Off balance

They all stood, all three, in front of the desk waiting to be questioned. The Mathematics and Physics teachers had excused themselves to teach in their assigned classes after the break period was over. The Fitness teacher was soon to go out as the Principal handed him a signed paper. Now left with the Principal who seemed unprepared to start her interrogation, the room turned silent with only the whistling of paper as she scribbled something on it.

Diva tried once to call Dawin's attention to talk some sense into his head. Would she be here if he was lenient and not self-centered?. Involving her when he knows publicity and popularity were neither her priority nor her aim. Twice she met Emma's heavy gaze, shyly she looked away, and even when she did, he was there, watching her still.

' So, what happened? '. The Principal's voice pulled her out from her little hiatus.

Her head was bent, glasses sliding down her nose as she pushed it up again, her eyes prying through the small space at the top provided by her bent posture. She had thought it to be directed at the boys and had only turned to the Principal Io to watch her every reaction. She was stunned when she saw the Principal looking at her. Wait, was she expecting an answer from her?.

Diva looked straight at her with that are-you-talking-to-me look as she pointed at herself.

' Who else will I be talking to, Miss Diva?. Certainly, not the shadow behind you '. Diva fought every urge to look back.

The words stuck in her throat, and her actions seemed to be lagging as she took a minute more to process what the Principal had said. What happened?. The question rang vividly in her head now.

< I don't know, ma >. Would be the wisest thing she would say but also the most foolish thing to say. How was she to say such a thing when she was visibly present at the scene and even close to his friends?. Speaking of friends, did the Principal not see Emma's friends to question?.

' Miss Diva, time waits for no man '. Her voice as a magnet pulled Diva from her thoughts. Emma and Dawin were both looking at her, making her situation even harder. Dawin was her friend, she would not say a thing to implicate or get him punished. Emma was..... well, himself. She should avoid saying a thing to be on his bad side. The Principal- those eyes- oh God, she has to say something to prevent being punished.

' Yes Diva, we are waiting '.

' Ma, they both started it '. She breathed out the words, hoping they would not be heard, but who would have known that her loud voice would do the betrayal?.

' Huh? '. All three stared at her confused.

Diva sucked her breath as she saw the Principal's intense gaze. She had messed up, her eyes told her. Quickly, she corrected herself. ' Emma made an annoying sound and Dawin was first to pull the fight '. She explained, not supporting any of them. Supporting one would lead to the wrath of the other. Better to be less supportive and have the Principal's protection in case any of them pull a stunt. Dawin, she could always make up with him. Emma, maybe he would be happy she does not choose her friend's side. Just maybe.

The look in his eyes told her there would never be a maybe. She had refused to deny what she saw and now there was no saving of her face when she said he had started it.

Dawin's surprised look threw her off balance. It was obvious he did not expect her answer but the subtle look in his eyes that showed little disappointment made her look down at her shoes.