Mateo shifted in his seat.
The principal began reading messages aloud, her voice steady and clear.
*“My love, I can’t stop thinking about last night…”*
*“When are we meeting again? My parents aren’t home this weekend.”*
*“You’re the only one who understands me, Valeria. Don’t tell anyone about us yet.”*
Each word felt like a knife. My own words were there too — telling him I was scared, telling him I loved him, telling him I was pregnant.
Mateo’s mother stood up abruptly.
— This is fabricated! Anyone can create fake screenshots!
The principal raised her hand.
— There’s more.
She played an audio recording. Mateo’s voice filled the room, crystal clear.
*“Delete everything, Valeria. If you tell anyone, I’ll say you’re lying. My family will destroy yours. You know we have money and connections.”*
The silence that followed was heavier than any scream.
My father’s fists were clenched so tight his knuckles were white. My mother had tears streaming down her face but her chin was high.
Mateo looked like he wanted the earth to swallow him.
— Son… Mrs. Rebeca whispered, her perfect mask finally cracking.
The principal closed the laptop.
— Mateo Rivas, you have violated the school’s code of conduct regarding harassment, intimidation, and dishonesty. Mrs. Rivas, your attempt to bribe a student’s family has been noted and will be reported to the proper authorities.
She turned to me, her eyes kind for the first time.
— Valeria, you are not expelled. You are protected. The school will support you in continuing your education. We have programs for young mothers.
I couldn’t speak. I just nodded, tears finally falling.
Mrs. Rebeca tried one last time.
— This will ruin my son’s future…
— Your son ruined his own future the moment he abandoned a pregnant fifteen-year-old girl and tried to silence her, my father said quietly, but with steel in his voice.
The meeting ended in chaos. Mrs. Rebeca stormed out, dragging Mateo behind her. He didn’t look at me again.
That afternoon, the whole school knew the truth. The whispers changed.
— She was telling the truth…
— Mateo is such a coward.
— His mom tried to pay her off?
Some girls who had laughed at me earlier now looked away in shame. A few even came to say sorry. I didn’t have the energy to respond.
