That afternoon, Cranston had named everyone on his list of people involved in the Wilbur’s fiasco from the day before, and all were assembled in the auditorium as instructed.
     To his surprise, though, someone not on the list showed up as well.  “Taneshia?  What are you doing here?  You weren’t involved in the food fight.”
     “No, but I was there during the whole thing.  I was hiding behind the counter at the time.  I feel…obligated to be here somehow.”
     “Like a witness, okay.  Did you tell your teacher about that?”
     “Yes, sir.  Mr. Rolling gave me the pass.”  She showed the principal the necessary hall pass.
     “Very well, Taneshia.  Come on in.”
     She joined the others in the auditorium, where four of the students started hissing on her.
     “You’re responsible for this mess,” cackled a female student.  “You shouldn’t hang around with Gurney garbage.  I oughtta—”
     “You’ll do nothing, young lady,” said Cranston as he stood in front of them.  “Taneshia’s here because she was a primary witness to the scene.  In fact, I think she can identify the student who started this whole thing.  Will you step down here, please, Taneshia?”
     She quietly nodded and stepped down to stand next to the principal.
     “Can you identify who instigated the food fight?”
     “Yes, sir.”  She pointed up to the group of six students near the top corner.  “They’re the ones who caused the problem, since they didn’t like seeing Tommy together with B.J. from Gurney.”
     One of those students stood up and shouted, “She’s lying!  She’s the one who started it!”
     “Excuse me, young man,” said Cranston swiftly, “but the videotapes clearly show that you were taunting Mr. Montgomery prior to the incident.  I personally know B.J.’s parents, and he enjoys helping other students with getting ready for college, no matter which school the student attends.  In case you have forgotten, Thomas Bradley is working on a scholarship to Florida State University while B.J. is trying for Tennessee.  In addition, they’ve been friends since their kindergarten days.  I’m just glad that friendship wasn’t wrecked.”
     Another young man on the other side of the crowd stood up.  “Mr. Cranston, sir, I…was one of the first people to throw food in the food fight.  Now I’m sorry I did that…I just let my anger blind me.”  He put his face down in shame, realizing what he had done.  “This has been a fierce but friendly rivalry for so long.  Thanks to us and the Gurney students involved in this mess, we’ve all taken this too far.”
     The principal sympathized with that student’s honesty.  “Yes, this has gone too far.  The restaurant suffered more than $8000 in damages as a result of the food fight.  Wilbur’s has been a popular hangout for students of Gurney, Vagley, and Radler High Schools for more than 35 years.  Until yesterday, this had never happened.  For your actions, you are not allowed to attend the game or Saturday night’s dance.  Now, according to Mr. Stanton at Gurney, each person involved will have to pay $200 for those damages.  Finally, you will all have to be a part of a community service project as punishment.”
     The honest student looked up and smiled.  “Community service?  Now that’s the type of punishment I like.”
     “I’m glad you do.  I have a good idea as to which project, but I need to discuss the matter with Stanton before we reach the final decision.  More than likely I’ll tell you what that will be tomorrow.  Now, we have to call your parents about this matter, and I have a pretty good idea you’ll get scolded.  Back to class for all of you, and I do not want a repeat performance of this.  Do I make myself clear?”
     Most of the students nodded, but the six who started the whole thing just turned away.
     Cranston was quick to notice.  “I guess since you would rather be defiant, I may as well give you all…in-school suspension for the rest of the week.  I’m letting those others off easy because they decided to accept the consequences for their actions.”
     Just as one of them was about to scream, another boy grabbed his shoulder.  “Stop it, man.  I’d rather take the community service project.  That’s a lot better than suspension of any type.”
     After he stood up, three others followed suit, leaving only two students remaining defiant.
     Cranston looked at the young man and young lady left.  “When it comes to trouble…you stand alone now.  I guess there will be just two in-school suspensions instead of six.  Your parents will be told first.  Now, get back to class.  Your punishment will be tomorrow and Friday, and forget the game, since you’re not going, either.”
     When he left the auditorium, the two students looked at each other like they finally understood what they had done.
     As for Taneshia, though, she quickly caught up with the principal.  “Mr. Cranston, wait.”
     “Yes, Taneshia, is anything the matter?”
     She fidgeted somewhat in trying to respond.  “Well, um…yes.  Is there a way I can talk to you alone, in your office?  I think it’s pretty important.”
     “Really?  All right, Taneshia.  Come with me.”
     The junior cheerleader came followed Cranston into his office and took a seat in front of him.
     Cranston noticed how anxious she was.  “Taneshia, are you all right?”
     “I, uh, well…I know…some information about Valerie’s accident.”
     “You do?  Please, tell me what you know so far.  This could be important.”
     “I…I can tell you what the car looks like.  It’s a blue four-door sedan.  I…saw the accident happen.”
     “Do you know anything else, like license plate?”
     “No, sir.  It went so fast I couldn’t get anything else out of it.”  Taneshia was only telling part of the truth, since she was really in the car when that hit-and-run accident occurred.  “Um, will I be in trouble for not saying anything sooner?”
     “Well, if you were told to keep quiet by the person who did it, then maybe you should tell me more.”
     “No…the driver didn’t know I saw it happen at the time.”
     “Okay.  You do understand I have to tell Sheriff Sanderson about the car, but—”
     “Will you tell him I’m the one who spoke out?”  She reacted like she was in danger.
     “No, of course not.  Anything said to me will remain confidential between us.  You won’t be revealed, I promise.”
     Taneshia calmed herself down.  “I’m sorry for that outburst, sir.  I’m just…nervous about Val.  She’s been like a sister to me.”
     “I understand.  Valerie was going to be next in line to become cheerleading captain.  Now all her dreams have been forever lost.  I’m planning on seeing her when I leave here.  What about you?”
     “Yes…I’ll go to see her.”  I don’t know if she’d ever forgive me for being in the same car which caused her to be paralyzed.  She then looked at the clock.  “I need to get back to English class, sir.”
     “Sure, Taneshia.  And…thank you for telling me something.  It must’ve taken a lot of courage to tell me this detail.”
     “The person behind this has to be stopped somehow.  I just hope what I’ve said will be of some help.”
     “Fine.  Back to class with you, Miss Rogers.”
     She stood up and quickly left the office to return to her class.  So far so good.  At least Angel and Cassie weren’t around.  If they ever found out what I’ve done…they’d skin me alive.
     In the office, Cranston contacted Sheriff Sanderson.  “Dan, I’ve got some news about the accident.  There was a witness at the scene, but the only thing she could get was a blue four-door sedan.  That doesn’t exactly narrow the field much, does it?”
     “No, but it does present a huge piece of evidence.  I also realized something else of importance.  The car that hit Valerie may have a big dent somewhere in the front bumper, since her backpack was struck at the time.”
     “That’s right.  It would certainly give away the car.  So, what should we do now?”
     “Let the media know right away,” Sanderson answered.  “Perhaps someone knows about the car itself and may be willing to step forward.  I’ll even put up a $1000 reward for any information.”
     “A reward would certainly attract attention, but be on guard for false information.”
     “Don’t worry, Fred.  We’ll make sure we follow up on every lead we get.  In the meantime, keep me abreast of any more developments.”
     “Right.”

     A couple of hours after school had let out for the day, Taneshia went to visit Valerie in the hospital.  There, she saw Mr. and Mrs. Wilder.  “Um, hi.”
     Vanetta was first to greet her.  “Taneshia, hi.  Valerie’s been wondering about you.”
     “She has?”
     “Yeah.  She was asking where you were, and all I said was busy at school.”
     “My parents know I’m here, and they said they’d pick me up in 20 minutes.  How’s Val doing?”
     “Given her present circumstances,” Nathaniel started, “she seems to be doing fine, but I know deep down she’s really hurt because someone ruined her ambitions.”
     Taneshia then asked, “Is it…all right for me to see her right now?”
     “Sure.  I think Val’s going to be very happy to see you.”
     When Taneshia entered the room, she quietly said, “Valerie?”
     Looking up, Valerie smiled for the first time in a couple of days.  “Taneshia!  Oh, boy, am I glad to see you!”
     “Hey, girlfriend.  You doing okay?”
     “Trying…just trying.  It’s just been difficult to face the fact I’m paralyzed.  I don’t know what else to do at this point.  Maybe I shouldn’t live on…”
     “Val, no!  You’re like a sister to me.”
     “But I’m an invalid now.  A para…paraplegic.”
     “Girl…that means nothing!  Where I used to live, I knew a lot of people in wheelchairs.  They didn’t let being paralyzed stop them from living, and I won’t let you do it, either!”
     “Really?”
     “Yeah.  You’ve done a lot for me as a friend and a fellow cheerleader.  Please…don’t do this to yourself.  Think about your family, too.”
     Valerie closed her eyes for a moment to think.  Realizing the truth, she said, “Tan…you’re right.  I feel I’m needed somehow, and if being in a wheelchair has something to do with it, then I shouldn’t worry.  Thanks for getting my head straight.”
     “No probs, Val.  We’re soul sisters, remember?”
     “Hey, any word about who may have done this to me yet?”
     “No…but I found out about a witness reporting that there was a blue four-door sedan involved.”
     “Witness?  I didn’t see anybody around that neighborhood at the time.”
     “She…saw the vehicle speed through about 35 seconds after it hit you.  She told the principal today and confided the secret with me.  Of course, Sheriff Sanderson now knows about this, too, so he’ll let the media know what’s going on.”
     “Wow…she was brave enough to tell Mr. Cranston?  Man, she must’ve overcome some major league fear to do that.”
     Taneshia showed some nervous sweat.  “Yeah…she really did.  Hey, listen, I’ve got some major-league homework tonight.  I can’t stay for too long.  Mom’s coming to pick me up shortly.”
     “It’s cool.  Thanks for coming, Tan.  I was worried for a little bit.”
     “Didn’t mean to do that to you, Val.  I’ll see you after the game on Friday.”  That’s if I go to the game…

     In the Peterson home, Ellie and her father watched the local news out of Raleigh.
     The news anchor stated, “We have an update to a story we first brought you on Monday night.  The hit-and-run accident which paralyzed Gurney High School cheerleader Valerie Wilder has had a break in the case.  Sheriff Dan Sanderson reports that a witness, who wishes for now to remain anonymous, has been able to describe the car as a blue four-door sedan.  Right now, it’s all they have to go on, and unfortunately, it doesn’t narrow the field by much.”
     The sheriff soon made an appearance on the screen.  “We’re looking for a blue four-door sedan which may have a dent somewhere on the car.  When Valerie was hit at the time, the impact started with her backpack.  That would most certainly have created a fender bender on the car.  Therefore, if anyone spots a blue four-door sedan with a dent close to the front end of the car or any other important information regarding this hit-and-run, please report to me immediately.  You have nothing to fear by telling me, as I promise to keep your identity confidential.”
     Ellie looked at her father with some confusion.  “Dad…what does ‘confidential’ mean?”
     “Well, pumpkin,” Harold started, “it basically means keeping a secret.  Take your double identity, for instance.  That is confidential between you, me, Rob, and the Spirit.”
     “In other words, just between us.”
     “Right, Ellie.  Dan’s promised to keep the witness’s identity a secret like we keep your double life a secret.  You’re getting the hang of these Earth terms.”
     “I’m trying, anyway.  Now, I need to find an outfit for…Country Day tomorrow.  Spirit Day is on Friday, but I sure don’t see a lot of real spirit because of what happened to Val.”
     “I know, honey.  At least for now we have some clue as to what type of car Dan’s after.  I just hope whoever gave him this important clue will be all right.”
     Ellie became slightly worried.  “You mean…the person who gave the information could be in danger?”
     “If someone didn’t want witnesses, yes.  I just hope it won’t go that far, but we’ll just have to wait and see.  Now, I think I’ve got some clothes that will definitely work for Country Day.  Give me about 20 minutes, and I’ll have the right outfit for you.”
     “Thanks, Dad.  I’d better get up and do the homework.  I’ve got some serious trigonometry to deal with tonight.”
     Harold then looked at his adopted daughter with a smile.  “Pumpkin, listen…I don’t want you to study too hard.  That can have an effect on your health.  If you start feeling tired, take a break for about 15 minutes.  That short break will do wonders for your study habits.”
     “Okay, Dad,” she said with a nod.  “My physical health can be affected by my mental health, and the last thing I need is a…um, what do you call it, a…”
     “Nervous breakdown?”
     “Yeah.  Mrs. Stearns has been teaching that in P.E. class.  She said, ‘Don’t overdo yourself physically, but it’s also important not to overdo it mentally, either.’  Good advice, I think.”
     “Even for a princess.  You go on and get to work, and I’ll give you a perfect country outfit for tomorrow.”
     Ellie went up to her room on the second floor and took out her trigonometry homework first.  “Okay, now I need to learn how to properly determine the differences between isosceles, scalene, and equilateral triangles.  Two common triangles are called the 45-45-90 for isosceles and the 30-60-90 for scalene right angle triangles.  Boy…I remember when I had to learn life’s lessons on Naturia.”  She then put her face down.  “I miss my mother and father so much.”
     Just then, the Spirit of the Nature Crystal spoke from within.  Princess, are you all right?
     “No, not really.  Please…appear before me.”  The outline of the crystal materialized on her forehead and emitted the beam of light, thus summoning the Spirit.
     The Spirit moved next to her.  “My dear Princess, I know how painful it is to remember the sacrifice your parents made in the cataclysmic explosion.  You must not think about that terrifying moment for the rest of your life.  You must cherish your times shared on Naturia.”
     Ellie looked at her companion with a falling tear on her right cheek.  “I know.  I just have so much that I still don’t remember right away.  Ever since the forest fire, when the memories came flooding back to me, learning I was the Princess of Naturia…there’s so many gaps right now.”
     With a rueful smile the Spirit said, “It will take time to remember everything you knew from Naturia.  However, know this, Princess Elementa:  You have a home now with a loving man for a father, even if he is not your true father.”
     “Yes, I do.  It was Mother and Father who sent me to this beautiful planet…with all the love they could have given.”
     “No matter where you go, Princess, their spirits will go with you.”
     “You’re right.  I know they’re a part of me in the most special place, my heart.  Thank you, Spirit.  I feel better now, knowing my parents did what they had to do to protect me.  It’s still a bit difficult with having a double identity, but I’m glad you told me not to change.  The situation at Wilbur’s was far too risky.”
     “As your Earth father said, there are times when it will be hard to decide whether you should transform or not.  I may not be able to decide for you at every opportunity.”
     “I know,” said Ellie.  “I just have to learn to use my best judgment.  After all, I can’t be irresponsible with my powers.”
     “You are wise, dear child.  Will you be all right now?”
     “Yes, I think so.”
     Just then, Harold knocked on the door.  “I’ve got your outfit, sweetie.  Can I come in?”
     “It’s okay, Dad.”
     Harold entered the room and noticed the Spirit.  “Oh, I didn’t know you were here.”
     “My apologies, sir,” the wispy being said calmly.  “She needed some…I believe it is what you call ‘cheering up.’”
     “Still miss your parents, huh, pumpkin?”
     “Yeah,” Ellie answered with a sigh.  “It’ll be difficult, but I also understand they sacrificed themselves to save me.  I could never forget that, or their love.  Their spirits are alive within my heart.”
     “That’s good, like I keep Eleanor’s spirit alive in me.”  He then showed the outfit.  “How about this for tomorrow?  Some overalls, a white t-shirt, a handkerchief you wear around the neck, and a genuine straw hat?”
     “Dad, that’s perfect!” the young lady exclaimed.  “It’ll fit the theme for sure tomorrow.”
     The Spirit looked somewhat confused.  “What is the theme for tomorrow?”
     “It’s called Country Day,” Harold replied.  “It’s when the students dress up like farmers and ranch hands.  Did you ever cultivate crops on Naturia?”
     “Yes, we did.  We always harvested at the time of plenty, which I believe here on Earth is called autumn.”
     “Autumn is supposed to be the time of plenty, and we’re into harvesting season now.  This is what we normally wear as farmers.  We don’t want to wear our best clothes because the work is dirty.”
     In understanding, the Spirit nodded.  “I understand.  In some cases you must pull plants from the earth.”
     “Will…I be able to do that sometime, Dad?”
     “Of course, Ellie.  You’ll get a shot in the next couple of weeks.  Our corn crop is coming into full harvest, and I could use the help.”
     “Be glad to, Dad.  I’ll be okay now.  And thanks for the outfit.  I can’t wait to wear it tomorrow.”
     “Great.  It’s gonna be quite a sight seeing a princess look like a farmer, but that’s just between the three of us.”
     The Spirit smiled as she started to fade.  “Yes.  Take care, both of you.  Princess, if you ever need me…”
     “I know.  Thanks again.”
     After the being disappeared, Ellie said, “Dad, I…don’t know how I’ll ever be able to make it up to you for everything you’ve done for me.”
     “It’s okay, honey.  It’s like destiny called me to become a father again, and I’m glad.  I’m just happy you don’t act so spoiled and ask for everything you see.”
     “I don’t see why I should.  Some of the shoes I’ve seen students wear cost over $100!  Why do they go for such expensive shoes?”
     “To fit in with the crowd.  You stand out on your own because you don’t believe in expensive stuff, just anything to get around.  It’s better to have shelter, food, clothing, and family than all the money in the world.  When you get old enough, you’ll be able to learn how to drive a car like Rob.  I just hope you don’t go for those expensive sportscars.”
     Ellie smiled.  “They’re exciting to look at, but I just wouldn’t feel right in one.  I just want a car I can drive to places.”
     “Terrific, honey.  That’ll save us a lot of money in the long run.  I’d better let you get back to that homework so you can be ready for tomorrow.  Oh, how’s the preparation for the biology test?”
     “Going great.  Rob and I always look over the notes while we’re in study hall, so that’s a big help to us.”
     “Okay.”  Harold then went out the door.  “Good night, pumpkin.”
     “Good night, Dad.”
     Ellie then went back to her homework and was able to finish it in a couple of hours.  As she slept during the night, though, she still could not help but think about Valerie and her terrible situation…

     The next morning, in a modest home about six blocks away from Vagley High School, a woman in her mid-40s went out to the garage to check on something.  “What is this?” she asked with a heavy Hispanic accent.  Noticing a huge dent in the left front fender, she said, “I don’t believe this…Angel had an accident and never said anything to me about it.  I have enough struggles with the bills, and now I have to pay higher insurance because of it.  I am going to have a talk with her right now.”
     She then walked back into the house, where Angel grabbed a bowl of cereal for breakfast.  “Angel, why is there a dent in the car?  You know I have enough trouble paying bills each month.”
     “Mamá, it’s nothing,” said Angel with her mouth full.
     “You call a big dent nothing?” said Mrs. Marrero with building anger.  “I want to know what happened to cause that dent.”
     “A shopping cart crashed into the fender, that’s all, Mamá.  It’s no big deal.”
     “No big deal!?  I know a shopping cart would not cause that much damage to the front of the car.  Have you been doing things behind my back, young lady?  If so, you had better tell me right now.”
     “Mamá, why do you have to blow things out of control!?  I didn’t do anything!”
     “Because I am your mother!  I want to know what’s going on!”
     “I don’t have time for this right now!” Angel screamed as she stood up.  “I have to get to school.  Cassie’s picking me up.”
     Mrs. Marrero shouted back, “You haven’t taken that car since Monday afternoon.  I wonder if…you…did something more serious than you’re telling me.”
     “Mamá, I already told you, the shopping cart hit the car!  Now I have to go; she’ll be here any minute!”  Angel grabbed her books and quickly dashed out the door.
     “This is not over, young lady!  You’d better be ready with a good explanation of that car…and the truth!”
     The moment Cassie arrived, Angel quickly threw her books into the back seat and got into the passenger seat next to her friend.  “Go, Cass, go.  I’m not in the mood for one of my mother’s tirades.”
     Cassie drove the car down the street.  “What got into her?” she asked curiously.
     “She…saw the dent in the car.”
     “What did you tell her about it?”
     “I just said that a shopping cart hit the front fender.  Mamá wanted to make such a big deal out of it.”
     “That’s how moms are, making something big out of nothing.”
     “Come on, we’d better get on to school.”  Angel let out a light laugh.  “Besides, I want to see just how serious the tension is between the two schools now.”
     “Yeah,” agreed Cassie.  “This situation is getting so good now, it’ll be remembered in the yearbook forever.”
     “Oh, yeah.  Valerie got what she deserved for going along with that Gurney trash at that fall festival.”
     Cassie actually disagreed with her friend.  “Now wait a second.  My cousin’s going through chemotherapy for her leukemia.  That money was needed for the new wing and the research.”
     “So?  We could raise that money ourselves.  We didn’t need those other two schools.”
     “Without the other schools, we couldn’t have raised over $25,000.”
     Angel looked at her friend angrily.  “Don’t you dare talk that way to me!  If you do, I’ll see to it you’re not the co-captain of the cheerleading team again!  The only school we represent is Vagley, got it!?”
     Cassie coiled back.  “Okay, okay.  I’m sorry.”  As she drove towards the parking lot, she started having second thoughts about being involved in the situation.  When I met Angel last year, I thought she was the coolest person I’d ever met.  Now I wonder if I made a terrible mistake…I admit I miss some of my old friends who go to Gurney now.  I haven’t been able to talk to them since I met Angel.  She’s so determined to make trouble…but why?  Why does she do this?
     After Cassie parked the car in her designated spot, she and Angel got their books and started walking into the school.
     However, they heard other students and faculty talking about the newscast from the night before.  “Everyone’s on the lookout for a blue four-door sedan,” said a student to four of his friends.
     Two teachers spoke as well.  “It’s a blue four-door with a huge dent in the front fender.  Whoever the witness is sure showed some bravery.  I just hope we can figure out who did hit Valerie on Monday.”
     Angel became extremely alarmed and pulled Cassie to the side.  “What’s going on?  How could people know about the car?”
     “I don’t know.  I didn’t watch…the news.  It must’ve been on the news last night.”
     “But how’s that possible?  I’m going to get some answers.”
     Meanwhile, Thomas and Taneshia entered the school, both having known about the newest developments in the hit-and-run accident.
     Taneshia said, “Someone was really courageous, but who could it have been who told?”
     “My guess,” started Thomas, “is someone the driver didn’t notice at the time.  After all, he was doing 60 in a 25 zone, which left Valerie the way she is now.”
     “I went to see her yesterday.  She almost wanted to…end it all.  I was able to convince her not to do that.  After all, I used to live near a special rehabilitation center up north.  I knew a lot of people who were paralyzed, had limbs amputated, you name it.  They were able to turn their disabilities into advantages, and I want Val to do the same for herself.  She can do plenty despite her paralysis.”
     Thomas was surprised at how she spoke.  “I’ve never heard you talk so…eloquently before.  It’s like you know what you’re doing.”
     If you only knew the truth, she thought sadly.  I wonder what I should do now…maybe, I need to go straight to the sheriff and tell the whole truth.  I risk going to jail, but it’s a risk I’m willing to take.  No more running away.  I’m going to see Sheriff Sanderson as soon as school is out.  It’s time to put an end to this once and for all.
     “Well, whoever the brave soul is…God help him or her be protected.  If that driver knows, he could come after that witness.”
     “I thought things like that only happened in the movies,” Taneshia noted.
     “Oh, no, it’s happened in reality, too.  Come on, we’d better get to class.”
     “Okay.”  Strangely, Taneshia felt a renewed sense of confidence, as she understood that some risks were worth taking.

     At Gurney High School, Rob and Ellie walked into the building, where all the students were dressed like farmers and other country-related types for Country Day.
     Misty then showed up, amazingly dressed the same way.  “Howdy, guys.”
     “Misty?” Rob said in shock.  “I never could picture you like this…”
     “Neither would I.  Hey, did you guys hear about the new info concerning the accident?”
     Ellie nodded.  “Sure did.  It may not narrow the search by too much, but it’s sure a big break in the case.”
     “Yeah.  I admit I don’t like Vagley, but I’m not crazy enough to try something like this.”
     “I never said you did it,” said Ellie, growing worried about Misty possibly wanting to beat her up.
     “Relax, Peterson.  I know you’re not accusing me.  I may be the bully, but I’m not gonna resort to running someone over.  I’d rather just stick to beating up their mascot.”
     Rob smiled.  “Yeah, you’re the one who loves to kick that mascot’s butt.  You gonna be at the game tomorrow night?”
     “Of course, ready to beat it up again.”
     Ellie did have some concern in her mind.  “I just hope the person willing to come forward will be all right.”
     Misty shook her head.  “I wouldn’t count on that, Peterson.  It’s a dangerous risk…one that could cost him his life if the driver ever found out.”
     “I have to agree with Misty,” said Rob.  “The driver learns that someone has given information to authorities, the witness could be in serious trouble.  Unless the witness is willing to hide.”
     Ellie then realized there was something else.  “What about all the students from the two schools involved in the food fight the other day?”
     Misty stated, “Well, I overheard it in the principal’s office.  Those students won’t be allowed at the game tomorrow or the dance on Saturday night.  They also have to pay $200 each for damages and do a community service project.”
     “It could’ve been a lot worse.”
     “Got that right.  Hey, we’d better get to our classes and all.  And don’t worry, truce is still good through the weekend.”
     The three students made their way to their individual classes and went about their day.  Of course, nobody could stop talking about the developing story involving Valerie’s accident.

     Later that day at Vagley, Taneshia was on her way to English class when she was suddenly pulled to the side by Angel and Cassie.
     Angel angrily said, “You told someone, didn’t you?”
     “What are you talking about?” Taneshia asked.  “Told what?”
     “You know damn well what I’m talking about!  You told about the car, didn’t you!?”
     “I did not!  I haven’t said anything to anyone!  There must’ve been a witness we didn’t know about, but I’m telling the truth!  I told no one about it.”
     Cassie acted like she wanted to be tough.  “You’d better not say anything to anyone.  You know what’ll happen if you tell.”
     “Don’t worry, I’m not going to tell, I promise.”
     “That’s good,” stated Angel with a mean stare.  “Make sure you keep quiet.  I want the tensions to keep mounting until it’s too late to turn back.  I want total war between the two schools!”
     Taneshia said, “Look, I can keep my word, okay?  Now let me go before I’m late for class.”
     Angel finally released her and allowed her to walk to her next class.  However, she said, “Cassie, we have to keep a closer eye on her now.  I think she’s hiding something from us.  We have to make sure she doesn’t become a stool pigeon on us.”
     “Yeah…you’re right.  What choice do we have now?”  I don’t know what to do myself now.  Angel doesn’t care who’s getting hurt anymore.  It’s like I have no idea who she really is.  What’s happened to her since I started to know her, and why am I just realizing it now?
     Taneshia just made it to her class about three seconds before the bell rung.
     Mrs. Adler, the English teacher said, “That was quick, Taneshia.  You had me worried for a second.”
     “Sorry, Mrs. Adler.  I got held up by…something.”
     “Well, as long as you made it before the bell, you’re fine.  Now that we’re all present and accounted for, let us get started on how to properly diagram a sentence.”
     Taneshia paid close attention to the teacher’s lesson, but something in her mind and her heart finally clicked.  Okay, I don’t care what Angel and Cassie do to me.  It’s time the whole truth was told, but I…I’ll need Mom and Dad to help me out on this.  I’m scared to go to the sheriff alone.  I just hope he won’t be too upset with me for not telling what really happened.  I’ve got to get this out of my system, or it’s going to eat me up inside.
     A couple of hours later, Taneshia’s parents arrived to pick her up.  “Hi, Mom.  Hi, Dad.”
     Her father Willis noticed her face looking rather pale.  “Tan, honey, are you all right?”
     “To tell the truth…no, I’m not.”  She put her books into the back seat and then took the other side.
     “Tan, what’s the matter?” asked Jerria, her mother.
     “Mom, Dad…I think…I need to see Sheriff Sanderson.  It…has to do with Val’s accident from Monday.  It’s very important I do this…because there’s a lot more to this than most people know about.”
     Willis said, “You know more about what happened?  Then, you were the one who told about the blue four-door sedan?”
     “Yes, Dad…I told Mr. Cranston.  Please, don’t be angry with me for—”
     “Sweetheart, I’m more worried than angry.  I want to make sure you don’t get hurt for any reason.  Do you want us to go with you?”
     “Please.  I’d feel a lot better if you do.”
     “Okay, Tan.  We’ll go there right now if you want.”
     “Thanks, Dad.  I need to get this off my chest…before it eats away at me.”
     Willis then drove the car to the sheriff’s office and stopped it in the parking lot.
     The Rogers family all stepped out of the car and walked towards the building.
     Jerria calmly asked, “Tan, are you sure you want to go through with this?”
     “Yes, I do.  I don’t care how risky this is…it’s time the truth was told.”
     With that, Taneshia and her parents entered Sheriff Sanderson’s office.
     The secretary said, “Hi, can I help you?”
     Taneshia stepped forward.  “Yes…my family and I would like to see Sheriff Sanderson, if it’s possible.  I have information concerning the hit-and-run accident from this past Monday.”
     “Really?  Hold on.”  She then pressed a button on her intercom system.  “Sheriff Sanderson, there’s someone here who says she has information about Valerie’s hit-and-run.”
     “More info?” said the surprised sheriff.  “Can you send her in, please?”
     “Wait,” said the young lady, “I want my parents with me.”
     “She wants her parents to come, too,” said the secretary.
     “I understand.  Send them all back to me, please.”
     The secretary turned off the intercom and looked at the family.  “He’ll see you now.  His office is the last one on the left.”
     “Thank you,” Taneshia said nervously.
     Soon, she and her parents went back to the office, where she would have one incredible story to tell…

Proceed to Part 4 now!