Chapter 6 - The School Board Showdown
Brenda’s arrogance was her fatal flaw. Believing her fake restraining order and Facebook post had me backed into a corner, she decided to make her next move in person.
It was the evening of the school’s annual Spring Art Showcase. Lily had a watercolor painting featured in the gymnasium, and I wasn't going to let Brenda’s drama take that away from her.
As Lily and I walked through the crowded gym, admiring the artwork, I saw her. Brenda. Wearing a sleek, dark trench coat, standing near the punch bowl. She had no children at this school. She had absolutely no business being there. She was there to intimidate me, to prove that she could infiltrate every aspect of my life.
I saw her eyes lock onto Lily. I saw her take a step forward.
I didn't wait. I handed my purse to Chloe, who had accompanied us, and walked directly across the gymnasium floor, intercepting Brenda before she could get within thirty feet of my daughter.
"You are violating the perimeter of a school zone," I said loudly, my voice carrying over the chatter of parents and teachers.
Brenda smirked, pulling her coat tighter. "It's a public event, Sarah. I’m just here supporting the arts. You can't control where I go."
"Actually, I can," I replied, pulling a folded document from my pocket. It was the emergency ex-parte protective order Eleanor had secured that very afternoon, superseding Brenda’s fake filing based on the video evidence of her assaulting a minor.
"I suggest you read this carefully," I said, shoving the paper against her chest. "It requires you to stay five hundred feet away from my daughter. You are currently at fifty feet."
Brenda looked at the paper, her smirk faltering. Parents around us were beginning to stare. The principal, Mr. Harrison, was walking over quickly.
"You're crazy," Brenda hissed, her voice dropping. "Mark is going to leave you with nothing. You think a piece of paper stops me?"
"No," I smiled coldly. "I think the two uniformed officers standing by the gymnasium exit will stop you."
Brenda whipped her head around. True to Eleanor's coordination, two local police officers were waiting by the double doors.
Mr. Harrison arrived, looking frantic. "Mrs. Miller, is there a problem?"
"Yes, Mr. Harrison," I said clearly. "This woman has an active restraining order against her for assaulting my daughter. She is currently trespassing."
May you like
The color drained from Brenda's face. The whispers in the gym grew to a dull roar. The Facebook post she had made earlier in the week was known by half the mothers in the room. They were finally seeing the truth unfold in real time.
Brenda turned and practically sprinted for the side exit, pushing past a display of clay sculptures. But she didn't get far before the officers intercepted her, escorting her out into the cold night air as the entire school community watched her humiliation.
