Free Rumors by Erica Kiefer

important that you tell the truth
here. If there were students who were involved with underage
drinking—especially if they are part of the athletics’ program—we
need to know so this can be handled appropriately. Students need to
understand that this sort of behavior is not tolerated.” He rubbed
his chin before adding, “Even from star athletes.” His word choice
led me to believe he had a hunch of who was with me that
night.
    I wanted
to rephrase my answer and tell them that no one was drinking—that
we’d only been chased by the cops for using a hot tub after hours,
but I knew they wouldn’t believe me now. If I told them about the
other students involved, every one of them might be suspended. They
(and the rest of the student population), would hate me and call me
a nark. Still… they only had my word to rely on. Even if they
questioned Mom, who knew Shane was involved, they couldn’t prove
anything without me.
    “ So what can you tell us, Allie?” Mr. Knox prompted, his tone
softer and coaxing. “Can you help us out here?”
    “ I—um…” I stuttered in thought, still undecided. After the
last two confrontations with that group of “friends,” I knew I
didn’t owe them anything. In fact, this would be an easy way to get
back at them. Although, I’d have to decide if I wanted to exclude
Shane and Tara from the name-dropping. But no… Aside from not
wanting to face the wrath of the other students for ratting someone
out, loyalty was something I valued in relationships. When Dad
betrayed Mom, I knew I would never be like him—would never turn my
back on the relationships in my life. Even though my relationships
with Tara and Shane were struggling, I couldn’t bring myself to
tell on them.
    With
three pairs of eyes watching me, all belonging to school
authorities, I slowly shook my head. “I’m sorry, but I can’t help
you.”
    Principal Hayden’s nose flared, while Mr. Knox let out a
breath of frustrated air. Coach Robbins kept his arms folded across
his chest, staring at me with disapproval. Though, if he made the
assumption that Tara was likely involved, I sensed a bit of relief
in his eyes for my silence. He wouldn’t want one of his captains
suspended from this Friday’s game against our top rival.
    The
disappointed silence felt unbearable. I wasn’t a kid that got in
trouble. I’d never been sent to the principal’s office. Quite the
opposite—most teachers seemed to like me and consider me a “breath
of fresh air” from the usual troublemakers in class.
    Mr. Knox
spoke first. “Well, Allie, if you are choosing to withhold
information from this incident, then I have no choice but to
recommend suspension from this week’s game.”
    It was
the rival game. I’d be letting down the whole team if I didn’t
play. “I don’t understand,” I said. At the same time, Coach Robbins
leaned forward in his chair, his voice a touch louder as he
directed words at our athletics’ director.
    “ Now see here, Will. I don’t see how that’s necessary.” His
face reddened, and I knew it was a struggle for him to keep his
tone level.
    “ That’s not fair. I wasn’t drinking,” I restated. “What you
heard about me today came from a rumor someone spread.”
    “ A rumor that proved true in some regard,” Principal Hayden
commented. He turned to my coach. “I have to agree with Will. We
need to set an example that this kind of behavior will not be
tolerated.” He cut off my protest, adding, “Whether it be drinking
or covering up these inappropriate activities.”
    There
was no getting out of it. I would be benched from the game and
hurting my teammates for something I didn’t do. Now, other students
would assume the rumor was true, and that I was being punished for
my misdeeds.
    There
was no cure to this virus.

Whether
I caught people talking about me or not, I could feel the words
hanging in the air. The news that I’d been benched spread like a
wick to dynamite, slithering along