The incident in the chemistry lab became the latest in a growing list of Amara's inexplicable abilities that had the student body buzzing. By lunchtime, the whispers had evolved from skepticism about her blindness to a grudging respect for her capabilities.
"Super hearing," one student theorized. "My cousin's blind and he can tell what color M&M I'm holding just by the way it rattles in my hand."
"Maybe she has like a sixth sense," suggested another.
Chase listened to these theories with growing frustration. His status as the school's untouchable alpha was being eroded by a girl who refused to be intimidated or humiliated.
After the final bell, Principal Weston called Chase and Brent into his office. The room was oppressively silent as they took seats across from his imposing desk.
"Gentlemen," Principal Weston began, his tone carefully neutral. "There was an incident in the chemistry lab today that Mr. Parker found concerning."
"It was an accident," Brent said quickly.
"Indeed." The principal's gaze moved between them. "Just like the assembly incident was an accident, and the rubber snake, and the leaked student records."
Chase maintained his practiced look of innocence. "I'm not sure what you're implying, sir."
"I'm not implying anything, Mr. Williams. I'm stating facts." Principal Weston leaned forward. "Miss James has been at Grafton Academy for less than two weeks, and in that time, she has experienced an unusual number of accidents."
"Maybe she's just clumsy," Chase suggested with a smirk.
"Or maybe," the principal countered, "certain students are having difficulty adjusting to a classmate who's different from what they're accustomed to."
Chase's father sat on the school board. His family's name was on the recently renovated library. These facts hung unspoken in the air between them.
"Consider this a warning," Principal Weston said finally. "The next incident will have consequences."
"Understood."