Chapter 10

HARLEY

I nod, my eyes wide. "Yes, it's true," I say. "Jessica was being bullied by some other students, and I went to help her. That's why I was late. I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to break the rules."

Mr. Lee sighs. "I understand. Bullying is a very serious issue, and I commend you for stepping in to help. I'm proud of you, Harley. You did the right thing." He turns to Mrs. Taylor. "I'll think of another punishment for Harley. One that's more fitting with what she did."

"For now, Miss Harley, go join the rest of the class," he says. "And no running ahead - you're still being punished, after all."

I nod and head back to the gym, my heart feeling a little lighter. I know I still have to be punished, but at least I don't have to run fifty laps.

As I enter the gym, I see the rest of my classmates running laps, and I join in, trying to keep up. It's hard, but I push myself to keep going. I'm determined to make things right.

I'm running around the gym, trying to keep up with the others, when