“She cheated on her Chemistry test today,” Crisanta interrupted her.
Kalina swallowed, trying to sink down into her chair as her parents’ eyes turned to her. “It was just a quiz…”
“Kalina Anne,” her mother said – and nothing good ever started that way, “is that true?”
“It was just a stupid quiz!” Kalina repeated. “It’s not that big a deal.” But, of course, they weren’t going to see it that way. “Fine, whatever,” she said, throwing up her hands and standing up. “I’m grounded! Whatever!”
“Sit down,” her mother ordered. “You can be grounded after you finish eating.”
“I’m not hungry,” Kalina told her.
“Sit down!” Kalina did, reluctantly, readying herself for the lecture. She knew that she deserved it, though maybe not so much because of a stupid quiz, but that didn’t stop her from returning Crisanta’s inflammatory gaze from earlier.