When Al, Eric, and Cara entered the principal's office, they heard the secretary gasp as soon as she saw Eric.
She quickly sent all the students and parents in the room out, claiming that the principal had meetings and they couldn't wait there.
As they exited the office, some gave Al, Eric, and Cara pitiful looks, it seemed that they assumed the trio was in trouble.
Some looks lingered on Eric, without a doubt many were confused since they had never seen him on campus.
Al was a popular kid, everyone knew who hung out with him. Even his odd friendship with Cara was public knowledge and had caused other students to either be kinder to Cara or envy her, occasionally resulting in mild bullying.
He had made it clear, however, that if anyone hurt Cara it was like signing their own social death certificate.
When the doors finally shut behind the last parent leaving, Al waited a few seconds before addressing the secretary.
