Speak Up Chapter 02
Veronica was still on the stage.
Holloway took the microphone again.
Her expression was a mask of regret.
“Students, regarding Bianca’s case, the Office of Student Affairs has conducted an initial review of the student council’s report.”
She paused and swept her gaze across the gym.
“Based on our current information, we believe Bianca not only misappropriated event funds, but may have also leveraged her position to help Wade cheat on his exam.”
“This is an extremely serious matter with a negative impact on our school’s integrity.”
“Therefore, the Office of Student Affairs is making the following decisions.”
“First, Bianca will be suspended from all classes pending further investigation.”
“Second, Bianca’s eligibility for this year’s National Chemistry Olympiad will be revoked, and her spot will pass to the second-ranked student in the grade, Spencer Sutton.”
I stood frozen.
Losing that spot would be a serious blow to my Ivy League applications.
The murmurs in the gym swelled.
“They’re saying she helped someone cheat? Isn’t that a little much?”
“If Holloway said it, they must have looked into it.”
“So what if she has good grades? Stealing is stealing.”
“Wade’s grades jumping that much? Something’s definitely up.”
Veronica stood beside the podium, a smug smile playing on her lips.
I dug my nails into my palm.
After the assembly was dismissed, Wade strode over to me.
“Bianca.”
I didn’t look at him.
“Bianca, anyone can see that signature is a fake.”
“What right does she have to take your spot in the Olympiad?”
“She’s just the Director of Student Affairs. Can she even do that?”
“Don’t be scared. I’ll go find the principal—”
“It’s no use.”
I finally found my voice.
Wade froze.
I turned to look at him, my eyes dry and sore.
“Wade, you shouldn’t have rushed up there.”
“Now they can tack on another charge for disrupting the assembly. You have to be careful, or you could actually get expelled.”
His expression faltered, but he quickly forced a smile.
“I had to say something. You were just standing there, not saying a word. I was going crazy.”
I lowered my head to my phone. The family group chat was still open on the screen.
I’d never asked them for help with my own problems before.
But this was different.
Wade could get expelled because of me.
And my spot in the Olympiad.
I had spent an entire year preparing for it.
I took a breath and looked over the message one last time.
“Come to school. Now.”
I sent the text and shoved my phone back into my pocket.
Veronica sauntered over, her tone breezy.
“Calling for backup?”
“Bianca, the accounts are clear, and that’s your signature. Director Holloway has already submitted the paperwork.”
“Spencer will have your spot by this afternoon. You could call the President of the United States and it wouldn’t change a thing.”
I ignored her.
In two hours, she wouldn’t be smiling.