Flora’s Guide to a Second Chance at Love and Life

Jackson's voice, cool and metallic, cut through the air once more, grabbing everyone's attention. In that moment, the parents got the message loud and clear: he wanted them gone.

"We're not just hanging around, we have plenty to do, we'll be on our way!" they blurted out, scrambling to leave the room as if their pants were on fire.

Once they cleared out, the office seemed almost cavernous in its emptiness. Dr. Meraz wiped the sweat from his brow, fully grasping the power of authority; all their pleading didn't hold a candle to Jackson's mere presence. "Alright, with everything sorted out, let's call it a day, shall we?" Dr. Meraz quickly added, "Nash, back to class with you, and Ms. Fiona, you..."

He was about to suggest Fiona return to class too, but stopped short when he caught sight of Jackson standing protectively by her side. With Jackson around, Fiona was out of his jurisdiction. Thankfully, the immediate issue seemed resolved.

"Settled, you say?" Jackson's gaze was deep and unreadable as he echoed the words, turning to Fiona with an expression that was neither approving nor disapproving. "What do you think, kiddo?" Fiona couldn't help but look at him, impressed by how well he seemed to get her.

The issuenoveldrama

It wasn't over yet, not by a long shot.

"Mr. Garcia, did you forget something?" she directed at Dr. Meraz.

Forget something? Dr. Meraz looked baffled.

"Who took the photo, and who posted it online? Shouldn't we find out and give me some justice?"

That's right! The person behind the photo scandal!

Without Fiona's reminder, they might have let it slip from their minds.

Robert clenched his jaw, determined to unmask whoever was spreading these rumors, making sure they'd regret messing with their class.

"Absolutely, Dr. Meraz assured her,

"Ms. Fiona, we will definitely track down who's behind this. The forum is a mess of anonymous posts, so it might take some time, but rest assured, once we know..."

"No need to wait," Fiona interrupted, shaking her head as she pulled out her phone, "I've already got the scoop."

...

Louise lounged over her desk, a sly smile dancing on her lips. She had orchestrated the whole spectacle, stirring up Mrs. Young and the other parents to storm the school, deaving Dr. Meraz in a bind.

Parents were a tough crowd, likely demanding Fiona's expulsion. By now, Fiona might already be out the door.

"Louise, did you hear? All the parents rushed to Mr. Garcia's office. You were just there, right? Did you catch anything?" her deskmate asked eagerly.

"I didn't catch a thing," Louise replied, shaking her head. "I was there to drop off some documents, but it was too chaotic, so I didn't go in."

Her deskmate looked disappointed, thinking it was a shame that someone as kind and gracious as Louise wasn't interested in juicy gossip.

"With all those parents involved, it's blown up big time. Fiona's only option is to get expelled. Just wait and see her downfall," her deskmate said with excitement.

Louise kept her lips pressed

together, silent but with a glint of satisfaction in her eyes. However, that smile faltered as she glanced out the window, seeing the groups of parents trudging back, looking defeated and deflated.