The atmosphere at school is tense. Whispers echo through the hallway like a storm approaching, and everyone seems to be waiting for something explosive to happen. The moment arrives when a sudden announcement rings through the intercom:
📢"Ami Elowen Vale and Sneha Calista, report to the principal's office immediately."
Sneha shoots a glance at Ami. Ami shrugs coolly, though her fingers tighten around her bag strap.
Inside the principal's office, the tension is so thick you could slice it with a knife.
Alia is already there.She sits confidently, legs crossed.
Nyra stands in the corner, her expression carefully neutral but her eyes darting between everyone.
Soha is just outside the door, trying to eavesdrop without being caught.
The Principal, Mr. Leander Caelum,a man in his late forties with greying hair and glasses too big for his face, gestures for the girls to sit.
Ami and Sneha sit side by side, unreadable expressions masking the storm beneath.
"We've had a very serious allegation made against you," he begins.
Ami and Sneha stays quite .
"Miss Alia here says she witnessed suspicious behavior involving the class fund money. The money was discovered missing this morning."
The history teacher, Madam Rumana, chimes in. "Sir, we all know Ami's family. She is the daughter of that businessman-you know how much power they hold. But influence doesn't always mean innocence."
Alia gives a sweet smile. "It's nothing personal. But I did see Ami hanging around the lockers after class. It seemed odd."
Ami remains silent.
Principal Leander frowns. "These are serious accusations. Do either of you have anything to say in defense?"
Ami opens her mouth slightly, but-
Sneha suddenly places a hand on Ami's shoulder and stands up calmly.
"Sir, I don't believe in shouting. I believe in proof. And I'm not exactly the fragile type. You see, I've been working with tech since I was 12. Soooo... I installed a tiny camera inside the locker. I thought just in case... you know, security."
Alia's face drains of color.
"You're bluffing."
"Am I?" Sneha clicks a file.
She opens her bag, pulls out a laptop, and sets it gently on the table.
Dhum tanannananannana... dhummmmm~<<<
The office goes silent as the video plays.
On screen: Alia and Nyra tiptoeing into the empty classroom at night. Alia reaching into the locker. Nyra stuffing the envelope of cash into her bag.
Alia's face stiffens. Nyra, standing behind her, flinches.
Madam Rumana scoffs. "What sort of game is this-"
Zoom in.
Alia's face.
Then Nyra's.
They're laughing. Talking. Picking the lock. Taking out the envelope full of money. Stuffing it into Alia's purse.
Nyra gasps. "This-this is-this was just a prank!"
Alia jumps to her feet. "I swear, it's edited! It's not even me! I-I didn't know she was doing this! It was all her idea!"
Nyra turns. "What the hell?! You told me this was a harmless plan!"
"ENOUGH!" Principal Leander slams his hand on the table.
Everyone freezes.
"Alia. Nyra. You broke into school property. You tampered with the school funds. You falsely accused your classmates."
He breathes deeply.
"You're both suspended for one week. No exceptions."
Madam Rumana tries to intervene. "But, sir-"
"Madam Rumana, one more word and I'll report your bias to the school board. Let me remind you, these girls are students-not courtroom defendants."
Alia's jaw hangs open.
Nyra mutters under her breath. "This is all your fault…"
Alia whispers, barely audible, "How… how did that b*tch outsmart me?"
Ami stands slowly and looks at her sister with a serene smile.
"The trap was never mine to fall into, Alia."
After School, On the Rooftop…
Soha pushes open the heavy metal door and finds Ami and Sneha sitting on the low wall, sipping strawberry milk cartons like nothing happened.
"Okay what just happened?" Soha says, eyes wide. "Did you two seriously just pull the most badass Uno reverse in history?!"
Sneha grins. "Team Evil Siblings Club for the win."
Soha frowns. "Wait, are you two okay now? You made up?"
Ami sips her milk slowly, smirks, and replies-
"Make up? Who said we ever fought?"
Sneha laughs and throws an arm around Ami's shoulder.
"You didn't think we were that dumb, did you?"
Soha gapes. "You played me too?! I was rooting for your friendship!"
Ami pats her head. "Next time, bring popcorn. It'll be more fun to watch."
All three burst into laughter.