At 8:15 on Monday morning, Principal Elaine Porter called me into her office.
A printed copy of the Facebook post lay on her desk.
Beside it was a document claiming that $2,480 had been paid to Penn Ridge Building Supply for decorative window materials.
“Willa,” she said gently, “I need you to explain this.”
“I have never spent school money on curtains.”
“Your name is being mentioned publicly, and the district needs to investigate.”
“Then investigate. Check every receipt. Contact every supplier. Look at the original records.”
She studied my face.
“Until we understand what happened, I’m removing you from the fall arts fundraiser committee.”
I walked out feeling as though the walls were closing around me.
That afternoon, I sat in my car and called Caleb.
He answered immediately.
“Willa, I’ve seen the post.”
“Then you know what she’s saying.”
“I know it’s a lie.”
“Everyone else seems to have decided it’s the truth.”
