Chen’s gonna ask how all this started. He’s gonna ask how a guy like me got roped into such a stupid scheme. And what’ll I say?

I’d ask Rob what his plan is, but look at him! Jeez. Someone oughta tell him to lighten up. Remind him that we’ll laugh about this later.

I bet he’ll throw himself at Chen’s feet—beg for mercy. He thinks nothing Chen dishes out could compare with what his father could do.

And what about my father? Chen’s probably going to call home, right? Aw, man, this is such a complete bummer!

Sarah’s in there now, but the door’s closed, so I dunno what she’s telling him. I bet she’s crying. Of course she is. “Boo-hoo, Mr. Big Strong Principal! Poor little me is sooooo, soooo sorry!”

It’s no fair. When chicks cry, guys turn to mush and cave in. What do you wanna bet Sarah gets off scot-free?

And Rob’ll tell Chen what a mean old cuss his dad is, then Chen’ll take pity on his pimply hide and let him off the hook, too.

That’ll leave just me to take the fall.

Chen’ll make an example of me. Expel me. Announce it on the PA. Wouldn’t he just love that? He’s always had it in for me and the other guys on the team. I swear, the man hates sports. You can see him at the games. Everyone else is cheering their heads off, Chen’s bored to tears.

Well, I’ll tell him Sarah e-mailed the answers to me last night, which is the absolute truth. I’d asked her if she had the study sheet for the exam because she’s in my class. And that’s all I asked her for: the study sheet. But Sarah took it upon herself to send me last year’s midterm answers!

And what was I supposed to do? Ignore them? Is there any kid alive who could just ignore the answers to a midterm when they’re flashed onto his computer screen?

And if Chen asks me where Sarah got the answers, I’ll say I don’t know. Which is true. Last night, she said that all information was on a “need-to-know basis,” in case any of us were captured and tortured as spies. I thought she was joking.

I bet Chen doesn’t know it was Sarah who started all this. She’s probably in there right now looking like she looks, crying and telling Chen that she’s totally innocent. Man! I bet she’s blaming the whole thing on me!

Rob

Gotta explain about my dad. Quick, before anyone answers the phone. Gotta hurry, make Mr. Chen hang up and stop trying my house…

So why can’t I speak?

Ruby