She’d always favored this student. When other teachers and classmates had once slandered her, Reyna had seen those eyes. With absolute conviction, she knew: no deceitful or dishonest person could possess such pure, luminous eyes. Only those whose thoughts were pure, actions honorable, and feet firmly planted could have eyes this clear.

A person’s actions, words, and expressions can all be faked. Only the eyes cannot.

Alarieka’s eyes were the purest she’d ever seen. Clear and determined. Eyes like that made her like this student instantly. Though she had no proof and didn’t really know Alarieka, she firmly believed the rumors about Alarieka were false. All lies, slander against her.

Precisely because of that slander, she felt more protective toward Alarieka than other teachers would. She always wanted to help however she could, refusing to watch Alarieka drown in gossip and ruin her bright future.

Now, looking into Alarieka’s eyes, she saw the same gaze from their first meeting. Too pure. Too resolute. She couldn’t refuse Alarieka’s request.

Finally, she just said, “I’ll go with you. If anything goes wrong, I’ll speak up for you.”

Alaricka hesitated. She could tell Alarieka didn’t want to drag her into this. So she spoke immediately, “Even if you tell me not to come, I will. This is a school. I’m a teacher. I go where I please.”

Alarieka’s eyes widened slightly. It struck her as funny. When calm, Alarieka seemed sharp and intelligent. But with wide eyes, she looked almost foolish–adorably naive. She truly couldn’t leave such a naive student alone.

“It’s settled then. No arguments.”

Alarieka pressed her lips together and nodded slowly.

Ms. Wright chuckled softly.

Approaching three o’clock, students were in class. The vast campus stood nearly empty. As Alarieka and Ms. Wright reached the principal’s office door, muffled voices spilled out–too indistinct to make out words, but the speaker’s anger was unmistakable, their words rapid-fire.

Alarieka raised a hand and knocked. Instant silence fell inside.

“Enter.”

The principal’s office held a crowd. Deans from every grade and other administrators packed the room, their expressions grim. Dark gazes fixed on Alarieka the moment she entered. Eyebrows furrowed instantly. Lips pressed into thin, downward lines. A flash of disgust and rejection flickered in their eyes.

Especially the principal. He shot her a stern, disdainful look–then jerked his gaze away as if scalded. His hand slapped the desk impatiently.

Alaricka walked in slowly, leaning on her cane. Her voice was calm. “Good afternoon.”

“Afternoon? What’s good about it?”

The principal’s temper flared. His palm slammed the desk, rattling the water cup. His voice boomed. “We’ve been waiting! How dare you keep all these teachers waiting, student?”

Alarieka met his gaze steadily. “We agreed on three o’clock. It’s still ten minutes to three. I’m not late.”

The principal choked on his words. He glanced at the wall clock, confirming the time hovered near three. A flicker of discomfort crossed his face.

Then his expression hardened instantly. He glared at Alarieka, brow furrowed. “Is that your attitude? One word from me, and you come back with ten more? Do you even consider us teachers?"

“What, we called you over, and you’re not happy about it?”

Reyna’s brows slowly furrowed. This kind of talk was just being unreasonable. She looked at Alarieka, whose thin and frail body appeared even more helpless and vulnerable amidst the crowd of teachers and deans, making her feel even more regretful and heartbroken. Perhaps she really shouldn’t have let Alaricka come here.

Alaricka silently endured the principal’s anger and said calmly, “What are your thoughts on this matter?”

The principal raised his hand, pointed at the Dean and said, “You speak. Just seeing her makes me angry.”