HADÉErik and I sat in the hallway waiting for our turn to meet with the board, I couldn't help but feel nervous. It was a mandatory meeting, and I knew this was about Hartley. There was no denying about it.Usually, Erik was always prepared with paperwork before we entered a meeting, but this time, he had nothing. I could tell he was worried too, but he tried to hide it with his usual nonchalant attitude."No paperwork?" I whispered to him. He let out a sigh and shook his head."Because I have no clue how to get us out of this mess. You messed up, Hadé, all because of your mentality and insecurities," he replied, his voice low and tense."There is nothing wrong with my mentality when it's fact.""The fact that you can't see there's something wrong with it proves it. We might as well go in there and say to disband our club," he retorted.A member of the board called us into the meeting room. As we entered, all eyes were on us. The tension in the room was palpable, and I had a bad feeling about this.We took our seats at a small table in the centre of the room while the members sat in a U-shaped table.The words echoed in the room, and for a moment, silence cocooned us as the board members exchanged glances. The chairperson, a balding man with glasses perched on the tip of his nose, leaned forward, his expression a mixture of disappointment and curiosity."The meeting has commenced," the chairperson announced formally. "The Degaldo Motorcycle Club sits here with us today. Hadé Degaldo as the president of the club and Erik Shalman as the vice president."The chairperson cleared his throat and continued, "We have summoned you here today as we have received several complaints from students involving an incident that occurred on the college's club open day. What say you?""A minor disagreement, nothing the board needs to be concerned about," I spoke up. "I see, " says the chairperson, he flips over his pages in front of me, "If only that were true. Reports have surfaced regarding the latest activities of your club. There are concerns about safety, public reputation, and the conduct of some of your members."The chairperson proceeded to read the statement from the student. Hartley's version of the story, and just hearing it first-hand, I sounded like a total ass. And the more that was unravelled, the colder the room felt.I heard Erik whisper, "This isn't looking good."It wasn't until we had reached the slut shaming part that a female board member interrupted, "I think we've heard enough. It's clear that this club is not a welcoming place for women nor is it a safe place to learn and grow."Erik whispers, "We can kiss our club goodbye.""It is policy to read out the statement for the club to understand the situation. " the chairperson says and finishes the remainder of the statement."Mr. Deglado, is everything in this statement true and correct?" said the chairperson, looking at me.I lowered my head. "Yes, sir. But she insulted me first.""Exactly how did she do that?" asked the chairperson."Well... ah... nothing," I stammered, knowing I couldn't pin the blame on her."Sir, the woman was respectful and my president was way out of line; her actions and words were justified," said Erik.Dude. That's twice his thrown me under the bus."My president did realise he made a terrible mistake and tried to apologise but she didn't want a bar of it." He continued.I swallowed hard, the bile of shame rising in my throat. "I— I shouldn't have said it in public," I admitted my voice barely above a whisper. I was regretting every word I spoke, every moment that had led to this disastrous meeting."Shouldn't have said it? This isn't just about words, Mr. Degaldo. Your actions reflect on your club and the college," the chairperson said, his voice cold and unforgiving. His brow furrowed with disapproval, and I felt my heart race. "Do you really think it's okay to disrespect a fellow student?"Erik shifted in his seat, his posture rigid. "Sir, if I may—" he started, but I could see the frustration simmering beneath his composed exterior."Hadé, when it comes down to it, you can't blame others for your own shortcomings," Erik interjected emphatically. "We're trying to run a club that empowers riders and enthusiasts. If we want respect, we have to give it first."Thanks. Please dig my hole a little deeper. Asshole. You are so dead to me. I bristled at Erik's honesty, feeling cornered. If he thought I was the sole reason for our impending downfall, he might be right, but it didn't sit well. "I didn't instigate anything with Hartley, Erik. You know that!" I snapped, feeling cornered under the weight of the accusations that were piling up against me. My defensiveness masked the truth—that I felt a mix of guilt and resentment for the whole mess."Excuse me," a board member interrupted, her eyes sharp and accusatory, "Mr. Degaldo hasn't made any attempt to apologize to the student. In fact, we have received another complaint from the same student, claiming that he is now harassing her outside of campus and making her feel uncomfortable." She paused, rifling through papers with an air of superiority. "Mr. Degaldo was reported to have forced her to climb over him because he wouldn't let her out of the booth. Tripped her and made inappropriate comments when her skirt rode up. Then later, he poured his drink on her, saying it was payment for a lap dance." The board member's glares turned to me like arrows. "Doesn't sound like you wanted to apologize at all but to humiliate her."Yeah, I'm screwed. There's no way I'm getting out of this unscathed.More complaints were read out—everyone a damning indictment of the club I once considered a sanctuary. I could feel the walls closing in as the chairperson voiced the sentiment of everyone in the room: "Your behaviour, as well as that of your club members, is truly appalling. It's one that everyone in this room can agree cannot continue. Do you have anything to say for yourself?"I wrestled with myself, inwardly scolding my emotions, but the truth clawed its way to the surface. Looking back, it wasn't the best move. Yes, I was angry, but taking it out on Hartley only proved how juvenile and vindictive I could be. I remembered seeing her upset in the parking lot earlier, and it had stirred memories within me—fragments of a past I didn't want to face."There is no excuse for my actions," I said quietly, feeling the weight of my regret.Looking back on it. It wasn't the best move. I was angry and took it out on her, but she insulted me first without provoking me. However, when I saw her upset in the car park, it may have tugged on a few heartstrings and memories from my past that I didn't exactly want to face then and there."There is no excuse for my actions," I said, my voice barely above a whisper."Mr. Shalman and Mr. Delgado,""Excuse me. Can I have just one minute with my vice president in private before you dismiss this meeting?" I interrupted."One minute, Mr. Delgado," the chairperson sighed, clearly exhausted by the drama unfolding before him.I scurried out of the room with Erik by my side. My mind was racing, trying to think of a way to save the club that meant everything to me."Hartley must have convinced the other girls to step forward with their complaints. By tomorrow morning, the club will be disbanded," I said, feeling defeated."You brought this upon yourself. This idea that women can't ride motorcycles is bullshit and you know it. Neon proved it, whether you were off your game or not. If you want me to try and fix this, change your ways. Otherwise, you'll watch everything you've built go up in flames."Defeated, I sighed, loathing the fact that Erik was right. "I'll do whatever it takes. Please. Help me.""One last time," Erik replied rolling his eyes. "Next time you're on your own."With a sense of grim resolution, we entered back into the boardroom. I took a deep breath, facing the assembled board members, whose expressions were a mixture of disappointment and disbelief."Erik and I have been discussing how we could fix this," I began, noticing Erik sitting silently beside me, leaving me to face the music alone. Thanks for nothing, I thought bitterly."... To prove how truly sorry I am," I trailed off, feeling vulnerable and small as their eyes bore into me."Mr. Degaldo, is everything alright?" one of the board members asked, concern mixing with impatience."I... I'm sorry," I replied, sounding weaker than I intended."If you have nothing to say, we will proceed with the meeting," the board member stated sternly, her words weighing heavily in the room.But it was then that I felt a surge of defiance rise within me. I wasn't just a bystander in this mess; I was the president of this club, and I owed it to every rider who had fought to be a part of it to stand up."Wait," I called out, my voice steadying as I met the eyes of the board members. "I want to own my actions. I've made mistakes, and I have hurt others, but I will do better. I will lead with respect and dignity. This club represents a community where everyone should feel included and valued. I want to apologise to Hartley and anyone else I've hurt. I don't want to be known for this incident; I want to be known for the change I can create. How can I help women? I don't know how, but I'm willing to try. Please, all I need is one chance to redeem myself. I have money...""Are you bribing us, Mr. Degaldo?" another board member questioned with a raised eyebrow.I could see Erik smirking, clearly enjoying my flustered state."No, no, I didn't mean it that way. What I meant is that I have the funds to support women's causes, like equality and feminism. The club can host a carnival, and the money raised will go to women's shelters and other charities. I may not have all the details with me, but I can submit them later on."I exhaled, a rush of relief flooding over me as gratitude replaced the panic that had gripped my chest moments before. The tension in the boardroom seemed to shift, ever so slightly, as members exchanged glances. Perhaps I had struck a chord—or beguiled them with the sincerity of my offer."This carnival could be a turning point for our club and a way to mend fences. To make amends.""What exactly do you propose?" the chairperson asked, her tone still laced with scepticism but tempered by curiosity.I hurried to lay out my vision. "We could have motorcycle demonstrations, safety workshops, and rides for everyone—especially young women. We can promote inclusivity, and education, and just have fun while raising funds for vital programs that empower women. We can showcase our resolve as a united community to support and uplift one another."Erik shifted in his seat. Encouragement flickered in his eyes, and I took a cue from that brief flash of support. "If we do this, I'll work tirelessly to change the narrative surrounding our club. I want to host weekly rides specifically for women, develop mentorship programs... anything we can think of to show we stand by our principles."Several board members nodded, seeming less guarded.Finally, one of them spoke up, Several board members nodded, seeming less guarded."Mr. Degaldo," one finally spoke up, a hint of a smile creeping onto her lips. "You do realise this is hardly a typical approach for someone in your position? Permits are required, security and public liability insurance. Can your club cover the costs to hold such ane event?""Yes, I'll just need some help with what I need to make sure the event is legal and follows public safety regulations," I quickly replied, hoping that my determination was enough to convince them.Fortunately, one of the board members came forward and said, "I can provide you with all that is necessary, Mr. Degaldo. In fact, I would be happy to assist you with the planning and execution of the event."Then the chairperson spoke up, "Whilst we do appreciate your efforts to right your wrongs, your recent behaviour can't go unpunished. I walked out last, my mind racing with disbelief. How had it come to this? Just last semester, I had been president of the Student Activities Club, a position I wore like a badge of honour. Now, I was being stripped of my title, thrown aside like an old, unwanted coat, all because of a stupid incident gone awry. The chairperson's words echoed in my mind, the weight of my suspension heavy on my shoulders."Until then, Mr. Degaldo will step down as president." The phrase felt like a punch to the gut. I was fumbling through my feelings of anger, shame, and betrayal when Erik nudged my elbow. "Proud of you, man, came up all on your own," he said, his voice unnaturally upbeat, as if mocking my predicament."Thanks for throwing me under the bus," I snapped back, a biting irritation forming in my throat."Hey, how else are you going to learn?" he replied, shrugging his shoulders innocently as he kicked a pebble across the pavement.The board made it quite clear, that this was a warning. To be a good-standing citizen and reflect the college's core values. If I chose to continue this path, myself and any other members would face expulsion.