Inside, fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, casting harsh shadows across polished floors and beige walls lined with motivational posters about academic excellence and campus community. A receptionist with gray hair and wire- rimmed glasses looked up from her computer as they entered. Security called ahead. Please have the students wait in separate rooms while we prepare for interviews. Officer Martinez nodded.
We'll need the conduct administrator immediately. This involves potential assault charges. Within minutes, a middle-aged woman in a navy blazer appeared from a side office. Her name plate read, "Dr. Patricia Hendris, assistant director of student conduct. She surveyed the group with practice deficiency, her gaze lingering on the visible marks on Brett and Grayson.
I'll speak with each student individually, Dr. Hrix announced. Let's start with the injured parties first. Aaliyah's stomach dropped. The phrasing made it clear who the administrator already considered the victim and who she considered the threat. Grayson went first, disappearing into Dr. Hendrick's office for nearly 30 minutes.
When he emerged, his expression was calm and satisfied. Brett followed, glancing nervously at Aaliyah before vanishing behind the same door. Cody and Tessa were interviewed quickly, their stories apparently straightforward enough to require minimal time. Then Dr. Hrix called Aaliyah's name. The office was cramped and windowless, dominated by a metal desk covered in manila folders.
Dr. Hrix gestured to a hard plastic chair while she settled behind her computer. "Miss Brooks, I need to understand why a trained martial artist felt it necessary to use physical force against fellow students," she began without preamble. "Gayson Vale has provided a detailed account of being attacked without warning." Aaliyah straightened in her chair. I defended myself when they surrounded me and grabbed. Grayson mentioned you have a black belt.
Dr. Hendris interrupted, typing rapidly. With that level of training, surely you could have deescalated the situation without violence. They blocked my path deliberately. Brett grabbed my backpack. Cody seized my wrist.
I only used the minimum force necessary to Dr. Hendrick's phone rang, cutting through Aaliyah's explanation. She glanced at the caller ID and her expression shifted to immediate deference. "Excuse me," she said, answering quickly. "Yes, Mr. Vale, I understand your concern. Your son has provided his statement, and we're taking this matter very seriously." Aaliyah's blood ran cold as she realized who was calling.
"Absolutely," Dr. Hendrickx continued, her voice becoming more formal. A full investigation with appropriate disciplinary action. Yes, sir. The safety of our students is our highest priority. The call lasted five more minutes with Dr. Hrix mostly listening and making reassuring noises.
When she finally hung up, her attitude toward Aaliyah had hardened noticeably. That was Victor Vale, Grayson's father and one of our most generous alumni. She explained, "He's understandably upset that his son was injured by another student." "Dr. Hris, if you would just listen to what actually happened. I have Mr. Vale's account along with corroborating statements from three witnesses," Dr. Hendrix replied curtly. What I need to understand is why you felt justified in using martial arts training against students who posed no real threat to someone with your abilities.
The questions continued for another 20 minutes, each one framing Aliyah as the aggressor who had escalated a minor disagreement into violence. By the time the interview ended, Aaliyah felt like she was drowning in assumptions and accusations. Outside in the hallway, Nia waited anxiously. She grabbed Aliyah's arm as soon as she emerged. They're only showing part of what happened.