The Confession

The Principal’s temporary office was set up in the coaches' room off the gym.

Archer was sitting on a folding chair, Toby asleep on his shoulder (miraculously). Mr. Grist and Principal Skinner were looming over him.

"We called the police, Mr. West," Principal Skinner said. "If you kidnapped this child..."

"I didn't kidnap him!" Archer insisted. "I told you, he was a foundling! Like Moses!"

The door banged open.

Penny Lane marched in. She looked like a wreck—hair wild, hoodie stained with spit-up, eyes blazing with fury.

"Stop!" Penny shouted.

"Ms. Lane?" Principal Skinner frowned. "This is a disciplinary hearing. Go back to the gym."

"No," Penny walked right up to Archer. She put a hand on his shoulder. "He’s lying."

"Penny, don't," Archer hissed.

"He didn't find the baby," Penny addressed the Principal. "I brought him. He's my brother. Toby."

The room went silent.

"Your... brother?" Grist asked.

"My mother left," Penny said, her voice shaking but gaining strength. "She went to Vegas. I had no choice. I smuggled him in. Archer found me. He helped me. He warmed bottles. He changed diapers. He sacrificed his night—and his grade—to help me because he’s a decent human being, which is more than I can say for this school district’s family support policies!"

She took a deep breath.

"If you're going to expel anyone, expel me. I'm the one who broke the rules. Archer is just... a hero."

Archer looked up at her. He looked amazed.

Principal Skinner sighed. He rubbed his temples. "Ms. Lane. Your mother went to Vegas?"

"Yes."

"And you brought an infant to a lock-in?"

"Yes."

Skinner looked at the sleeping baby. He looked at the two terrified but defiant teenagers.

"Call your mother," Skinner said. "Tell her if she isn't here in four hours, I'm calling social services. And Mr. West?"

"Yes, sir?"

"You're not in trouble. But you are cleaning the gym floor after the dodgeball game."

Penny let out a sob of relief. She slumped against Archer. He wrapped his free arm around her waist, holding her up.

"We did it," he whispered into her hair.

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