With an air of authority that even the gathered parents couldn't ignore, Dr. Meraz and Keaton were caught off guard as Fiona made her unexpected return.
"What on earth is she thinking, showing up now?" they fretted internally. In the midst of all the parental commotion, her presence seemed like throwing gasoline on a fire.
"My dear, what brings you back here?" asked the elegantly dressed woman who had earlier asked for directions, her tone softening as she addressed Fiona. "Why don't you step outside for a moment? We're handling something important here."
Turning her attention to Dr. Meraz, her tone shifted to one of irritation, "Dr. Meraz, we need answers now! Keeping Fiona at Westbrook High is a risk to our children. Either bring her out for a face-to-face, or explain those photos circulating online!"
"If she can clear this up to our satisfaction, we might let it slide."
But if not, they wouldn't stand for a girl of alleged dubious character to mix with their sons and daughters.
Fiona tried to speak up but was gently cut off by the woman, "Sweetie, hold on. Everyone's on edge, and we’d hate for you to get caught in the crossfire."
The woman had a genuine fondness for Fiona—her looks, her voice, and something vaguely familiar she couldn't quite put her finger on. Maybe it was just fate that had brought Fiona into their midst.
The more she pondered, the more convinced she became that someone as charming as this young girl couldn't be the source of any scandal. Fiona had to be expelled to prevent any bad influence.
Dr. Meraz and Keaton exchanged bewildered glances with the woman as Fiona composed herself and honestly stated, "Actually, my name is Fiona."
"Oh, your name is—" the woman began, then abruptly halted, her eyes widening in shock.
"You're Fiona?!"
Yes, the Fiona in question!
"Yes, that's me," Fiona confirmed with a modest nod. "The Fiona everyone's been talking about."
Mrs. Young sneered, undeterred. If Fiona could behave inappropriately, why should she hold back her words? Her personal history gave her no love for such young women.
"Maybe there's been a misunderstanding," suggested another parent, unable to resist defending Fiona’s undeniable charm.
"A misunderstanding?" Mrs. Young retorted with a cold laugh. "Are the photos online fake? Is her closeness with that man made up too? Shameless!"
Dr. Meraz, clearly fed up with Mrs. Young's tirade, turned to Fiona, "Ms. Fiona, where is he?"
The only resolution to this mess was the appearance of the man from the photos.
"He’ll be here soon," Fiona replied calmly.
"Is he really coming, or just too scared to show up?" Mrs. Young pressed on, her disdain for Fiona unwavering.
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