Are you a parent of one of the students?"
"Superintendent Hawkes.", he corrected.
"S-Super...intendent.", the headmaster stuttered at the revelation.
"Yes. As in head of this district. And by definition your superior.", for over ten years he had worked in the district. Until five years ago he became the new Superintendent after the last person retired and the job was designated to him.
"Whoa, he's like the big boss.", the students and staff began talking among themselves. Only to be silenced by the administrators hard gaze.
"Y-Yes of course! It is quite a surprise to see you.", the headmaster sputtered a bit, taking in the surprise of having the superintendent show up in person, "What brings you to my...the school?"
But, he seemed to ignore the headmaster obvious attempts to change the subject off that he just witnessed a fight about to take place during school hours, before his eyes returned to the headmaster.
"Which teacher is in charge of these students?", he questioned.
"This is Ms. Caline Bustier.", Mr. Damocles quickly said bringing up the homeroom teacher.
"Hello sir...", she began with a polite enough tone.
Mr. Hawkes did not look impressed.
"When I come to a school I expect a certain level of decorum not only from the staff, but the students as well.", he began, "What I don't expect, or care to see, are students in the midst of a fight with no faculty, staff, and competent adult trying to control the situation.", instead having to step in himself until the headmaster and teacher finally come to appear.
"Of course.", Mr. Damocles cleared his throat, "Not that we aren't happy to see you. It's just...this a not expected."
"It never is.", Mr. Hawkes commented, "Do not be confused. This is not a simple inspection or check up. This is a personal visit.", and a long time coming.
"Personal visit?", that didn't sound good, "Well this is very sudden. And as you can see we're in a bit of a situation at the moment..."
"As I said this is a personal visit, as much as a professional one.", Mr. Hawkes said, "I was preparing to call ahead. But, was inclined to come earlier."
"I don't...follow..."
"Let's put that on the back burner for now.", there was another matter to attend too, "For instance, why was there a group of students fighting in the hall?", he questioned eyeing the students for an answer. During times of altercations students wouldn't jump to admit to any wrong doing. Especially if it might get them or any of their friends in trouble. However, this time the question was met with a number of students talking over each other. A mix of accusations, testimony. and possible theories of what had happened.
"One at a time.", Mr. Hawkes stated, silencing the mash of overlaying voices, "Can one person explain what this altercation is about?", after a moment of silence, someone finally decided to step forward. The superintendent looked at the young girl, a student no doubt, in a blue and cloud printed dress step forward, "Yes, miss...?"
"Aurore Beauréal.", she introduced herself.
"Ms. Beauréal can you tell me what why occurred here?"
"Yes sir.", she nodded, "We, myself, classmates, and other students, were on our way to the headmasters office.", explaining how they had got together and were going up to the office to file a grievance, "We signed a petition to have a student we believe needs to be removed from our school.", the other students exclaimed agreement at her words, "We got signatures from almost everyone in the school.", who believed in the action of the petition.
"I was at my locker getting the petition when I was ambushed by...them.", all eyes turned to Mlle. Bustier's class, "They tried to make me throw the petition away. Threatening me and my classmates who came to help me."
"We heard them threaten Aurora.", one of the students, Jean, spoke up, "We saw them trying to intimidate Aurora.", telling that they witnessed they berating their classmate because of the petition.
"Then what happened?"
"We told them to back off and leave our classmate alone.", one thing led to another and it turned into a full blown fight. With students pushing, pulling, and knocking each other back. Which would explain the papers on the floor. They were the remains of the petition.
"All this over a petition?"
"It wasn't just the petition.", Aurora stated with a hint of offense in her voice, "As students we have the right to voice when we feel something is wrong in the school.", which included when certain individuals pose a disruption and discomfort to their learning, "We're, everyone, are upset that not only is Rossi still being allowed in this school. But, that the students of Mlle. Bustier's class hasn't been punished for what they did.", this caused more overlapping voices of students, no doubt upset with an entire class of students. The class itself seemed to shrink back under the scrutiny and harsh looks of the other students. Only halted by the motion of the superintendent.
"Thank you for your statement Ms. Beauréal.", the superintendent said before returning his attention to the other party involved, "Do you have anything else to add?", he questioned. It could have been the nerves or fear of being under the eyes of not only their fellow students, but those of the superintendent. Whose piercing eyes, even calm, cut into their nerves. Keeping them silent.
"Mr. Hawkes, sir.", Mr. Damocles spoke, 'Obviously this has been a very...stressful moment for the students.", explaining that emotions were high, "It might be best to take everyone aside and calm down.", explaining how with akuma's about it was best to keep emotions, especially negative ones, to keep anyone from being akumatized.
"This is a serious matter.", Mr. Hawke commented, "Just sending students home to calm themselves will not cut it.", nor was it part of the policy when concerning fights.
"But, sir the children's emotional health his a very serious issue.", Mlle. Bustier spoke, "Any negative energy can result in immediate akumatization."
"At the present I have multiple students involves in a fight. Many of which have injuries, though minor, and rather interesting stories of the reason.", he pointed out, "This emotional negativity pales in comparison to what will happen when parents are notified. Where someone will have to explain that their children were hurt during school hours. And instead of doing a proper investigation you want to send students home.", instead of dealing a proper punishment, "And what were you doing when your students were witnessed harassing another student?"
"I...I was in my classroom...and was told about a commotion in the halls.", she came into the hallway and found her students having a verbal argument with some other students. And before she could stop anything from happening the students had gotten into a altercation. She tried to calm the students down and break them apart. But, they weren't listening to her. Instead she tried to keep her other students calm, especially some of the girls in class.
"From the testimony of the other students your students were the instigators in this situation."
"That's hardly a fair assumption. I mean to just blame..."
"Multiple witnesses say otherwise.", he stated, "Until this matter is settled all students will be held accountable. Which includes calling parents and bringing them up to the school. That means everyone.", not just those fighting.
"Our parents?"
"Not cool."
"My mom is going to flip."
"This is completely unexpectable.", Chloe declared marching up to the superintendent.
"Young lady, unless you have anything relevant to say I suggest you get back with your class.", Mr. Hawkes instructed.
"Excuse me?", Chloe seemed to gasp in offense, "Do you know who I am? I am...?"
"Wasting my time? I agree.", he remarked.
"I'm sure my father, the mayor, will just love the way your treating his daughter.", she stated, obviously as a threat.
"Your father could be the King of France and it still wouldn't bare anything on this conversation.", he remarked, "If you plan on calling him then do so. We can have a long conversation about your behavior.", as if she was the only student trying to pull the parental profession card on him, "Your father's possession has no bearing on my own.", so he wasn't intimidated by a simple title, "So unless you want threatening a school official added to your record, I suggest you to step back.", throwing the ball back in her court, the heiress made grumble and with a scoff retreated back to her class. Ignoring the murmurs of the other students who just witnessed him not only talk back to Chloe, the mayors daughter, but dismiss her threats entirely.
"I hope this isn't an natural occurrence.", he looked at the headmaster, "Do you allow your students to run privilege over you or just those with high profile parents?"
The headmaster flustered, "Well no...I mean it's just...Ms. Bourgeois is rather um..."
"I'll give you a moment to collect yourself.", he had more important things to handle, "It seems my assumptions were right to come here.", since clearly there was more than just the usual school issues happening in this administration, "Had I known I would be doing two other jobs I might have called a head.", and him the trouble of proving his assumptions somehow below his expectations, "I came to this school because of a tip that the administration was, in so little words, a utter joke."
"I...assure you that is not the case.", the headmaster denied.
"This school alone holds the highest number of akumatizations. And that's just from one class alone.", according to the reports of all instances of akuma's that came from the school. With the majority in one class and caused by the same student at least, "The only way this couldn't be a joke is that jokes are funny.", and he was not laughing, "Your administration has failed on so many crucial points it's a wonder parents allow their students to come here.", given the mismanagement he's seen in the short time he's set foot in the building.
"With all due respect, sir, I don't know where your getting this information from, but I can assure you this is a highly respectable school. With accredited and professional teachers who care for the students.", he defended, "And I don't appreciate you coming out of the blue and giving unfair criticism on one incident."
"Actually, you old bird, I called the School Board.", Ms. Mendeleev spoke, surprising the those in the hall.
"Y-you?"
"Ms. Mendeleev?"
"You called the superintendent?", and told him to come up to the school.
"I did.", she did not deny, "I knew that I was going to have to go higher up to get something done about this utter circus you call a school.", so getting in contact with a friend, she sent a report to the school board requesting an immediate emergency intervention concerning policy and protocol at College Dupont, "I didn't know it had gone this deep.", or else she would have called sooner, "Honestly you two should be ashamed of yourselves for allowing something like this to happen.", she wasn't even hiding her disgust or disappointment in both the headmaster and fellow teacher.
"Ms. Mendeleev this is highly extreme. I mean going over my head and bringing in the superintendent without consulting..."
"Mlle. Mendeleev did right contacting the board. Though her report did not due the issue justice.", Mr. Hawkes narrowed his eyes on the two educators, sharp and cutting, "I've gotten calls from dozens of parents and guardians, and concerned citizens after hearing about what you have allowed to go in one classroom alone.", let alone the school, "Bullying, harassment, favoritism, slanderous gossip, invasion of privacy, truancy, and possible bribery. And that's just from one of your teachers.", he eyed Mlle. Bustier who felt her stomach drop at the accusations against her and her class. She could feel the accusing eyes of not only the superintendent, Mlle. Mendeleev, but also the students who had organized the mob in the hallways and were ready to storm the headmasters office. Which nearly resulted in a fight between multiple individuals over something that could have been handled professionally.
"We've drew up a petition to have Adrien transferred into Ms. Mendeleev's homeroom.", Aurora said, explaining how when the incident first happened they created a petition for a classroom change. With other students from other homerooms offering the young model a spot in their classrooms.
"When Adrien comes back we wanted him to be in a safe classroom."
"Not one filled with toxic individuals and single brained sheep!", eyes of accusation falling on Mlle. Bustier's students, "But, before we could even get on the desk the headmaster had it thrown out."
"They said we had no right to make a petition."
"They expelled Adrien!"
"Without due process!"
"And we know that...those sheep and their wicked leader got him to do it!"
"They should be expelled!"
"They're animals!"
"Vile creatures!"
"Alright that is enough.", the superintendent said, "While your actions to help your fellow student are valid. I should remind you all this is still school grounds.", and there were rules including protesting on what was essentially private property, "All students and faculty please return to your classrooms.", instructing them to resume their lessons, while he was preparing to handle some lessons of his own, "I expect better from educators. You are paid to teach these students. Not cuddle them like mother does a new born babe.", and allow them to do as they please because their teacher wanted to be nice and understanding to a fault.
"B-But...but..."
"No excuses.", he dismissed, "As the teacher with the highest number of akumatized students in the school district, one would believe you would have learned to better control the atmosphere of your classroom, let alone your students.", and not add to the problem by dismissing common sense in favor of proving empty point of moral high ground. That wasn't go to fly with him, "I came to the school to speak with the headmaster and come in to find a fight that should not happen because the students shouldn't have been in the halls in the first place. Then I have a teacher making excuses and an oblivious headmaster who lack the common sense to follow proper procedure and policy.", both educators shrank under the superintendents cutting gaze and even sharper words.
"There is a perfectly good explanation for all of this.", the headmaster assured.
"I highly doubt that.", Mr. Hawkes said, "I believe you, your teacher, and her class are due for a long meeting."
"M-Meeting? I mean..."
"That wasn't a suggestion.", because he did not due requests, "This is clearly beyond your capacity.", so if he wasn't going to be his job, someone else was going to, "Now I want..."
"LILA DELAROSSA ROSSI!", a voice practically roared throughout the hallway. A figure came storming through the doors without enough force they bang against the wall. Onlookers nearly jumped out of their skin, fearing another akuma might have appeared. But, it wasn't. Yet the redness in their face and pure anger in her eyes said otherwise.
"M-Mom what are you doing here?" Lila paled seeing the woman, her mother having emerged from the doors. The students and faculty shocked with the revelation.
Mrs. Rossi tapped her foot in frustration, her eyes cold and hard. This was not the typical upset parent. No this was deeper.
Mlle. Rossi stormed toward her daughter and grasped her wrist in a sudden vice. She gasped feeling the tight grip on her wrist.
"You are coming with me! Right now!"
"B-But...but mama?", she whimpered, trying in vain to get her wrist free.
"Don't you mama me. Do you have any idea how much trouble you are in?", she went into a tirade of Italian as Lila shrank further and further with each angry word that rained down upon her in their native tongue. The grip on her wrist tightening with each scolding word and lashing statement.
"Owe! Y-Your hurting me.", she stuttered with pain in her voice, "Ma...!"
"BE QUITE!", her mother roared, "I don't hear another word out of your mouth! Not a peep! Not even a breath!", that's how angry she was, "Do you have any idea the trouble, the absolute chaos you have caused! To do something so abhorrent. So disgusting. So absolutely appalling to accuse someone of such a heinous crime.", to have the police call up to her job, to her boss, knowing what her own daughter had done. To pull her aside and tell her 'everything' her daughter had been telling behind her back. To questioned by the Parisian authorities for a multitude of inquiries.
Traveling, medical issues, absences from schools, and handful of other stories that had fallen from her daughters lips.
She was shocked. Quickly morphing into fury upon the realization of her daughter, her own flesh and bloods deceptions. Not only to her own classmates, teachers, and strangers. But, her own mother. All this time.
"I have never been so...so...!", she couldn't even say the words without slipping into her native tongue. Which didn't change the tension as students and faculty listened in stilled silence at the Italian woman lose her head and bite Lila's off. Berating her in two languages for her vile selfishness and manipulations. Her daughter looking to nearly be in tears. Though not many seemed to buy their authenticity.
"Mrs, Rossi clearly you are in shock...perhaps you should sit down and...", Mlle. Bustier had stepped in and tried to step in and calm the woman. No doubt trying to help her 'student'.
"Do not tell me what I need to do!", she hissed, fixing the teacher with a cold glare that sent chills down even onlookers spines, "If anything I should be yelling louder!", she was angry, embarrassed, mortified, numb, and all manners of disgust.
"Mam please...", Mr. Damocles took his turn to calm the situation, possibly due to the fact that the superintendent was present and he wanted to appear more competitive, "Understandably your upset. All we want to do is help you.", assuring they understood her feelings at the present.
"And how do you know how I feel?!", she yelled, "Do you honestly understand having Parisian Police come to my job? Telling my boss that my daughter is being investigated for accusing one of her classmates of assaulting her.", that was the nail. That drove deep into her very heart and twisted with an merciless pain.
How didn't she know? How could she not have known...
"I had to find out from the police and CPS coming to my job and telling my daughter reported being assulted.", and she was being looked at for child neglect for not reporting it.
"B-but...the phone calls...and emails...", the headmaster sputtered, "I sent you reports. I tried to call you.", he could never get a hold of her.
"I haven't received a single phone call or email from this school. Which, I find rather odd, because of all the times the school has been closed because of akuma attacks."
"Did you say the schools been closed?"
"Of everything she just said that's what you focus on.", Aurora muttered, but allowed the scene to play out.
"Mrs. Rossi told the detectives a very interesting story.", Mr. Hawkes spoke, "Apparently this school has been closed a number of times. Because of a number of akumatizations that had her daughter at home."
"At...home?", he swallowed, "But she told us..."
"Which is strange because you, your students, and a handle of your staff were under the impression that this student was doing charity work, had medical emergencies, or with her mother traveling for work. When in fact her mother hasn't traveled out of the city since moving to Paris. Nor has she taken her daughter out for any medical emergencies. Giving us her medical file which, besides regular check-ups, do not show any of the disabilities and medical afflictions mentioned."
"More damning is the fact that neither you or your homeroom teacher had even attempted to confirm any of these excuses. Allowing her to skip weeks worth of classes and assignments. Failing to contact a parent when information was given or communication could not be reached.", that should have thrown up a dozen red flags, "Then we have the fact that your class, those students, attacked another student. To the point he was sent to the hospital.", the report coming across his desk after a number of grievances had been sent to the school board from concerned parents, citizens, and lawyers from the students father, "And yet somehow these same students who violated a number of policy's and committed an assault.", which was the main reason he was at the school, "And for some reason they are still at school and yet to be punished.", something that had been reported in the emails he and the other members of the school board had been sent.
"I...well...you see...there was...I didn't..."
"You didn't do your job? Take your responsibilities seriously? Act in a way befitting a competent individual, let alone a headmaster. Or all of of the above.", because so far he was not impressed nor amused, "Because of the incompetency of you and your 'teacher', this school has been placed in is both appalling and unacceptable. Aside from allowing a student to garner an irresponsible number of absences under the false pretenses. You never once verified any of the information. By, as I remind you, is a student. You allowed a student to manipulate and make a fool out of not only you, your administration, your staff, but this school.", to the point where multiple organizations and authorities had to become involved. Including CPS, Parisian Police, and a handful of organizations who caught wind of this so called assault' report, "But, this isn't the first time you've completely allowed a student to hold persistence and manipulate the administration."
"Mlle. Bustier as of this moment your class is dismissed.", the superintendent said, "All students in Mlle. Bustier class will gather there things and wait until their parents come to pick them up.", there was shock in the hallways as the students began to talk of the develops.
"Your sending us home?"
"That is the least of your worries.", they could trust that to be true, "As for Ms. Rossi, I must ask that you remove your daughter from the premises."
"Y-Your kicking me out?", the Italian girl gasped, finally able to be released from her mother grip.
"Something that should have been done a long time ago.", for a variety of reasons, "As of today you are expelled from this school.", by majority vote of the school board members who decided that her presence could no longer be tolerated, let alone desired at the school. Especially with the flippant way she made accusations against others and never got punished.
"But, you can't do that!", she had the gull to try to argue, but was dismissed without a thought or care by the superintendent.
"I just did.", and would have no reservations about, "You are expelled.", end of discussion, "Now I suggest you leave before you are removed."
"Whose in charge here?", a voice questioned. Two figures in police uniform came down the halls.
"Who are you?"
"We're officers from the PPD.", they informed showing their badges, "We have a warrant for the arrest of Lila Rossi.", one of the officer's pulled out a sheet a paper and handed it to Mr. Hawkes.
"Rossi is being arrested?"
"Oh my god!"
"Yay!"
Many of the students cheered at the news of the girls arrest. Save for the students of Mlle. Bustier's class and the the staff who were shocked by the sudden action of scene taking place.
"What are you arresting her for?", Mrs. Rossi questioned, though she had a feeling this was coming.
"Are you the suspects legal guardian?", one of the officers asked.
"I am.", she admitted, bitter as it was, "I am Mrs. Rossi. Her mother."
"Your daughter is being arrested for inciting a mob for the assault against Adrien Agreste.", the officer said as he put the cuffs on the girls wrist and began mirandizing her, "The court is pressing charges and declared her immediate arrest.", to be taken to the police department for processing and holding.
"This looks to be in order.", Mr. Hawkes confirmed that legitimacy of the warrant.
"Y-You can't do this!", she tried to argue, but it didn't detour the officers one bit. Having one of the officers take her wrist and bring them behind her back. Feeling the steel cuffs click over her wrist.
"Lila Rossi you are under arrest for the assault and battery of Adrien Agreste.", the officer said, "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say..."
"M-Mom!", she looked to her mother with pleading eyes.
"Since your daughter is a minor you'll have to come with her.", and be present during the interrogation process.
"I see.", Mrs. Rossi said, her voice forcing reserve, yet still tired, "Do what needs to be done.", with permission given the police began hualing the girl away from the school. Through the crowd of students and an even bigger mob outside. Somehow, the media had been tipped off that the police was making an arrest at the school. As they emerged with the young girl in handcuffs the crowd was sent into a frenzy. Flashes going off on every side, as she was given a perp walk towards the awaiting police cursor. All around there was shouting.
The questions of the reporters looking to get any words from the accused before she was placed in the back of the squad car.
The chanting and yells of the crowd. Protestors applauding her arrest as she was driven away to the police department. Leaving behind a crowd of protesters/supporters for Adrien and reporters who stood outside the school.
Inside the aftermath of the arrest of the Italian girl was still being played out. Students were cheering in the halls of not only Lila being expelled by the superintendent, but the police taking her away in handcuffs. And the fact she was going to be persecuted and face jail time for her crimes. Students were celebrating. Some hugging, some crying, and even texting about what had happened.
"Yes you had it well under control.", Mr. Hawkes didn't even hide his disappointment towards the headmaster and teacher who stood stunned as the Italian girl was taken away in handcuffs.
Damocles deflated seeing the chaos. Not only for the mob of people, but the mob of people calling for his job. And more disastrously his head. Mlle. Bustier was no better, looking on the verge of tears.
"Clearly this is above both of your pay grades.", and was nearing a breaking point, "I want all parents and guardians called to pick up their children.", obviously the school was not safe at the moment with the crowds outside and would have to be dismissed early.
"After that I believe it will be time to have that talk we discussed.", with that he instructed the teachers and staff to take the students back to their classrooms and have them phone home to be picked up from school. Adding that it was an emergency and an email would be sent out to explain the situation. Though he would guess they would be informed before the letter got out. Expecting more emails and phone calls, but he had prepared for the worst of it.
By the time the final students were picked up, the Superintendent had summoned the Headmaster and Mlle. Bustier into the Headmaster's office. Where, sitting at the desk, he addressed the two educators on the main issue of he had come to the school for. Not just the reports and emails being sent to the school board about the gross negligence of policy he had witnessed himself. But, the clear mishandling on a assault case against a student and their expulsion without a proper investigation. And even more disappointing was the video of the same student being beaten up by his classmates. Instigated by the accuser. That had gotten uploaded online and onto the schools servers. And no one had been charged or punished. Their wasn't even an investigation until someone had brought to the attention of the school board.
The Captain of the police department had come up to the school admist the arrest and large crowd in front of the school. He, along with a number of investigators brought onto to not only disperse the crowds. But, also speak with Mlle. Bustier's students and their parents. However, when the officers were prepared to do separate interrogations of the students involved, which, according to the Police Captain, should have been done from the beginning when the accusation was first given. But, was failed to even to reported to the headmaster or any faculty member to give to the police. Which not only complicated the case itself, but through a negative glance on the administration for waiting do long to contact the authorities. In the end once the parents and guardians were given instructions were that all students involved would be interrogated to gather statements with permission from their legal guardians. For which all parents had agreed to allow the police to question their children. Of course with the parents present.
When all was said and done, and the statements were taken, the students were taken home. An air of tension and disappointment on the parents face as they escorted their children out of the school building. Passing glances to the headmaster and Mlle. Bustier that told more than any words could. And the look of paled silence on the students faces were unforgettable.
People were furious. Not only at the individuals who had so brazenly attacked the young model for what was now being known as a callous lie. Their fury was also directed at the police who had failed to take action against the attackers. And of course anger at the so called victim. Whose malicious lies had gotten an innocent young man beaten and bruised for no reason. And then someone having the nerve to post online.
Heads were going to roll in Paris.
As they say public opinion was easily swayed a number of ways. Sugar or vinegar was sure to do the trick.
And for this he was expecting blood. A lot of it.
"The law states that accusations of assault must be turned over to the police upon the first statement.", for which then the students would be pulled aside so statements could be collected by the proper authorities and a call can be made if it was criminal, "Mlle. Bustier did not call the proper authorities. She did not call parents or guardians, nor was she able to control her own students.", which in itself was gross negligence, "And when it finally was reported it spiraled and has now become a national incident. Opening the school up to litigation and penalties. Because instead of following the school policy for a proper investigation to be open you expel a student without proof and on the word of an individual who recanted her story at the mention of investigation by the proper authorities.", which threw up so many red flags it could be seen from space, "A student ended up in the hospital after being attacked by his classmates. Which is just not being reported because your teacher never looked into the matter. Just as she never looked into the matter of these multiple absences and early leaves by the same student who moments ago was dragged out of this building by her mother.", and giving her native language, for which he spoke, she was beyond furious. He could not blame her.
"Worse a video of Adrien being beaten by his own classmates was uploaded onto the school websites and made it onto the public web.", where it would now stay forever, "And of course neither of you bothered to address this. Nor punish those involved in an obvious assault against another student. Instead not only allowing mob mentality, but apparently condoning it.", since no one had been punished or an investigation had been launched.
"I-I assure you Mr. Hawkes, no one in this school condones that type of behavior.", Mr. Damocles defended, both for himself and his staff.
"Then why was an investigation not launched when the video appeared on the school website? Why were parents or the proper authorities not contacted? And why are the students who committed the attack still in class?", they should not have been allowed in the school building, let alone allowed back in class.
"Given the nature of the video and the fact that it was done on school property, and the severity of the attack, the school board has decided that all parties identified in the assault against Mr. Agreste shall be suspended."
"Suspended? The whole class?", the headmaster and teacher were stunned. Never has an entire class been suspended before.
"Isn't that...a bit extreme?"
"These are serious actions.", no one could argue against it, "Your students attacked another student on school grounds. Which resulted in injuries that sent him to the hospital.", and recorded by the medical staff and given to the police, "No matter the reason, assault is assault.", and punishments were going to be had, "There's also the matter of the video being posted on a public website.", which only threw more scrutiny onto the administration who hadn't immediately flagged it or brought it to the attention of the school board until it reached main stream.
"Yet you want to sit here and try to talk to me about the feelings of your other students and how this will effect them. When you have failed to even follow the basic principles of not only handling your students when it comes to bullying and harassment.", for which their were multiple instances in her classroom alone compared to the rest of the school, "This was not a mistake that can be waved away with some mediation and then brushed away as if it didn't happen.", because at the end of the day it did happen and was out in the public being viewed by not only Paris, but possibly the world, "But, this will not be dismissed.", not on his watch.
"For now this matter will be handled by myself and the school board. Since clearly neither of you seem to have the sense to follow proper procedure or see wider than a narrow view if contention.", and if it was up to him they would be out of the building and their positions. But, it wasn't just up to him, "I expect you both to work with the authorities on this matter.", they could at least do that much, "I also expect you to act accordingly. Any information you give should remain between yourselves and the investigators.", and they shouldn't speak information to any other for the possibility of a high profile case.
"Before I dismiss you, let me give you some words of advice.", the Superintendent clear his throat, "An educators job is too teach. Not just lessons from a book. An educator molds the students and gives the tools that shape them.", that was the very nature of educators, "Students look to educators as examples. To help them and give them the tools to become functioning adults. To lead them, not just tell them and send them off.", like sending a child into the woods without explaining that most creatures will eat them, "The issue is that you both give students too much leeway. You leave to many openings to take advantage and manipulate the system. Refusing to punish when consequence is needed and denying those justice when a wrong has been done.", and there was a literal list of inaction when it came to punishments and accountability, "When you allow students, anyone, to do as they please without proper action. You teach them that consequence is irrelevant. That no matter what they do and who they do it too they will not be punished. That is will be swept away and forgotten.", only escalating as they pushed their limits. Until it reaches a breaking point, when it could have been stopped a long time ago.
"You cannot change what 'could have been done' or 'should have been done'.", that was long done and never coming back, "Nor can you constantly protect others from the actions they caused.", not matter the feelings they may hold for those involved, "And I would hope today reminds you and remains with you.", for if this continues they won't have another chance of 'what could they have done.'.
They could only think of what 'was to be.' It was there only choice.
At the end of the day all of Mlle. Bustier class had been suspended from school.
More than half the students had received notes, warrants, delivered by the PPD and signed by DA of impending litigation.
And news of Rossi's arrest had been making it rounds throughout the city.
Stirring the well of emotions and filling the air. No one knew what tomorrow would bring. Some hoped tomorrow wouldn't come.
But, the Sun always rose. Bright and glowing.
...To Be Continued...
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