Rachel felt a sudden jolt of clarity, like someone had dumped a bucket of ice water over her head. Her emotions, once a storm, had calmed, and she realized she’d

lost her composure.

In the past, if Stella had laid a hand on her, Rachel would have shed a few tears, played the victim, and both Haynes and Keen would have come to her defense. But Marvin’s unexpected antics had caught her off guard, and Stella’s slaps had stripped away her patience, leading her to act irrationally.

“Oh, my head…” Rachel murmured, clutching her forehead and feigning a sudden realization. “I’m sorry, Haynie, I think I had one of my spells again…”

Stella chuckled softly, “Rachel, you sure have a knack for drama, like a character straight out of a tragedy.”

Rachel had regained her composure and chose to ignore Stella’s sarcastic jabs, letting a tear quietly escape down her cheek.

“Ms. Cameron, little Marvin, I’m sorry if I scared you back there,” she said, her voice soft and contrite.

Neville gave her a knowing look. “Ms. Pearce, you didn’t forget what just happened, did you?”

“No,” Rachel managed a strained smile. “I remember. Sometimes, it’s just hard to control my emotions.”

“Really?” Neville raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. “Besides your usual ailments, there’s more? Oh my, apologizing to Marvin might be too much for someone as afflicted as you, Ms. Pearce.”

“No, I was in the wrong,” Rachel admitted, stepping towards Marvin. “Marvin, sweetheart, I’m sorry. I wasn’t feeling well and lost control. Can you forgive me?”

Rachel knew this script well. Sometimes, it was better to admit fault outright rather than make excuses that would only complicate things further, even if it left a bitter taste.

Marvin nodded sagely, “Oh, Ms. Pearce, you were sick? It’s okay, I forgive you.” Stella turned to Keen. “And you, Keen?”

Keen, still tangled in the confusion of the situation, was caught off guard by Stella’s directness. He defiantly turned his head away, refusing to apologize to Marvin.

Haynes’ voice lowered, “Keen.”

“I didn’t do anything wrong!” Keen’s eyes were red with frustration. “He started it! He said he’d take my mom away, just to make me mad, and now you want me to apologize?”

Stella’s voice was calm, “Marvin helped you, yet you claim he meant you harm. Everyone saw what happened. Since when did you start lying, Keen?”

It seemed that being around Rachel had rubbed off on Keen, who never lied before but now was twisting the truth.

Keen looked shattered. “You’re my mom, but you believe him over me?”

Stella felt a pang in her heart, but she quickly steadied herself. “I believe in the truth.”

She turned her gaze to Haynes, who hesitated for a moment before speaking. “Keen, apologize.”

Keen was reluctant, but under Haynes’ firm gaze, he had no choice but to submit, mumbling, “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay,” Marvin replied generously. “Since you’re Stella’s son, I won’t hold it against you.”

Keen clenched his fists, remembering Marvin’s smug look from earlier.

Neville, noticing the tension had lessened, addressed the teacher. “Kids are just being kids, you know. My son can handle it. Let’s not turn minor incidents into major issues.”

The teacher nodded, and everyone seemed to relax, the incident fading into the background as another day in the life of rambunctious children and their parents.