The morning air in the school was heavy with tension. Whispers of the fight between Sophie and Mona filled the hallways, students buzzing with excitement over the drama. Uncle John had heard fragments of the story from a few teachers and students, but he needed the full truth.
He stood at the doorway of his office, arms crossed, waiting for Mona and Sophie to arrive. Their faces were a contrast—Sophie looked resolute, while Mona appeared pale and nervous, her usual smug demeanor nowhere to be found.
"Come in," Uncle John said, his voice firm. The girls entered, Sophie standing tall while Mona shifted uncomfortably, unable to meet his gaze.
"Now, I want to hear everything," he began, looking at Sophie. "What happened yesterday?"
Sophie took a deep breath, her voice steady. "Sir, Mona started it. She's been saying awful things about Mary—things that aren't true. Yesterday, she went too far. She called Mary weak and said her grades were slipping because she was… she was trying to get attention from Ryan. I couldn't just stand there and let her say those things."
Uncle John's eyes darkened as Sophie's words sank in. He turned his gaze to Mona, who fidgeted nervously.
"Mona," he said sharply, "is this true? Did you say those things about Mary?"
Mona stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I… I didn't mean… I was just joking, sir. I didn't think—"
"Joking?" Uncle John cut her off, his voice rising. "Do you think this is a joke? Spreading rumors and bullying your classmates is no laughing matter. Do you realize how much harm your words can cause?"
Mona's eyes filled with tears. "I'm sorry, sir. I didn't mean to hurt anyone. Please, don't tell my parents," she pleaded, her hands trembling.
Uncle John sighed, his expression softening just slightly. "You'll both face consequences for fighting. Sophie, while I understand your intentions, physical fights are not acceptable in this school. You'll serve detention along with Mona."
Sophie nodded, her face calm, while Mona simply muttered a trembling "Yes, sir."
After dismissing them, Uncle John leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair. The situation was more serious than he'd initially thought. He couldn't ignore the part about Mary—this wasn't the first time he'd heard troubling things about her recently.
He went to the doorstep,waved at a student and told him to call Mary.
When Mary walked in, she looked pale and tired, her eyes avoiding him. Uncle John gestured for her to sit. "Mary," he began, his tone gentler than before, "I've heard some things that concern me. Sophie mentioned Mona was saying some awful things about you. I want to ask you directly—are those things true? Are your grades slipping because you're… distracted by a boy or trying to impress him?"
Mary's head shot up, her cheeks flushing with a mix of anger and embarrassment. "No, Uncle John. That's not true. I don't know why Mona would say that about me."
Uncle John studied her for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Mary, I need you to be honest with me. Whatever is going on, you can tell me. I'm here to help."
Mary's lips parted as if she wanted to speak, but no words came out. She looked down at her hands, twisting them nervously.
Uncle John leaned forward, his voice softening. "Mary, I can see that something is troubling you. Please, don't let this stay bottled up. What happened? Why is Mona targeting you like this?"
Mary opened her mouth to speak, the words on the tip of her tongue. But before she could answer, Uncle John's phone buzzed loudly on the desk, interrupting the moment. He picked it up and frowned.
"I'm sorry, Mary," he said, glancing at the screen. "The principal needs me in his office immediately. But we'll continue this conversation later. Don't keep it all to yourself, alright?"
Mary nodded silently and stood, leaving the office with a heavy heart. As she walked down the hallway, she couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. She had been so close to opening up to uncle john, But once again, the moment had slipped away.