Heather walks over, book in one hand, her tray in another. Her blue hair cascades over her shoulders like a waterfall. “Can I sit with you?” she asks, loud enough for half the cafeteria to hear.

I pull out the chair next to me, and motion for her to join us. “Of course.”

“Thanks.” Her tray bobbles, and I reach up and take it from her. For several beats, she doesn’t move, so I turn to see what she’s staring at. Jesse. Though he’s at a table filled with hockey players, including Mason, he has this odd expression on his face that gives me the impression that he’s oblivious to everyone around him. At that moment, there seems to be only Heather in his world until Reg nudges his shoulder, breaking the spell. Heather sets her book down and joins us.

“I’d rather sit with you any day,” she says without elaborating. I don’t need specifics. I’m glad she’s here.

And then Daniel comes over. “Is it okay?” He motions to the empty chair.

Cade smiles. “Heck yeah.”

Mrs. Ingram straightens her yellow scarf, leans down. The four of us look at her. She whispers, “You should know quite a few teachers support you. A couple of us went to Principal McNeil. Unfortunately, we walk a fine line, but I felt it was important for you to hear.” Her eyes dart around the room, then back to us. “If there’s anything I can do, come and see me and we can talk about it, okay?”

“We appreciate it, Mrs. Ingram.” Cade picks up a fry, drags it through his ketchup, drawing a line down the middle of his plate. Then he wipes it out with his finger. He turns his defiant gaze on her. “We know about lines. You may walk a fine one, but we don’t.”

Chapter 37: Principal Mcneil