Chapter 8: Chapter 8

Copper

Before I could say a word, Mr. Harmony stepped forward. He extended his hand. "Please, there's no need for that. Mr. Hardley, I assume? I am Copper's grandfather. Her mother would like to apologize for not being here as she was requested to work together."

"Uh huh." Mr. Hardley gave his hand a stiff shake. "What about her step-father?"

Betty snorted. When I glared in her direction, she turned away.

"An emergency occurred at his workplace. He sends his greetings." Mr. Harmony smiled. However, his smile didn't seem to melt Mr. Hardley's icy heart.

"I would prefer more than his greetings, but let's carry on."

Sylvester released his hand and sat down at the opposite end of the room to Betty's parents. His guard stayed at the door with me to his right. Mr. Hardley barely acknowledged his presence. Or maybe it was that he didn't care.

I shouldn't be surprised. He had yet to ask for my grandfather's name.

"Sir," the principal started, clasped hands placed over his desk. "Are you aware that your granddaughter might have anger problems?"

"Please, call me Sylvester." He offered up his name like he didn't mind that it wasn't requested. "And no, not that I am aware of. During my time with Copper, all I see is a humble girl trying to find her way in the world. Ambitious, and caring."

My gaze dropped to the floor. Was that what he really thought of me?

Betty's father tsked. I guess he's upset because he doesn't have that much hair left.

"Well, I'm sorry to say it has been the opposite for me. This isn't the first time her actions have been brought to my attention. Copper Harmony has failed to uphold the integrity of our prestigious school. Why, just Monday, she assaulted one of our best entirely unprovoked! Miss Betty?"

She stood up and turned her face so that everyone could see it. My mouth dropped. It had developed a purplish hue and swollen to an unhealthy degree. I've gone into fights with her many times over the years, never before have I left a bruise on her body comparable to the one I saw now. And this time it was just a slap, not even a full-blown punch!

Her mother stepped beside her, hand on her shoulder. "Our daughter is such a good child. She has never hurt anyone. My Betty gets amazing grades, does well at soccer and never once got into a fight. Mr. Hardley, you know how important my daughter's reputation is to her. And for that girl," she stared pointedly at me, "with no future to do such a thing and tell lies on my little one? I demand justice, Principal Hardley!"

He nodded and was about to say something when I spoke out. "I didn't do anything to her that would result in, well, that."

All eyes zeroed in on me. Mr. Lionheart folded his arms. "Oh, we know very well what you've done, you brat."

I followed Sylvester's advice and held my head high. "Do you know what your daughter has been doing? For as long as I can remember she has patronized my friends so much they refused to have lunch in the eating area."

"No one is supposed to eat on campus!" bellowed Mr. Hardley. He hurried to write something on a piece of paper. Probably all my crimes, as he calls them.

I went on. "Her, Samantha, Melon and Peggy have done so much worse than what you described. On Monday, it was Betty herself that found out where we were and dragged one of my friends, Keisha, by the hair when she didn't reply to her. She came after me next which resulted in me slapping her. Everything I did was in self-defense."

Sylvester listened quietly.

"Do you have any proof of that, Miss Harmony? Cause here we have proof of you hitting her, but none of what you claim. If not, then you'll be looking at expulsion if you can't pay for her medical fees."

I grit my teeth. From the corner of my eyes, Betty smiled as if she ate something sweet.

A slightly wrinkled hand rose in the air. "I believe I have what you asked for, Principal Hardley," Sylvester interjected. "In fact, I have plenty."

He waved his guard over, who stepped forward with a tablet. I watched as he typed in the guard.

"No need to pay attention to him, principal," said Mrs. Lionheart. "Carry out the verdict. I bet whatever so-called evidence that old man has will reveal next to nothing."

"Dad, I'm scared of being in the same room as her." Betty inched closer to her father.

"Don't worry dear, we'll get rid of this bad girl so you can relax while studying."

"On the contrary, Mrs. Lionheart." Sylvester handed the tablet to my principal. "I'll have you know my men collected the evidence from the school's security room itself. You'll find it to be more than substantial evidence."

Mrs. Lionheart shot a glare at his guard. "Is that what they call gang members these days?"

"No, no, no." He laughed. I don't know where he found the humor. "I conduct a purely legal business. This man is my guard, one of many. This is a video compiling all the moments Miss Betty Lionheart approached my granddaughter all the way to the beginning of the new year. I sent my men to come and collect the footage. You yourself accepted my request when I sent in an email past Tuesday. Do you recall that, Principal Hardley?"

The principal shook his head as he watched video after video. "No way. The only email I got wanting access to the security cameras was..." He gasped, frightening both me and Betty's family.

Mr. Hardley's grin was bigger than I had ever seen, mixed along with sweat that soaked his forehead. "Is there anything I can get for you? My god, I barely shook your hand! No, wait, tea first! Ellen!" He slapped the intercom on his desk. "Bring tea to my office, now! We have a very important guest!"