Page 124 of The Forever After Bet

Bree sits down next to her mom. Now that they’re sitting beside each other, I can see the resemblance. Bree looks across the table at me, glaring. I stare back for a minute, then look away. I don’t need to play the dominance game with her. She’s about to get what she deserves. I might be in trouble too if what Bree has against me is legit.

“It’s come to my attention, Miss Chandler, that you are trying to blackmail Mr. Cross and Miss Clark,” Principal Forrest starts.

Bree tilts her head. “What? That’s ridiculous. Miss Clark is upset because Ford loves me and not her.”

Ford’s dad looks at him, and Ford shakes his head.

“No, I’m don’t. Bree told me she had information against Hannah that could hurt her chances at valedictorian, and she would release that information unless I dated her. She thinks I’ll fall in love with her if I date her.”

“I’m prepared to take legal action on behalf of my daughter,” my dad says.

“As am I, for my son.” Mr. Cross nods.

They seem to be on the same page. My dad must have called and talked to Mr. Cross about everything.

“You need to tell us what information you have against Hannah.” Mr. Kendrick, the vice principal, says.

“I do not know what you’re talking about.” Bree shrugs.

“We’re past being nice about this, Miss Chandler. We have a written statement from Mason Bergeson stating that he helped you set up a website for the purpose of posting hurtful and immoral content and that you used school resources to distribute that content using the school’s texting network.”

“Bree,” Mrs. Chandler hisses. “Mr. Forrest has briefed us about everything. You could be expelled, and we’re looking at thousands of dollars in legal fees. The Cross’ have money to spare, and Mr. Clark is a lawyer. Whatever you’ve been doing is over. You’ll be lucky if you get to graduate.” She’s yelling by the time she finishes talking. “Now give the information about Hannah to the principal right this second.”

Bree purses her lips and rolls her eyes, like what her mom said was no big deal. I’d be a sobbing mess if my dad talked to me like that. Bree rummages around in her backpack for several long seconds, then pulls out a pink file folder and pushes it across the desk. “You can say goodbye to valedictorian.” Bree smirks at me..

I wipe my sweaty hands on my cheer skirt.

Principal Forrest opens the folder, skimming through the papers. “Did you have a science project at the state science fair?” he asks me with a frown.

I exhale slowly through my nose, trying to keep my composure. “Yes, I shared the project with a classmate named Kenton Smith. He moved away, but our project went to the state fair, where we won second place.”

“They wouldn’t split the prize money, so Hannah let Kenton have it, and she got the trophy.” My dad reaches over, squeezing my knee.

“You didn’t share it. You stole it from him!” Bree exclaims.

I shake my head. “I didn’t. Both our names are on the second-place certificate. I still have it.”

“I don’t see how this would affect your status for valedictorian. This is from middle school, and we don’t consider any of those academics or extracurriculars. Points accumulate starting in your freshman year. If you did steal his project, that wouldn’t factor into the valedictorian standing though it wouldbe unfortunate. As it is, it’s obvious you shared the project with Kenton and the winnings.” Principal Forrest closes the folder.

“What? No! She’s a liar and a thief.” Bree stands up, pointing at me.

“Sit down!” Mr. Chandler barks at his daughter. She looks at him, startled, and slowly sits down.

“I’m sorry, can you explain to me again how Ford Cross fits into this scenario?” Mr. Chandler asks.

Everyone turns and looks at Ford.

“Bree used that information,” Ford pointed at the folder, “to try to blackmail me to date her. If I didn’t do what she wanted, she was going to ruin Hannah.”

“And what’s Hannah to you?” Mrs. Chandler asks Ford.

Ford takes a breath, looks at me, and smiles. “She’s everything to me.”

His words make my heart happy. We smile at each other from across the table.

“I love you,” he mouths.

“You gave me your word, Ford.” Bree sobs. “I deserve a chance to show you. I’d be ten times the girlfriend Hannah Clark ever could.” She stands up.

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