Monday morning at the principal's office, Mr. Gabriel had arrived really early, and Mr. Johnson arrived a little later. Mr. Francis briefed him on the situation. Mr. Johnson listened intently, his expression stern, before responding. "You shouldn't have called me here, Mr. Francis. A phone call would have sufficed," Mr. Johnson said. "Just administer the necessary punishment, and I'll address the issue with her." He stood up to leave, "I have more pressing matters to attend to." He said as he walked out.
Both men exchanged surprised glances at Mr. Johnson's abrupt departure. "Well, I think I know where Isabel's problem stems from," Mr. Francis said, "The punishment board has decided on a one-week suspension, one week detention, and a strong warning against bullying. Additionally, she'll be withdrawn from every school activity during the two weeks."
"I believe that's a fitting punishment, but I hope this won't recur," Mr. Gabriel replied, looking serious.
"The punishment takes effect tomorrow, and Isabel's parents will be notified. I'll ensure it doesn't happen again," Mr. Francis said, and they both nodded in agreement.
That evening, at Isabel's house, the dinner table was shrouded in an uncomfortable silence. Mr. Johnson finally broke the silence, "Isabel, I visited your school today, and Mr. Ridgewood informed me about the bullying incident. Can you explain what happened?" Isabel stopped eating, her eyes fixed on her father, unable to speak.
"I had to cancel a crucial meeting to attend to this, only to find out you're involved in bullying again," he said, his voice rising. "Have I not provided you with enough? Why do you always want to trouble me? What's your problem, Isabel?" he asked, his anger evident.
"Yes, you provide me with enough money, but not enough time. When was the last time we had dinner together?" Isabel said angrily, standing up. "You wouldn't have bothered today if your wife were here, would you? But she's been away for a month," she shouted. "She's traveling with friends; I'm sure you've told her about this, but she's too busy to care about her own daughter," Isabel said, her voice laced with resentment. "I'll do as I please, and you can't dictate what I do," she said before storming off.
"I'll cut off your allowance for a month, and you'll apologize before the month ends, when you learn your lesson" her dad shouted as Isabel stormed off to her room.
. . .
The next day, Angel and her friends walked out of class, discussing happily. "It's peaceful without Isabel calling you shabby everywhere we go," Mirabel said, looking at Angel. "Very peaceful," Vicky replied with a bright smile.
"I've told you guys not to talk about her. She doesn't deserve our worries," Angel replied, looking distracted. "Guys, I want to apply for the upcoming math competition. The registration is still open, and there's a test to pick the person on Friday. I'll head to the staff office now to apply."
"Okay, Angel, we'll wait for you here," Mira said. "I'm sure you'll get the highest score," Vicky added as Angel's figure disappeared into the distance.
At the staff office, Angel approached Mr. Matthew. "Good morning, sir. I'm here to apply for the math competition test. I hope I'm not too late."
Mr. Matthew looked up. "You're not too late. What's your name?" Angel entered her information and was about to leave when she bumped into someone at the door. "I'm sorry, I didn't see you, there," she said, looking up to meet Dan's piercing gaze.
"You didn't see me? That's the first time I've heard that," Dan said, looking at her intensely. "I...I mean I didn't know someone was behind the door," Angel stammered. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay, Angel, right?" Dan asked with a questioning look. "Yes," Angel replied, "He knows my name?" she whispered, still confused.
For the following days, Angel diligently prepared for the test, studying in her room or at the library.
On the day of the test, Angel felt tense, knowing Ridgewood Academy had high academic standards. But her dad's words of encouragement echoed in her mind: "You're stronger than you think. Try your best with confidence."
After the test, Angel met up with Vicky and Mira. "How was the exam?" Vicky asked, looking at Angel with interest. "I tried my best. It wasn't as hard as I expected, but there were some questions I found difficult to finish," Angel replied.
"I pray I can get the highest score," Angel said, her hands clasped together. Through the weekend, Angel couldn't wait for Monday to arrive, when the test results would be posted, and the person with the highest score would be announced to represent the school in the inter-school math competition in marigold City.