Just deal with Erica

I glance at Alice; deciding to just deal with one girl right now will be easier. “Alice, go to your class right away,” I say firmly. “I'll deal with Erica's punishment.”

Alice nods quickly, relief evident on her face as she turns and hurries down the hallway to her class. I then turn my attention back to Erica. “Follow me."

Once in my office, always aware we are being recorded in here, I point to a chair. “Sit. We need to talk about what just happened.”

Erica slumps into the chair, her earlier bravado gone. “It was just a joke,” she repeats, though with less conviction.

“I wonder if you find your punishment funny, huh?” I reply sternly.

Erica shifts uncomfortably in her seat. “I'm sorry."

"I thought you would say that," I replied with a smug expression, "so about that punishment."