Graveyard silence filled the staff room as everyone listened to Ace's accusations and sarcastic comments. Just then, the school's first bell rang, breaking the tense atmosphere. Taking the cue, Ms. Matthews and Principal Martin quickly pulled Ava off Ace, while the teachers hurried to their classrooms, avoiding his gaze like guilty children. Ace, with a smirk, had the audacity to mutter, "Saved by the bell."
There was a reason Ace was adding fuel to the fire, blowing the situation out of proportion. He wanted the school to reject Ava's transfer or expel her if she was already accepted. Why? There were too many reasons. Among the important ones: ex-classmate, C.I.B mother, and Steal Song Society scapegoat.
This was the only school in the entire town. If Ava wasn't accepted here, she'd have to find another school district or return to her father's school and resume her role as the rebellious princess. As long as she was out of his life he didn't care what she did.