Chapter 11 - ASHLEY WITHOUT HER FATHER
Ashley was suspended for the street attack.
Not expelled immediately.
Due process.
Her father wanted her transferred to a private academy out of state.
Ashley refused.
For once.
Then she asked to speak with Emily through a restorative coordinator.
Emily said no.
Then later:
yes.
With adults present.
Ashley entered without makeup.
No designer coat.
She looked seventeen.
Not powerful.
“You think I knew about the scholarship money.”
Emily said:
“Did you?”
“No.”
“Did you know your dad told you to get the bag?”
Ashley looked down.
“He said your grandma was blackmailing him.”
“Did he tell you to attack her?”
“No.”
Important.
“He said he needed the documents back.”
“And you decided how.”
“Yes.”
Ashley swallowed.
Then Emily asked:
“Why did you bully me before any of this?”
Silence.
Ashley answered:
“Because you were easy.”
Emily stared.
No tragic excuse.
No misunderstanding.
Ashley continued:
“You never fought back. And people laughed.”
That hurt more because it was ordinary.
Then:
“And my dad always talked about people who ‘want what we earned.’”
Emily understood.
Class contempt had been taught.
Ashley still chose to use it.
Both true.
Then Ashley whispered:
“I’m sorry.”
Emily said:
“I don’t forgive you.”
May you like
Ashley nodded.
For once, she did not argue.
