Why?

As Maya sat in detention, the principal's office phone rang, breaking the heavy silence of the room. The teacher picked it up, and Maya's heart sank as she heard her name mentioned in the conversation.

"Yes, Maya's parents," the teacher said, her voice tinged with concern. "I'm afraid they're quite busy at the moment, but her brother is here to speak with you."

Maya's brother, Connor, stepped forward, his brow furrowed in confusion as he took the phone from the teacher.

"Hello?" Connor said, his voice filled with apprehension as he listened to the voice on the other end of the line.

Meanwhile, in another part of the school, Jessica's parents were having a hushed conversation with the same teacher. Maya strained to hear their voices as they discussed the situation.

"Yes, we understand," Jessica's father said, his tone smooth and persuasive. "We're willing to compensate you for any inconvenience this may have caused."

The teacher hesitated, clearly torn between duty and temptation. But in the end, the lure of financial gain proved too strong to resist.

"Of course, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson," the teacher replied, her voice tight with uncertainty. "Your secret is safe with me."

Maya's heart sank as she realized what was happening. It wasn't fair. She had stood up to Jessica's bullying, yet now she was the one facing the consequences while Jessica got off scot-free.

As the teacher hung up the phone, Maya's brother returned to her side, his expression grave.

"I'm sorry, Maya," Connor said, his voice heavy with regret. "It seems there's been a misunderstanding, but I'll do everything I can to sort it out."

Maya nodded, her eyes burning with frustration and anger. It wasn't right. She had done nothing wrong, yet she was the one being punished. But deep down, she knew that she couldn't let this injustice go unchecked. With her brother by her side, Maya vowed to fight for what was right, no matter the cost.

Connor parked his car in the school parking lot and hurried to the principal's office to meet Maya. As they sat together, the teacher explained what had happened and the rules that Maya had broken. Connor listened with a heavy heart, feeling sorry for his sister, who had been unfairly caught up in the situation.

"I'm sorry, Maya," Connor said, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I wish there was something I could have done to prevent this."

Maya managed a weak smile, grateful for her brother's support. "It's not your fault, Connor. Thank you for being here for me."

The teacher, sensing the tension in the room, allowed Maya to go home with her brother. As they walked towards the parking lot, Maya and Connor discussed what had happened, trying to make sense of the unfairness of it all.

"This is so unfair, Connor," Maya exclaimed, frustration evident in her voice. "I can't believe Jessica's getting away with this."

Connor nodded in agreement, his jaw clenched with anger. "I know, Maya. It's not right. But we'll figure something out, okay?"

As they reached the parking lot, their conversation was interrupted by the sound of laughter nearby. Maya and Connor turned to see Jessica and her brother's friends mocking Connor's car, making fun of its appearance and even attempting to damage it.

"Hey, cut it out!" Connor shouted, striding over to confront them.

Jessica and her friends scattered, disappearing into the crowd before Connor could reach them. Frustration and helplessness gnawed at Connor as he inspected the damage to his car.

Maya placed a hand on his arm, offering a reassuring squeeze. "It's okay, Connor. Let's just get home."

With a sigh, Connor nodded, realizing there was nothing more they could do at the moment. He attempted to start the engine, but it refused to turn over, leaving them stranded in the parking lot.

"Great," Connor muttered, his frustration mounting.

Maya tried to lighten the mood. "Well, looks like we're taking a detour today. Maybe we'll get lucky and catch a ride with a friend."

With no other choice, Connor pulled out his phone and ordered an online driver. They waited anxiously, hoping for a swift arrival.

Finally, the online driver pulled up, and Maya and Connor entered the car, grateful to be heading home after such a tumultuous day. As they rode in silence, Maya couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over her, knowing that her brother was there to support her through whatever challenges they faced. And as they arrived home, tired but safe, Maya couldn't help but feel grateful for the bond she shared with her brother, knowing that together, they could overcome anything that came their way.