A Chapter of Struggle

Ashley and Rachel felt a mix of emotions as they left the principal's office.

"This is all our fault," Ashley said, her voice trembling.

"We should have just kept our mouths shut," Rachel added, tears welling up in her eyes.

As they walked back to their classroom, they could feel the eyes of their classmates on them.

"You two talk too much, now Miss Grace is in trouble," Peter said, his voice laced with accusation.

The class murmured in agreement, and Ashley and Rachel felt a surge of guilt and regret.

"We didn't mean for this to happen," Ashley tried to explain.

But her words fell on deaf ears.

"Just leave us alone," Rachel said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Their classmates turned away, leaving them isolated and alone.

"Ashley, Rachel, we need to talk," Miss Grace said, her voice trembling as she approached them.

"What's going to happen to you?" Ashley asked, her eyes welling up with tears.