Brother’s Best Friends Are My Mates novel Chapter 27

Lia

I thought the jealousy was out of my system until the next day at school when I was getting ready to leave. It was just Colby there to pick me up and this time one girl was there, flirting with him. It was Madison, a girl who was one of the more stuck- up students in school.

She always gushed whenever Colby and the rest of the rugby team came to Aspen School. I knew she had a crush on him and since she found out he was going to be my mate, she’d been giving me death glares.

“Let’s go, Colby,” I said coldly as I approached.

He smiled weakly. “Yeah, I’ll talk to you later Madison.”

“Excuse me, Lia I was trying to have a conversation,” she said to me.

“And we have to get back to the house,” I reminded her. “You know, because Colby is my future mate and lives with me now.”

Madison turned red with anger. “Oh, you think you’re so special just because you have four mates? Well, let me tell you that you don’t deserve any of them. You especially don’t deserve Colby!”

“Hey Madison, that’s uncalled for!” Colby shouted. “You may not like the fact that we are together ut it doesn’t mean you can treat Lia like that. She is my future mate.”

She sighed. “Yes, I’m sorry Colby.”

“You are such a bitch,” I blurted out, not regretting it one bit.

Gasping, Madison turned towards me and shoved me hard. I stumbled back a bit but was able to catch my balance. Growling, I went up to her and shoved her back. She looked shocked that someone would dare retaliate. Everyone treated her like the queen bee of the school and I was sick of it.

Simone and I had spent many an afternoon trashing her to each other, unable to understand why everyone fawned over her so much. It was time someone taught her a lesson. I never thought it would be me, but things change.

“How dare you!”

She rushed towards me, but I was ready. I might look small and harmless, but I grew up with an older brother who taught me to fight. The other guys taught me in their way as well.

Around us, people were shouting and/or cheering. I clawed at her, trying to even bite her. But then the fight was stopped when I felt a strong arm wrap around my waist and lift me away.

“Lia, stop! She’s learned her lesson!”

Colby set me down, causing me to snap out of my anger. I looked at Madison who was on the ground, holding her bloody nose. She had several scratches and cuts, and some of her clothing was torn.

Had… Have I done that?

“Let’s get back home,” Colby muttered, ushering into the car.

The school was going to reach out to me and Michael. I was above age now, but he was still listening on the papers as my guardian now that my parents were gone. When he found out what I did, he was going to flip out, but I couldn’t bring myself to feel that upset about it.

Madison got what was coming to her. If I hadn’t been the one to do it then someone else would’ve been the one to attack her. I just beat them to it.

***

I called Michael, pressing the phone to my ear while pacing the kitchen. He picked up almost immediately.

“Lia? What’s going on?”

“I got into a fight,” I said.

There was a pause. “You what?”

“A fight.”

“With whom?”

“Madison,” I snapped.

“Madison? Why? What happened?”

“She shoved me so I shoved her back. She’s been all over Colby for weeks, Michael. Flirting, touching, acting like I’m invisible -like he’s not my mate!”

“Hold up,” he said, and I could hear him shuffling around like he was sitting up. “You fought Madison because she was flirting with Colby?”

“Yes!”

“Lia, are you serious right now? You’re about to graduate. Do you want to get expelled this close to the finish line?”

“She deserved it,” I muttered.

“Even if she did, you can’t just go around fighting people. You know that, right?”

“She shoved me first!” I argued.

“Oh, great, that’ll make the school board feel so much better,” he shot back. “Lia, come on. Use your head. What were you thinking?”

“I was thinking that I’m sick of her trying to act like Colby’s available when he’s not!”

“And Colby? Did he say anything to her?”

“He didn’t even notice. He’s too nice to tell her to back off.”

“Of course, he didn’t. That’s Colby.”

“Exactly! Someone had to do something.”

Michael sighed. “You really couldn’t just walk away?”

“No! She was practically glued to him. Right in front of me, Michael! How would you feel if someone did that to Gabriella?”

He groaned. “Okay, fine, I’d be pissed too. But I wouldn’t risk getting expelled over it.”

“Yeah, right.”

“I wouldn’t!”

I hesitated. “No promises.”

“Lia-“

“Bye, Michael.” I hung up before he could say anything else.

When the email came in that night, I knew my brother was going to be pissed.

Subject: Suspension Notice for Lia Brown

Dear Lia and Michael Brown, I am writing to inform you about a recent incident involving Lia that has resulted in disciplinary action. Following an altercation on school grounds, Lia has been found in violation of Aspen School’s strict zero-tolerance policy regarding physical altercations. We deeply regret that this step has become necessary but must prioritize the safety and well-being of all students and staff members.

Summary of the Incident

Yesterday Lia was involved in a physical altercation during school hours. It has been determined that Lia’s actions constitute a serious breach of our code of conduct. As outlined in our student handbook, physical violence of any kind is strictly prohibited, and disciplinary measures are implemented without exception in such cases.

Disciplinary Action

Effective immediately, Lia is suspended from attending classes on campus for the remainder of the school year. She will instead transition to Aspen School’s online learning program to continue her academic progress. This program is designed to ensure that Lia remains engaged with her studies and fulfills all her academic obligations.

Next Steps

1. Online Learning Transition: Lia will receive instructions on accessing her online courses, along with a schedule of classes, assignments, and deadlines. Aspen School’s technical support team will be available to assist with any login or platform- related issues.

2. Parental and Guardian Support: We encourage you to maintain close communication with Lia’s teachers and counselors throughout this transition. Our school counselor will be available to support Lia emotionally and academically, as adjusting to online learning can be challenging.

3. Reintegration Plan: While Lia will not return to campus this school year, she is expected to adhere to all academic guidelines and complete her assignments as scheduled. Failure to comply with the requirements of the online program may result in additional consequences.

Guidance and Counseling

We recognize that incidents like this can be deeply upsetting for all involved. To support Lia’s emotional well-being and growth, we recommend scheduling regular sessions with our school counselor. These sessions can help Lia reflect on the incident, understand its implications, and develop strategies to manage conflict constructively in the future.

Acknowledgment of Suspension

To confirm your acknowledgment of this disciplinary action and to receive further guidance regarding the online program, please contact the school administration by Monday. We are here to answer any questions or address concerns you may have.

At Aspen School, we are committed to fostering an environment of respect, safety, and academic excellence. It is our hope that this experience serves as an opportunity for growth and reflection. We remain dedicated to supporting Lia’s education and personal development through this process.

Sincerely,

Aspen School Staff

Well, at least I wasn’t expelled.