Not A Small-Town Girl

----

“The sharp ring of a phone cut through the room, sending a

wave of apprehension over the executives. They all knew their

boss despised it when phones rang during meetings.

They all checked to see if it was their phone, only to see their

big boss pick up his phone and answer the call.

"Yes, it’s me. Okay, I’ll be right there," he said over the phone.

“David grabbed his phone and hurried out of the conference

room, breaking into a jog as he went.

“The executives in the conference room were shocked; they

had never seen David run, no matter how serious the

situation.

“Meeting adjourned," Nathan announced, hurrying after him.

----

Danielle was called to the office by the counselor.

“Nancy and Ava shot Danielle a look of pure fury.

“Danielle approached, and they instantly regretted their harsh

glare, wondering if she was crazy enough to try and hit them

again.

"In their terror, the two sought refuge behind Kaden,

accidentally getting his clothes covered in vegetable soup.

“Danielle, how dare you hit us in the teacher’s office?" Ava

gripped Kaden’s clothing, speaking with forced bravery, afraid

to let go.

“Danielle fixed them in front of her with an icy stare. "Do you

really think hiding behind Mr. Langley would stop me from

hitting you?"

"Kaden frowned. "Danielle, please calm down," he said

seriously. "This is the teacher’s office, not a place for fighting.”

----

Just then, the office door was pushed open.

“Who hit my daughter?" a woman with a slightly plump figure,

bright red lipstick, and an unfriendly expression demanded as

she entered.

“Upon entering, the woman was horrified to find her daughter

covered in rotting vegetable leaves, her face bruised and

swollen, the stench of decay clinging to her in the summer

heat.

“When Nancy saw her mother enter, she ran to her and said,

“Mom, she hit me. You have to help me get back at her.” Her

front teeth were knocked out, making her speech sound

slightly slurred.

----

“The woman’s anger surged when she saw her daughter

brutally beaten and her teeth knocked out.

“You bitch, how dare you..." she snapped.

“Kaden quickly stepped in front of Danielle. "Please, madam,

calm down and refrain from using foul language. Have a seat

and wait for the other parents to arrive so we can discuss a

solution together.”