Page 18 of Don’t Open Your Eyes

“I’m sorry, Scarlett, but that doesn’t make any sense. If what you say is true, then why didn’t Avery get in trouble too?”

“Because she was hiding in the stall, and Ms. Barlowe didn’t see her. If she had counted the vapes on the floor, she would have seen there were six of them, and seven of us. I can’t believe this shit!”

James’s face turned red. “Watch your language, young lady!”

Parker ran over to Scarlett, sat at her feet, and started pawing at her leg. She reached down absentmindedly to stroke him.

“Calm down, everyone. This isn’t solving anything. Even the dog is upset!” Annabelle said, moving into the kitchen.

Scarlett’s face was wet with tears. “I don’t vape! And now this is going to go on my permanent record. It’s not fair!”

Annabelle wanted to believe her. “Let’s all sit down. Start from the beginning. Tell us exactly what happened.”

“I already told Dad! Call Avery if you don’t believe me.”

“Who’s Avery?” Annabelle asked.

“My friend. Pretty much my only friend now. She wants to be a reporter. I only went in there because I thought it would be like an adventure, watching something happen as it went down. I didn’t think I’d get blamed for something I didn’t do.”

“So, you’re saying the vice principal didn’t see you with the vape?” Annabelle asked.

“No! Because I didn’t have one. The girls barricaded the door with a trash can so they’d have time to throw the vapes out if a teacher came. But earlier that day, the teacher blocked off the toilets. When she came in, the girls went to throw them in, but they landed on the floor. She assumed I did it, too, because I was there. Then she told us we were all suspended. But no one had a vape in their hand.”

Annabelle looked at James. “Well, that doesn’t sound right, does it?”

James scoffed. “The girls blocked the door, then they tried to throw the vapes in the toilet but the administration had cleverly put plastic wrap under the seat. I can see how that’s a pretty good case for the administration.”

“Well, that may be so, but I think we need to fight this. As Scarlett said, it will go on her record, which up until now has been exemplary.” She turned to Scarlett. “Will Avery back up your story?”

“Definitely.”

“Okay. I’m going to talk to your vice principal tomorrow. We believe you, and we’re going to stand up for you. Right, honey?” She gave James a pointed look. She could tell he wasn’t convinced, but he nodded.

“Right, but—”

Annabelle groaned internally, waiting.

“We’re giving you the benefit of the doubt. If we find out that you’ve betrayed our trust, you’ll be in a lot more trouble than a two-day suspension,” he said.

Scarlett’s lips drew together in a tight line. “Way to have faith in me, Dad.” She bolted from the room, but not before Annabelle saw more tears rolling down her face. They heard the slamming of her door. Annabelle spun around and glared at James.

“Really? What was that?”

He threw his hands up. “What do you mean?”

“You acted like she was on trial or something. She’s never been in trouble before—”

“That’s not true,” he interrupted. “Are you forgetting she got detention last month for walking out of class without permission?” Annabelle’s eyes were drawn to his clenched fists and the image from that horrible dream flashed in her mind. Get a grip, she scolded herself. She looked James in the eye, enunciating every word for emphasis.

“And are you forgetting that she had her period, and the idiotic substitute wouldn’t let her go to the bathroom? That doesn’t count!”

He threw his hands up. “You always defend her. That’s part of the problem. Scarlett can do no wrong in your eyes. Neither of our kids can.”

She was stunned into silence. Yes, she could be permissive at times, but she wasn’t blind to her children’s faults. She just didn’t nitpick every little thing the way James did. When they were first together, she had found his ways steadying and comforting. Her life had been in chaos for so long that it felt good to give up control to someone else. And he was a good father—but why did he have to expect so much? They were still children, after all. Maybe she did give them a pass a little more often than she should, but if so, it was only to mitigate the stringent code of conduct he expected of everyone. Her mother-in-law was fond of saying that they balanced each other out perfectly. Annabelle prided herself on being a good mother, and it felt like James was telling her that she was failing. “Are you criticizing my parenting?”

He waved his hands. “No, no, I’m not. I’m merely saying I think they take advantage of your good nature sometimes.”

“And I feel like I’m on a tightrope. Always balancing how to keep everyone happy without offending someone. I just want peace!”