One week later, Linda is called from her Maths class, into the principal’s office. Much to her surprise, both Khanya and Candice are there. She instantly panics because she knows she’ll get an expulsion if the principal knows that she slapped Candice.
LINDA: (nervously biting her thumbnail) Sir, you called for me?
THE PRINCIPAL: Yes, take a seat.
Linda clears her throat and awkwardly takes a seat next to Candice.
THE PRINCIPAL: It’s come to my attention that very damaging rumours were posted on the school’s Facebook page. Now let me start by saying sorry to you Linda. Bullying of any kind isn’t tolerated at this institution. We pride ourselves in keeping that virus out of these premises, that is, until that Facebook post. Now I understand your mother isn’t happy about this, and neither are we.
The principal stares intently at Linda.
THE PRINCIPAL: Do you have any idea who it could be?
LINDA: (shakes her head) No, Sir.
THE PRINCIPAL: We are working tirelessly to find out who did this. Hence we’ve decided to get the police involved because these rumours are damning.
Khanya chokes then adjusts herself and sits up straight.
KHANYA: The Police, Sir?
THE PRINCIPAL: Is there a problem, Khanya?
KHANYA: (stuttering) Uhm, Sir we d-d-don’t need to involve th-the police. This is high school. It comes with drama.
THE PRINCIPAL: I want to make an example of whoever did this, so every student and teacher that walks through that gate knows that no bullying is tolerated here. That’s why I have called all three of you here. You are all friends, so we need all hands on deck to help Linda.
LINDA: With all due respect, Sir. I’d personally prefer Khanya’s assistance, not Candice’s.
CANDICE: (snickers) As if I’d want to help you.
LINDA: Duh! How much more proof do we need to see that it’s you?
CANDICE: (rolling her eyes) Girl, please. I have nothing to gain from that.
LINDA: Says you.
CANDICE: Whatever, Linda.
THE PRINCIPAL: Girls!
LINDA: (softly) My apologies, Sir.
THE PRINCIPAL: As I was saying, Linda might need support from you two. The police could help narrow down the IP address of the phone the post was made from, helping us find the culprit.
KHANYA: (inaudibly) IP address?
THE PRINCIPAL: Say that again.
KHANYA: Can that IP address find someone’s geographical location?
THE PRINCIPAL: Yes. As soon as they give us that information, the culprit will be expelled. That will be all ladies. You can go back to your —
Khanya interrupts before the principal can finish his sentence.
KHANYA: (faintly) It was me.
LINDA, THE PRINCIPAL & CANDICE: WHAT!?
KHANYA: (exhales) I did it.
Khanya starts to cry while Linda’s just staring into space. Candice folds her arms and leans forward to look Khanya in the face.
CANDICE: How could you do something like that?
KHANYA: (sniffles) This friendship has never been us three. It’s Linda and Candice, then Khanya.
CANDICE: So you embarrassed Linda and let her think it was me?
KHANYA: (sniffles) See! You’re still defending her after everything she did to you. I’ve always been a third wheel in this friendship. Y’all would hang out without me.
KHANYA: (sobs) So, I did it. I was tired of being Linda’s sidekick and an extra to her little show.
Khanya starts sobbing. Then stops and stares Linda dead in the eye.
KHANYA: (laughs) You only saw me as a friend when you and Candice were at odds. So you know what? I figured I might as well break that little bond you two thought you had. Seems I didn’t even have to do much. You were already fighting when I exposed your abortion.
LINDA: (starting to cry) How could you?
KHANYA: (grimaces) You love playing the victim, don’t you? You had a secret. I shared it. No one cares.
CANDICE: Khanya, that’s vile, bro.
KHANYA: I’m just getting started. There’s plenty more where that came from. Candice watch your back!
THE PRINCIPAL: Khanya!
KHANYA: Sir, please. I don’t want to get expelled. My dad would kill me.
THE PRINCIPAL: Linda and Candice could you go back to your classes, please?
Linda and Candice both leave the principal’s office. Both are still in shock.