As Aunt Alexis announces that the university council will convene to decide the punishment of Vangelis Zikos and his group, a man's voice rises from the crowd.
"And who do you think you are, deciding something like this?"
As he says this, the man steps out of the crowd and stands in front of Aunt Alexis.
The man is short and mostly bald, with only a small patch of black hair at the back of his head. Though middle-aged, his body is athletic, and his black eyes carry a sharp, calculating look.
I recognize him because when Jimmy was punching and kicking me, he was sitting there, laughing and mocking me.
But that's not the only reason I recognize him. I also recognize him because he looks very similar to his brothers, who were my physical education teachers in elementary, middle, and high school. Still, I'm not certain if they are actually related.
As I think that, Aunt Alexis replies to him in a serious tone.
"And who says I don't have the authority? As Vice Director of the Disciplinary Council, I hold full power over matters like this."
As Aunt Alexis finishes speaking, the man stands frozen and looks at her with doubt.
"The Vice Director of the Disciplinary Council!?"
When he asks this, Aunt Alexis speaks to him in an authoritative voice.
"That's right! I was transferred from Athens this week. If you had attended the university council meetings, you would know. But instead, you chose to waste your time at the parties of a corrupt mayor, rather than fulfilling your duties, Mr. Kolovos."
When I hear Aunt Alexis say his last name, I become certain he is related to the physical education teachers I had and I know he could do anything to get Vangelis Zikos and his group out of this situation, just like his brothers would do.
What the Kolovos brothers have in common is that they are all blindly loyal to the Zikos family. When I was a student at school, the Kolovos brothers did everything they could to make sure that Vangelis and his group avoided expulsions, punishments, and the like.
As teachers, they were kind to Vangelis Zikos and his group, but indifferent or even harsh toward any student the Zikos gang picked on.
I was one of those students too. I can't even count the times I was punished unfairly or nearly expelled over trivial matters.
As I recall all this, Kolovos speaks to Aunt Alexis in an indifferent tone.
"How I choose to spend my life is none of your business, Madam Vice Director!"
After hearing this, Aunt Alexis smiles coldly and speaks to Kolovos in the same authoritative tone.
"You're right, I have no say in how you spend your life. However, the way you treat the students and your responsibilities as a professor are my concern."
When Aunt Alexis says that, Kolovos smiles cunningly and asks her.
"And what exactly have I done to trouble you, Madam Vice Director?"
As he finishes asking, Aunt Alexis replies to his question in a sharp tone.
"Nothing much, except that you did nothing to stop the students who bullied another student. Not only that, you even supported the ones committing the bullying."
As she finishes speaking, Kolovos replies with a mocking expression.
"I didn't see a student being bullied. I saw a pig being bullied."
"Hahahahahahahahaha."
At his words, Vangelis and his gang burst into laughter.As they do, Kolovos continues speaking.
"If I were you, I'd stop backing students who offer nothing and start supporting those who can actually give something in return. Otherwise… trouble will find you."
As he finishes speaking, I clench my fists in anger, remembering all the horrible things the Kolovos brothers did.
Back at school, there were teachers who didn't approve of Vangelis and his group's behavior. They tried to discipline them with punishments and even attempted to expel them.
But the Kolovos brothers didn't allow it. They threatened, blackmailed, and even attacked the teachers who tried to discipline Vangelis Zikos and his gang. As a result, most teachers either quit their jobs or gave up trying to discipline them.
As I remember all this, Aunt Alexis turns to Kolovos, her smile colder and her tone sharper than before.
"Thank you for the advice. I have one for you, start looking for a good lawyer."
After saying this, Kolovos asks in the same indifferent tone, as if he isn't worried about what Aunt Alexis said.
"And why should I do that!?"
Aunt Alexis answers his question with the same sharp tone and cold smile.
"Because I see you counting prison bars out of boredom when you go in, for insulting a student and threatening a colleague."
When he hears this, Kolovos' expression sharpens, and he says to Aunt Alexis.
"You have nothing to back this up, just words."
After he says that, Aunt Alexis says nothing. She only takes out her smartphone and shows a video to Kolovos and to everyone present.
The video shows the bullying incidents, the misunderstanding with the girl, and Kolovos' threats.
The moment the video ends, silence falls over the room. Kolovos' face drains of color, sweat forming on his brow, and Vangelis Zikos along with his gang mirror his reaction.
I'm also stunned that Vangelis and his group, along with Kolovos, will finally face the proper punishment for their actions.
Watching their reactions, a surge of joy fills my chest. All the while, Aunt Alexis keeps her icy gaze on them, addressing every word with authority.
"Surely you don't think I have only words to prove it, do you?"
At her words, no one says a word, they remain silent.
As no one says anything, Aunt Alexis speaks to them.
"Now, if you have no other threats to make, I need to take the injured student to the university infirmary. Your punishment and that of your students will be discussed later in the university council meeting. Come, Stathis, let's go to the infirmary and check your wounds."
Still stunned by what just happened, I say nothing and follow her to the infirmary, leaving a crowd of students and professors equally stunned.