“That’s correct. It would seem that Leah retaliated against Mason after he accidentally ran into her while playing.”
My mouth drops open. “He shoves a student off the monkey bars, and that’s considered an ‘accident’?”
“Mrs. Halbrand was questioned about the incident, and she described the series of events that led to Leah aggressively shoving another student to the ground.”
“While I’d agree that Leah pushing a student isn’t an acceptable response, I have a problem with how the multiple incidences with this same bully are being brushed off as if it’s not a big deal.”
“We take bullying very seriously here, Mr. Basil, but there’s been very little evidence of that behavior in any of the situations that have been reported.”
Gia scoffs. “If that were true, then why would they have been reported?”
“Miscommunications happen often at this age. They don’t fully understand how to talk with each other yet, so we have to make sure every student is being given the opportunity to tell their side of the story.”
Something comes over Gia’s face that I can’t quite describe. It’s a cross between anger, incredulity, and scheming. I might actually have to hold her back from taking things a step too far. Is it bad that I’m a little turned on by that?
Gia’s feelings come bubbling out. “So what you’re saying is that this little pissant gets to say his actions have all been ‘accidents,’ and when Leah finally gets tired of being pushed around, she’s the one getting punished. Is that right?”
“I don’t appreciate the language you’re using in reference to our students, Ms. Miller. But when we have a respected teacher telling us there was an accident, and Leah was physically aggressive in response, yes, we need to address that issue.”
Now it’s my turn for my emotions to get the better of me. “That’s a load of bullshit. Gina Halbrand has been a problem for many years. I can only imagine how many complaints have been filed about her. I know you’ve got afew from me from last year, and she wasn’t even Lauren’s teacher.”
“Again, I don’t appreciate the language, but I have to go with the evidence that’s been presented to me. The bottom line is, Leah purposefully pushed a student down, and we need to focus on that issue.”
“That’s ridiculous.” Gia shakes her head. “Leah is the one being punished for telling the truth, and the other kid gets a pass for lying. Seems like ashittyway to run your school. All you’re going to do is encourage kids to hide their misdeeds instead of being honest. I’d rather my kid be upfront with me so we can discuss the correct response than to hide something she knows was a bad choice.”
I want to throw my fist in the air and shout, “Yeah!” Somehow, I manage a nod instead. We’ll also be discussing the way she claimed Leah as her own kid later. Without our clothes on.
“Be that as it may, I have more than just one student to attend to here. If I don’t make a point, then it becomes chaos.”
“Except you’re making the wrong point.” I throw my hands out to the side. “Leah is the one getting in trouble for standing up for herself, while the student responsible for all this in the first place is getting a pass.”
“I can understand that you’re frustrated, but I have to do what I think is best to run this school. That’s the bottom line.”
“That’s a cop-out and you know it.” Gia stands. “I need to walk away now before I say something I might regret. It would be the truth, but I like trying to be a decent human being. I’ll take Leah to the truck, Holt.”
“I’ll be right behind you.” Gia leaves silence in her wake. I stare at Melanie for a moment before I stand. “I hope for your sake that nothing happens to my daughter because of this boy. He’s escalating, and I swear to god, if she gets injured, I willthrow my entire weight behind a lawsuit against this school and you personally.”
“Are you threatening me, Mr. Basil?”
“Nope. I’m making a promise. You’d best get your shit together and ensure you’re in the right here because I will rain hell down on this office if my daughter becomes a casualty because of your negligence.”
CHAPTER 35
Gia
Steam is practically pouring from my ears as I walk out of Principal Grant’s office. I was about two seconds away from punching her in her stupid, superior face.
Fuck.
I lean against the wall to collect myself.
Through the open door, Holt growls out a threat. “I hope for your sake that nothing happens to my daughter because of this boy. He’s escalating, and I swear to god, if she gets injured, I will throw my entire weight behind a lawsuit against this school and you personally.”
“Are you threatening me, Mr. Basil?”
“Nope. I’m making a promise. You’d best get your shit together and ensure you’re in the right here because I will rain hell down on this office if my daughter becomes a casualty because of your negligence.”
Holy. Shit. A shiver of awareness slides down my spine. Holt is always calm and composed. I’ve never seen his feathers get ruffled by anything. Apparently, when it comes to his girls, he doesn’t pull punches.
