Chapter 3: Final Moments
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Xander’s heart raced as he stood outside the principal’s office, his knuckles still stinging from the fight with Sam. The hallway was empty, the fluorescent lights casting harsh shadows on the linoleum floor. He glanced at the door, wondering what awaited him inside.
Iris leaned against the lockers nearby, her arms crossed, her eyes met his, and for a moment, he saw something other than sheer disdain. Gratitude, perhaps?
But then she looked away, her expression hardening. She didn’t really need his help, and she certainly hadn’t wanted it. Xander knew that. Still, he couldn’t help himself. He’d always been drawn to her– he couldn’t stand by and let her get hurt. Even when she pushed him away, he couldn’t stay away.
The door creaked open, and Principal Rogers beckoned them both inside. Xander took a deep breath and stepped over the threshold. The room smelled of old books and polished wood. The principal’s desk was cluttered with paperwork, and the walls were decorated with faded motivational posters. Xander wondered if he’d be suspended or worse.
"Xander," Principal Reynolds said, his voice stern. "You know why you’re here."
Xander nodded. "Yes, sir."
"Violence is not the answer," the principal continued. "But I understand why you did it. Sam has been a problem for a long time."
Xander shifted on his feet. "I just couldn’t stand there and watch him hurt Iris."
The principal sighed. "I appreciate your intentions, but we can’t have students fighting in the rooftop. It sets a bad example."
Xander clenched his fists. "What’s the punishment?"
"Detention," Principal Reynolds said. "Both you and Iris."