The cafeteria buzzed with chatter as the Mighty Five gathered for lunch. They were just talking and having a good time when Stacie came over to their table. "So Margret, I take it you were the one bribing the principal into giving you good grades. It's no wonder you're so smart."
Margret looked at her, clearly annoyed by Stacie's comment. "Stacie, please. I don't even bring money to school with me unless my team and I go out somewhere." she replied, trying to keep her cool. She paused for a moment before continuing, "Plus, everyone knows you're the main one who bribes all the teachers and threatens them, just because your parents gave a lot of donations to the school."
At that, Stacie got angry. "Don't you dare shout at me! Or I will make sure everyone finds out about you and Gem's little secret!" She snapped. Margret was spellbound and her face went pale. How did Stacie know she and Gem were in a relationship? Stacie then pulled out her phone revealing a photo of Margaret and Gem kissing at the park.
"I have dirt on everyone. Now take this as a warning to never try to mess with me." Saying that, Stacie walked away.
Margret, on the other hand, groaned in frustration and stormed out of the cafeteria. She walked down the hallway, her anger flaring up inside of her. "Ugh! Stacie is such a jerk! Why can't she just leave us alone. I just don't understand why she is trying to make everyone miserable!" she grumbled.
Gem was running after her, her steps quick and determined. She caught up to Margret, grabbed her hand gently. "It's okay, Margret. Just breathe." she whispered, her voice soft and comforting. She leaned in to kiss Margret's cheek, a gesture of love and reassurance. Margret started to calm down and steady her breath. She hugged tight as he whispered, "Thank you, Gemstone. I don't know what came over me."
"It's okay, Margret." Gem replied. "Everyone already knows about our relationship anyway."
Just then, Evangeline came running towards them, her expression determined and focused. "I can help," she said confidently. Margret and Gem turned to look at her, surprised by the sudden revelation. Evangeline slowly removed her jacket, revealing a police uniform underneath.
"You're a cop?!" Gem exclaimed, her eyes wide with shock.
Evangeline nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Actually, I'm a junior detective. And my dad is the police chief," she explained. Then, she showed them something that gave them a bigger surprise. “So, you guys know that I have a channel where I post all my vlogs, right?” she asked. “Well, I have more than just content.” She pulled out her phone to reveal many videos and photos of Stacie bullying other students and hurtful comments she said about them. Margret and Gem stared at the screen in shock. "Why didn't you report this to the principal?" Margret asked.
Evangeline, looking directly at the two girls, confessed, "You see, I've been collecting all this as evidence. I was originally going to report them to the principal, but Stacie's parents are very powerful people and she could anything. So I'm waiting until I have enough evidence against her to show the principal and her parents who she really is." She paused for a moment and looked down at the floor, fidgeting with her fingers. "Only, I'm gonna need some help." she muttered.
Margret and Gem exchanged glances, determination visible in their eyes. They knew everyone was just as sick and tired of Stacie as they were, and as the leader of the Mighty Five, Margret was prepared to help out in any way she could.
***
The Mighty Five, along with Evan, embarked on a mission around the school to uncover the truth about Stacie's actions. They approached students who had been targeted by Stacie's bullying, listening intently to their stories of humiliation and hurt. Jasmine held back tears as she heard how a student had been ridiculed for their appearance by Stacie.
Emily's jaw clenched with determination as she heard about the academic sabotage Stacie had orchestrated against another student. Carly's fists tightened as she learned about the cruel rumors Stacie had spread about a fellow classmate. The more they listened, the clearer it became that Stacie's actions had left a trail of pain and suffering in her wake. Evangeline was recording and writing everything down. She was determined to do everything in her power to end Stacie's torment once and for all.
However, when they all found Tamrina sitting outside on the bleachers, Jasmine called her over. As Tamrina walked toward them, Evangeline cut straight to the chase. "Tamrina, do you know if Stacie did anything to you that harmed you in any way possible?"
Tamrina was surprised at Evangeline's interrogation. She knew about her secret identity as a detective but she never thought she would be questioned. "Stacie and I are dating, Evan. You know that. She would never do anything to harm me." Tamrina said, her voice filled with loyalty and love. Evangeline remembered the genuine connection she had witnessed between Stacie and Tammy.
Just as Evangeline was about to ask Tamrina more questions, Stacie walked over with her usual mischievous grin.
"There's my troublemaker." Stacie said, wrapping her arm around Tamrina's and kissed her cheek. Emily didn't mind Margret and Gem kissing but seeing Stacie kiss Tamrina made her turn green. Carly quickly took Emily by her shoulders and covered her eyes. Stacie pulled Tamrina away from everyone before Tamrina could say anything.
***
After school, The Mighty Five and the STYLE Squad all met up at the Overseas Cafe. The atmosphere was heavy with tension, but they knew they needed to discuss a plan on how to get rid of Stacie. Tamrina, on the other hand, was looking down at her phone nervously, as if she was waiting for something.
"Is everything okay?" Yasmine asked. Tamrina jumped and looked around at the other girls who all gave her worried glances. Tamrina stuttered as she spoke. "Yes. I'm fine. It's just...Stacie normally texts me after school. But today she hasn't responded to any of my texts."
Margret and Gem exchanged worried glances, unsure of what to say. Emily, although wasn't keen on Stacie, couldn't help but feel bad for Tamrina. "You shouldn't worry over her too much. I'm positive she has her reasons and will text you when she is ready." she said, reassuringly.
That made Tamrina feel a little lighter. But before she could say anything, Evangeline's phone chimed with a message. It was a video from Stacie. Evangeline played the video and what Stacie was saying in it made everyone's jaw drop. "I can't be with someone as stupid as Tamrina. In fact, she is the most stupid and ugliest girl in the world. I've only been dating her to get my way with stuff thanks to her parents. But seeing her with those peasant girls disgusted me." She confessed.
As the video ended, Tamrina could feel her lips quivering and her shimmered. "I can't believe her. How could she do this to me?" she choked, trying to hold back her tears. Unable to take in what she had just endured, Tamrina stood up abruptly and ran out of the cafe before her tears could spill out.
Jasmine called after her but she was already long gone. Margret couldn't help but feel bad for Tamrina. She knew Stacie was a jerk but she never thought she could say such hurtful things about her own girlfriend.
***
The next day, everyone was waiting for Evangeline to arrive at the school with all the evidence they had collected. When she finally arrived, she had her phone in her right and a notebook in left hand. That notebook contained all the hurtful words that Stacie had said to other students. All this along with the video from Stacie herself was enough evidence to get Stacie expelled.
While everyone else went to put the video clips together for the principal, Margret quickly went to the bathroom to fix her makeup as she did almost every day due to her OCD. As she was fixing up lipstick, she suddenly heard familiar soft sobs from one of the stalls. She cautiously opened the door, only to find Tamrina there crying softly. Her mascara was running and her hair was a mess
Margret felt a pang of empathy rush through her veins. She helped Tamrina out of the stall and cleaned her up. As she finished brushing her hair, Tamrina wiped her tears and choked out, "Thanks, Margret." But she still felt her heart shattering in a million pieces.
"I can't believe Stacie would do this to me. I thought she really cared about me." Tamrina whispered between sobs, her voice raw with hurt and betrayal.
Margret wrapped her arms around Tamrina, offering comfort and solidarity. "I know it hurts, Tammy. But we're all here for you. You're not alone in this."
For several minutes, Tamrina cried in Margret's arms, her pain palpable in the quiet bathroom. But slowly, with Margret's reassurance and support, Tamrina began to calm down.
"I'll be okay," Tamrina said softly, her voice steadier. "Once Stacie is out of our lives for good."
Margret nodded in understanding, her heart heavy for Tamrina's pain. She knew that despite everything, they would stand united against Stacie and see justice served for all those who had been hurt by her actions.
Margret and Tamrina met with the rest of the girls outside during break hour. Evangeline showed them both the compilation of Stacie torment towards others students, including the video Stacie herself sent Evangeline the day before.
The minute the video ended, Stacie walked up to all of them. As usual, The Mighty Five was unamused to see her. And this time, the STYLE Squad didn't see any signs of pleasure.
Stacie was obviously confused as to why her own team wasn't happy to see her. Her confusion quickly turned to concern when she saw Tamrina's tears stained face. "Oh my gosh! Tammy, what happened to you?" she asked in shock. She reached out to take her into her arms, but Tamrina slapped her hand away. "Stay away from me, you jerk." She screamed.
Stacie stared at her in shock. That's when Evangeline whipped her phone back out from in her pocket and showed Stacie all the evidence she had. Stacie's face turned as pale as a ghost as she watched the compilation. "Where did you get these?" she asked, her voice trembling.
"I've been collecting evidence against you incognito for months." Evangeline said, her voice filled with determination. "You have no power on anyone in this school any longer."
Tamrina, gathering all the strength she had left after sobbing her eyes out, turned to Stacie, her eyes red yet flashed with anger. "I never believed you would stoop down this low, Stacie! I don't want you anywhere near me! We are breaking up!" She screamed.
Stacie was now in utter shock. But she slowly regained her composure and grin mischievously. "It took you this long to realize I was only pretending to love you. Congratulations. You found out the truth all by yourselves."
With that, Stacie flipped her hair over her shoulder and walked away. But just as Stacie disappeared in the sea of students, Tamrina suddenly felt a sharp pain in her head.
"Are you okay?" Jasmine asked, her voice shaking as she gently touched Tamrina's shoulder. Before Tamrina could answer, the whole school yard started spinning. After a few short seconds, she collapsed. Her head hit the pavement as she rolled her eyes and passed out.
The Mighty Five gasped in horror. But luckily, the STYLE Squad knew what was wrong. "Don't worry, girls. she's okay." Yasmine said in reassurance. "Yes. It's just part of her condition." Lana added, as she checked Tamrina's pulse.
The Might Five exchanges confused glances with one another. But Margret was the most confused. "What condition?"
***
The STYLE Squad and The Mighty Five took Tamrina to the infirmary. While the nurse took care of her, The STYLE Squad explained everything about Tamrina's condition. "Tamirna was diagnosed with Debole Syndrome ever since she was ten years old. Whenever she's too stressed out or upset, she passes out just like you saw outside." Evangeline explained.
"We've been trying to keep her away from anything stressful, but finding out the truth about Stacie must have triggered her brain to shut down." Lana added. Just as she was going to say something else, the nurse came up to the girls. "She's going to be alright. She should be waking up in an hour or two."
The Mighty Five and the STYLE Squad all breathed a collective sigh of relief, knowing that their friend would be okay.
However, shortly after the whole ordeal, the principal's voice came through the intercom. "Please excuse the interruption, students. Could the Mighty Five and The STYLE Squad please come to the principal's office? Thank you." the principal said, before the intercom turned off.
The Mighty Five and the STYLE Squad all marched to the main office, with the evidence in their possession, they were ready to finally put Stacie in her place.
When they arrived at the office, Stacie was already there, sitting with her arms crossed, and the principal looked unamused. He cleared his throat and immediately cut to the chase. "Stacie tells me that you girls have been bullying other students and making their lives miserable. Is that correct?" He said, his voice stern and cold.
Shock crossed through the girls' faces. They couldn't believe the principal was falling for Stacie's lies again. "No, sir. It is not." Margret responded in an angry tone. "Stacie was then bullying and tormenting other students, including me and my friends, and Tamrina who is lying unconscious in the nurse's office right now."
"They're lying! I showed you the messages and everything." Stacie protested. The principal stood up angrily and shouted. "That's enough! Girls, I am ashamed of all of you. Framing Stacie like this. You are all hereby..." But before he could finish, Jasmine suddenly snapped. "You cannot expel us when it was Stacie who did everything wrong! I bet she probably bribed you into believing everything she says! You should be protecting your students, but instead, you're just letting Stacie get her way just because of her parents!"
Everyone was shocked, including the principal. No one had ever heard Jasmine shout before because she was so shy. This was the first time she had ever used her inner voice. Before things could escalate any further, someone walked in through the door.
"No one can hurt my daughter without properly hearing her side." It was Chief Johnson, standing in front of the doorway. Evangeline had texted him before she and the others went into the principal's office, saying it was an emergency, and that she and her friends were in trouble. Evangeline ran to him and hugged him tight. "Dad! You're here!" she exclaimed.
"Yes, my child." Chief Johnson said. "I rushed here as soon as I got your message. And I heard everything before I came in."
Chief Johnson and Evangeline walked up to the principal's desk, and Chief Johnson asked Evangeline to play the recording she had. She pressed play, and the principal's eyes widened in shock and anger. The audio breaks the silence in the room as Stacie’s own words and actions were shown for the everyone in the room to see.
Once it ended, the Principal looked at Stacie, who was now pale in the face once again. She tried to explain herself, but the principal had heard it all. "Quiet! I can't believe you would lie to me like this, Stacie. You almost made me expel the wrong students. I've been letting you get away with it but not anymore." He sat down in his seat and looked straight into Stacie's eyes. "Stacie Elizabeth Rose, you are hereby expelled from school."
Stacie was infuriated. "You can't do anything to me!" She screamed as a last resort. "Do you know who my parents are?!"
"Again, yes, I do. And I'm sure they would want to hear about their daughter tormenting other students. Now if you don't want me to call them, I suggest you clear out your locker and leave the school premises." the principal said, gesturing towards the door.
Stacie stared at the principal in shock and anger. Then she screamed and left. But as she finished clearing out her locker, Chief Johnson walked up to her with another officer behind him. "Stacie, not only are you expelled, but you're also under arrest for your bullying and bribery." he stated sternly.
Before Stacie could say another word, the officer handcuffed her and led her outside. As she was getting into the police car, The Mighty Five and The STYLE Squad walked out, smirks on their faces. Stacie looked at them, snarling like a lion. "It's not over yet, your pathetic kids. I will be back." she yelled, in a threatening tone.
Margret walked over to the police car and responded in a low voice, "You got what you deserved, Stacie. Have fun with the worst punishment of your life."
The police car drove away and everyone began to cheer for joy to see Stacie finally out of Liberty High for good. Chief Johnson knelt down to Evangeline, beaming proudly as he embraced his daughter. "I'm so proud of you, my little detective." he whispered.
Evangeline felt her eyes welling up as she hugged her father back. Chief Johnson suggested that they all come over to his place to celebrate. Evangeline love. the idea, however she suddenly said, "Just a second, Dad. I have to do something first."
Evangeline rushed back inside and into the nurse's office. There, she saw that Tamrina was just waking up. Evangeline sat down in the chair next to the nurse's cot and took her hand. The moment she did that, Tamrina opened her eyes. "What...happened?" she asked, her voice dry and weak.
Evangeline helped her sit up as Tamrina rubbed her forehead in pain. "You passed out outside after we confronted Stacie. So we brought you here." Tamrina blinked a few times before everything became clear. Evangeline then continued, "And don't worry. Stacie's gone now. She got expelled and my dad's partner just took her away. She won't be hurting anyone else ever again."
Tamrina teared up but this time with tears of relief and joy. She leaned into Evangeline's arms and whispered, "Thank you so much, Evangeline. You're one of the best friends I ever had."
The two girls stayed in that position for a few minutes. With Stacie finally out of their lives, they can finally enjoy the rest of high school years in peace.
A week later, a lot of students were coming up and the Mighty Five and the STYLE Squad to thank them for getting rid of Stacie. The STYLE Squad even apologized to everyone else they hurt because they joined Stacie in all of it. All the students were willing to give them a second chance. As for the Mighty Five, they continued to go on crazy adventures and help others in any way they could. But they knew their journey together was far from over and stuck together no matter what the future had in store for them.