There's Always Plan B by Susan Mallery

That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you. I was working on the computer doing graphic designs. I lost track of time and didn’t realize I should be in class. I messed up and I was late. But here, if you’re more than ten minutes late, it counts as an unexcused absence. Which means they’re saying I cut class, but I was really there.”
    Carly turned to Mrs. Beecham. “Is that true? Is more than a ten-minute tardy an unexcused absence?”
    The other woman nodded. “It may seem harsh, but we want to make sure the students are in class, learning. People strolling in ten or fifteen minutes after the bell disrupts the class for everyone.”
    Carly saw her point—sort of. But if a kid was late to class, it seemed wrong to tag her with cutting school.
    â€œI’ll make sure Tiffany understands it’s important to be in class on time,” Carly said. “What is her punishment?”
    â€œTwo days of detention.”
    Tiffany gasped. Before she could say anything, Carly shot her a warning look.
    â€œAll right. Thanks, Mrs. Beecham. I assume you have some system in place so that Tiffany can get back to class without being marked down for truancy?”
    â€œOf course. I’ll write her a pass.”
    â€œGreat. If I could have a minute to speak with her in the hall, I’d really appreciate it.”
    â€œOf course.”
    â€œBut I—”
    Tiffany started to speak. Carly grabbed her hand and pulled her to her feet.
    â€œWe’ll be right outside,” she said. “I’ll send her in to get the note.”
    â€œGood. Thank you so much for coming right away. I feel it’s very important to nip this sort of thing in the bud.”
    â€œOf course. Sure. Have a nice day.”
    Carly led Tiffany into the hallway and closed the door behind them.
    â€œIt’s not fair,” Tiffany wailed. “I can’t believe this is happening because I was late.”
    Carly found herself wanting to agree, yet unwilling to side with her daughter against the vice principal.
    â€œI don’t necessarily agree with the rules, but it’s good to know what they are so you can avoid getting into trouble the next time.”
    â€œBut I was doing stuff for you. ”
    Carly put an arm around her. “I know, and I really appreciate it. But I’m thinking maybe it’s time to spend your lunch hour doing something else. Trust me—you don’t want a career of detention.”
    â€œI can’t believe she’s making me do that. I’m not some loser.”
    â€œAgreed, but it could be worse. It could be three days.”
    Her daughter grimaced. “I wasn’t doing it on purpose. You know that, right?”
    â€œI do. I’ve seen how engrossed you get in your work. I believe that you didn’t hear the bell.”
    Tiffany looked relieved. “Thanks, Mom. This was all so horrible. She called me out of class and everything. Talk about total humiliation. I thought I’d just die.”
    Just then a tall, skinny guy with short brown hair and shoulders broad enough to support the world rounded the corner. He jogged toward them.
    â€œTiff. Jeez, I’m really sorry.” He noticed Carly and skidded to a stop. “Oh, hi. Are you Tiffany’s mom?”
    â€œYes. Carly Spencer.”
    â€œHey. I’m Jack. I’ve been hanging out with Tiffany in the computer lab. This is totally my fault. I have the computer lab right after lunch so I’ve learned to tune out the bells. I should have been paying attention and made sure she got back to class on time.”
    So this was Jack—the boy Tiffany had been talking about. He was charming, in a puppy-dog kind of way. Carly liked how he took responsibility—something her daughter could learn to do.
    â€œI’ve been helping her with the graphic designs,” he continued. “She’s really talented.”
    Tiffany stared at the floor and