Rachel''s eyes widened in panic as she hurriedly pulled a tissue from her purse.


    "Ms. Cameron, I''m so sorry... let me clean that up for you."


    But the more Rachel dabbed at the coffee stain, therger and more noticeable it became.


    Ste grasped Rachel''s hand firmly, stopping her frantic attempts, and pushed her away.


    "What do you think you''re doing?"


    Rachel stumbled backward,nding on the plush carpet with a startled yelp. "Ouch!"


    Themotion drew everyone''s attention, all eyes turning toward the unfolding


    scene.


    Rachel sat curled on the plush carpet, her tear-filled gaze lifting to Ste''s. "I—I never meant for this to happen," she whispered, fingers clutching the ruined fabric. "Please believe me, Ms. Cameron."


    Ste nced at the stain on her dress, a smirk ying on her lips. "Sure, you didn''t mean it. You did it on purpose!"


    "Ms. Cameron, you''ve got it all wrong. I was just trying to hand you your coffee..." Rachel sniffled, her head bowed. "I know, Ms. Cameron, you''ve never liked me. You don''t want me around Keen for thepetition. But..."


    She looked up at Ste, pleading earnestly. "Thispetition matters for Keen''s final grade. Ms. Cameron, please, think of Keen, won''t you?"


    This again. Ste was beyond tired of these antics.


    Ste''s voice was icy. "What does you spilling coffee on my dress have to do with Keen? Rachel, your attempts to change the subject and justify your actions are pathetic."


    Just then, the teacher in charge of the draw approached them.


    "Is everything alright? What happened here?"


    Ste replied curtly, "Thisdy spilled coffee on my dress, and now I can''t perform."


    The teacher nced at Ste''s dress, noting therge coffee stain, and sighed, seeing no easy fix.


    "Do you have a spare dress with you?" the teacher asked.


    Ste shook her head.


    The teacher sighed again, "That''s going to be a problem."


    Every ensemble was a custom masterpiece-irreceable on short notice without jeopardizing thepetition. One missing piece could unravel months of preparation.


    Rachel''s lips curled into a small, satisfied smile.


    Ste suddenly turned to Rachel. "Since Ms. Pearce has made a mess of my dress, I think it''s only fair she takes responsibility."


    Rachel quickly offered, "How much for the dress, Ms. Cameron? I''ll pay for it."


    After all, she thought, Haynie would cover it anyway. Whatever the cost, it''d be paid.


    Ste smiled faintly, her gaze drifting to Rachel''s dress.


    "No need for money, Ms. Pearce. How about you lend me your white dress instead? That way, we''re both happy."


    Rachel stiffened, instinctively protesting, "If I give you my dress, what will I wear for the performance?"


    Ste responded, "And what am I supposed to do about my performance, now that you''ve ruined my dress?"


    Rachel was at a loss for words, finally finding her voice after a pause.


    "Ms. Cameron, I''ve exined, it wasn''t intentional..."


    Ste interrupted, "Plenty of people don''t intend to cause idents, yet they still have to face the consequences. Ms. Pearce, you''re an adult. Whether it was intentional or not, you need to take responsibility for your actions."


    Rachel''s eyes glistened with unshed tears, continuing her plea.


    "It''s not that I don''t want to hand over my dress, it''s just that thispetition means so much for Keen. He is your son, after all. Would you want to see him disappointed if he doesn''t ce well?"


    Ste''s gaze remained icy. "Thispetition is important for Keen, but it''s just as important for the other kids, too."