The bully's redemption

Zendaya pulled back slightly, her hands cupping Kamsi's face, her thumbs brushing away the wetness. "He doesn't hate you," she said softly, but her words were firm, insistent. "He likes you enough to risk everything—his future, his reputation. You think someone who hates you would do that?"

Kamsi's breath hitched as she looked up at Zendaya, her eyes red and swollen. A shaky smile tugged at her lips, the corners of her mouth trembling as she wiped her tears away with the back of her hand. "I don't even know what I'm doing," she admitted, her voice raw and vulnerable. "I just... I don't know how to fix this."

Zendaya's lips quirked into a teasing smile, though there was tenderness behind it. "Patricia can go fuck herself." Her words were a defiant rebellion against the situation that had ensnared them both.

Kamsi laughed weakly, the sound a soft and broken thing that barely escaped her lips. "I like that idea." She sniffed, straightening up a bit, though her shoulders were still heavy with the burden of what she had agreed to. "But you're right about one thing."

Zendaya raised an eyebrow. "What's that?"

"When this ends," Kamsi said, her voice firmer now, a glimmer of resolve lighting her eyes, "I will face my feelings."

Zendaya gave her a small, knowing smile. "Promise me you'll do that, okay?"

Kamsi nodded, her smile growing a little brighter, though it was still tinged with sadness. "I promise." Her heart swelled with gratitude for the girl standing beside her, for the friend who was always there, no matter what. "I love you, girl," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

"I know you do," Zendaya replied playfully, her voice light and teasing, but there was a quiet sincerity beneath the words. "Now come on. Let's get this over with."

As they approached the principal's office, the weight of what they were about to do pressed down on both of them. Zendaya hesitated, her steps faltering for just a moment. She looked at Kamsi, her brows furrowed. "Do we really have to do this?"

Kamsi exhaled, steadying herself. "You don't have to come," she said, her tone soft but firm, wanting to protect Zendaya from getting caught in this mess.

But Zendaya shook her head, her gaze unwavering. "I'm your ride or die. I've got your back."

Kamsi smiled at her, grateful, but the knot in her stomach tightened. They both knew what they were about to do wasn't just risky—it was dangerous. But there was no turning back now.

Kamsi unlocked the door, her fingers shaking slightly as the metal key turned in the lock. She exchanged a quick glance with Zendaya, both of them silently acknowledging the fear that lingered beneath their resolve. The door creaked open, and they stepped inside, their footsteps muffled by the thick carpet. The room smelled of stale paper and forgotten meetings—an office that had seen too many secrets and not enough light.

As Zendaya stood outside, Kamsi's pulse raced, her heart pounding in her ears as she rifled through the drawers. The second drawer was locked, but her hand was steady as she tried each key. With a quiet click, it opened. Kamsi breathed out in relief, but her eyes narrowed as she flipped through the files. The first file she pulled out was innocuous enough—transfers due to "parents' relocation." But her fingers froze as she opened the second file, her breath catching in her throat.

Abuse. Molestation. The words stared back at her, cold and unyielding. Her fingers trembled as she scanned the name—Sophia Eaton. Kamsi felt the world tilt beneath her feet as her heart dropped into her stomach.

The truth was written there, in black and white. Parents' transfer was a lie. The real reason Sophia had been transferred was far darker. Kamsi snapped a photo of the page, her hands shaking as she ensured nothing was disturbed.

Zindeya peeked in, her eyes wide with silent urgency. "Hurry, it's almost time," she whispered, her voice tight with impatience.

Kamsi nodded, stuffing the file back into the drawer with shaking hands. "Coming," she whispered hoarsely, feeling the weight of their decision crash down on her.

As they left the office, the door clicking shut behind them, Kamsi couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. The security camera, hidden in the corner, had caught their every move.

Zendaya motioned her to hurry, but before they could slip out—

A noise froze them in place.

Footsteps.

Zendaya stiffened, her hand clenching the door handle. Her sharp glare met Kamsi's. "We're not getting caught," she mouthed.

Kamsi barely had time to nod before Zendaya pulled the door open and stepped into the hallway with the nonchalance of someone on a casual stroll. Kamsi followed, her legs shaky, the world outside suddenly blinding in comparison to the dark room they'd just escaped.

"Find anything?" Zendaya whispered out of the corner of her mouth, glancing around as they walked briskly.

Kamsi gave a small nod, her voice barely escaping her throat. "We have to return the keys. Fast."

"Yeah? And how exactly—"

"Miss Baron."

Zendaya jolted, stopping dead in her tracks as the deep voice of the principal cut through the corridor. Kamsi froze beside her, their worst nightmare materializing in the form of Principal Malcom.

His sharp gaze flickered between the two girls, brow raised in suspicion. "What are you two doing loitering around here?"

Zendaya, never one to falter under pressure, straightened up, her lips curling into an awkward smile. "Principal Malcom! What a… surprise. I'm delighted to see you."

Kamsi's stomach dropped. Delighted to see you? She elbowed Zendaya subtly, trying not to panic.

"Delighted?" Principal Cole echoed, his voice dry. His piercing gaze narrowed, scrutinizing them. "What exactly is the purpose of this… delight?"

Kamsi shot Zendaya a sharp look, taking control of the moment. "She's interested in volunteering for the Empowerment Talk," she blurted out, forcing a cheerful tone.

Zendaya's head snapped toward her, eyes wide. "I am?"

"Yes," Kamsi hissed through gritted teeth, her smile rigid as she turned back to the principal.

The man regarded them with a long, skeptical look, the silence stretching uncomfortably. Finally, he sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Well, it's good for college applications. Come to my office for the details."

As he turned toward his office, Kamsi's chest constricted. The keys. They were still tucked into her pocket, and she hadn't returned them yet.

Zendaya leaned closer, her voice a breathless whisper. "We're so screwed."

"Not yet," Kamsi whispered back, her mind racing. Her heart thudded as she watched the principal unlock his door. Think ,think.

"Come on," he called, gesturing them forward.

As they crossed the threshold of the office, Kamsi clutched her phone in her damp hand, determination flaring in her eyes. No matter the risk, they had what they needed. Now, they just had to survive the fallout.