~~change of perspective: Maya Hart~~

Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.

The woman sitting across from me sits silently, writing in her book, as I watch the clock pass by second by second. As soon as it reaches the minute she takes a deep breath.

"Maya."

I do nothing but sigh, and she examines my face.

"So a few days ago you... beat up... a girl in your class called Marly Evans."

I wait for a second, breathing deeply, and finally respond. "Yes, Miss Peters." I don't avoid her eyes. I stare into them directly, and I'm pretty sure it makes her feel uncomfortable. "But you already know that."

"I do, Miss Hart, and I also know that you have been internally suspended until tomorrow."

"I have." I roll my eyes slightly.

"Maya, your parents are worried about you, and your teachers too. I know your friend Riley is very dear to you, and she and her father both hold you very high in their standards."

"Pfft" I whisper, just loud enough to hear. "Why are they worried, then?"

"They think..." she pauses with just enough time for me to interject.

"They think I'm a danger. A threat. But I'm not."

"Miss Hart!" She exclaims. I hope I really get to her. She sighs to calm down, and I take a deep breath. "Your family and friends are worried that you may have difficulty controlling your temper and may lash out again. Potentially to comeone closer to you."

I know who she means. Riley. "I would never harm her. Never" I grit my teeth.

"Why?" Like you care. But I feel on the verge. Either of crying or punching something.

"Because she's my best friend, how could you not see that?" I shout louder than I expected to.

"Calm down, Maya, I'm here to listen, and to talk."

I sigh and shrink back into my chair. "What about?'

"I would hate to be rude but it is important to ask. Don't fee like you're in the spotlight or anything, because it's simply important to help you."

"What is it?" I yell, then relax again. "Sorry, ugh, I'm sorry. Please ask me."

"What was your reason for beating up Marly Evans?"

Suddenly, I feel like I'm in a confession, or a police interrogation office. I open my mouth, but no words form. And anyway, I can't tell her the truth. It would get out as fast as anything.

"Are you okay, Miss Hart?"

"N-no of course I'm not okay! Can't you see that?" I cry, tears finally escaping my eyes.

"That's why I'm here to talk, Maya"

~~change of perspective: Riley Matthews~~

I'm worried Maya hurt that guy. Obviously I don't want to believe him, but I'm not sure. Of course I'm not scared of Maya, but I can't tell anyone, or else they'd start worrying for me.

How did Farkle know about this? Could I ask him?

No...

My phone buzzes, and I frantically search for it.

Hi, Riley. Went to therapy. Sorry, should have told you

I guessed that. Quite late response, though. I reply:

It's okay. You coming here?

There is a long wait, and I watch the three dots jump up and down for what seems like forever.

Not today.

What a short response for such a long time typing. I debate asking her about the boy who came out of the nurse's office and accused her of beating him up, but I figure she has enough to go through right now, and I don't need to make her think I am doubting her.

My door slowly swings open, and I look up to see my younger brother. "What's going on, Riley?" He asks. I realise that he doesn't actually know about what's going on. He continues "before you tell me nothing is happening, I notice that Dad is more worried than normal, and Mom is too. They looked really scared the other day. What's happening?"

"You're smart, Auggie." I smile.

"When I want to be." He laughs in response.

"It's just something that happened at school." I explain vaguely.

"Were you bullied again?" He asks, and I wonder how he even knows about the first time.

"No, Augs. It's not really that important."

He looks skeptical, but doesn't say anything more, just hugs me, and silently leaves.