Chloe Took Maya’s Lunch and Used Her Meal Card — Then the Cafeteria Computer Showed Who the Account Really Belonged To
Chapter 2 — “She Gave It to Me”
Assistant Principal Morris looked at Chloe.
“What’s going on?”
Chloe pointed toward the card.
“Nothing. Maya let me use it.”
Mrs. Helen frowned.
“You said it was yours when I asked for a meal card.”
Chloe’s face reddened.
“I thought you meant the card I was using.”
Mr. Morris looked toward Maya’s table.
“Where did you get her lunch?”
Chloe glanced down at the tray.
“She didn’t want it.”
“Did she tell you that?”
“Basically.”
Mrs. Helen shook her head.
“That’s not an answer.”
Mr. Morris walked toward Maya.
Chloe followed reluctantly.
Mrs. Helen came too, still holding the card.
Maya looked nervous when all three approached.
Mr. Morris crouched beside her table.
“Maya, did you give Chloe your lunch?”
Maya shook her head.
“No.”
“Did you give her your meal card?”
“No.”
Chloe immediately interrupted.
“She’s lying because she’s mad.”
Maya looked at her.
“You took it.”
“You weren’t eating.”
“I had just sat down.”
Mr. Morris raised one hand.
“Enough.”
Then Mrs. Helen noticed something on the cafeteria computer.
The transaction history showed more than today’s purchase.
Maya’s card had been used repeatedly during the previous two weeks.
Some transactions occurred before Maya’s lunch period even started.
Mrs. Helen stared at the screen.
“Maya, have you been buying breakfast here?”
Maya shook her head.
“I eat at home.”
Mrs. Helen scrolled.
Monday.
Friday.
Thursday.
Wednesday.
Extra meals.
Snacks.
Drinks.
All charged to Maya’s account.
Mr. Morris looked toward Chloe.
“How long have you had access to this card?”
Chloe stopped talking.
