1 Julia raced down the hallway, sliding the last few feet to her next class. The bell had already rung, so she slipped through the door and quickly sat down, hoping the teacher would not notice.
2 Mr. Malone turned from the Piano and said, “Julia, I’m happy you could join us.” He continued teaching, explaining the new music they were preparing to learn.. Julia relaxed thinking Mr. Malone would let another tardy slide by. Unfortunately, she realized at the end of class that she was incorrect.
3 “This is the third time in the grading period that you’ve been late, Julia,” Mr. Malone stopped Julia as she walked by his desk. “Please explain this behavior.”
4 Julia hesitated. “I’m sorry I was late. I was cleaning the tables in the science room. Someone spilled vinegar, so cleaning took me longer than usual.”
5 Mr. Malone replied, “I’ve talked to you about your tardiness, and you’re aware of the rules for being tardy so many times. I’m afraid you won’t be able to attend the upcoming field trip.”
6 “It’s to hear the city orchestra!” Julia protested. “We’re going behind the scenes at the concert hall and learning--”
7 Mr. Malone interrupted gently. “I don’t want you to have to stay here, but I don’t have a choice. Unless your parent or guardian comes in to discuss this with the principal and me, you won’t be attending.” Julia turned to gather up things from her desk and left, walking slowly home.
8 It was after dinner before Julia found the courage to talk to her dad. “Um, Dad? Are you really busy at work tomorrow?” Julia continued, stammering: “I...well, I mean...you need to come to school and talk to the principal.”
9 “Really? Why do I need to talk to the principal?” Julia’s dad asked.
10 With a deep breath, Julia started to talk. She told her dad about the messy science tables and how her science teacher deducted points from their daily grades if they if they did not clean up after experiments. She spoke about how her friends' next classes were on the opposite side of the building. Since her next class was nearby, Julia volunteered to help clean up so that her friends would not be late. Finally, she explained tardies and how those would prevent her from attending the orchestra field trip. When she was finished, she waited anxiously for her dad to speak.
11 He watched his daughter for several seconds, considering the best10 way to handle the situation. Finally, he simply said, "I'll be there right after school."
12 The next day after school, Julia walked to the principal's office. Her father and Mr. Malone were already there, talking with Mrs. Thompson, the principal. When everyone was seated, MRs. Thompson spoke. "Julia, I have a question for you. Why are you cleaning the science tables alone?"
13 Julia fidgeted and squirmed nervously for a moment, not looking at anyone. Then she mumbled, "I'm not really sure." The adults watched her a moment longer. "I guess no one wants to clean up, and I don't want my friends to get in trouble."
14 By helping your friends so they wouldn't get in trouble, you got yourself in trouble," Mrs. Thompson said. Julia nodded in acknowledgement. "Your science teacher and I will be dealing with that issue soon. However, you were still tardy three times in one grading period, Julia. The school rules state that there must be a consequence."
15 Julia's dad continued. "You're still responsible for breaking the rules, even if it was for a good reason. Do you have any ideas for a punishment?"
16 Julia shook her head and swallowed hard. She already knew that she would have to miss the field trip. Mr. Malone quietly motioned to Mrs. Thompson, and they both stepped out of the office. Julia's dad placed his hand on Julia's shoulder while they waited.
17 "I have some good news for you, Julia," Mrs. Thompson said as she walked back into the room. "Mr. Malone has explained to me how excited you are about the orchestra field trip. Normally, this many tardies would exclude you from participating." She paused and stared at Julia. "However, I have considered the motives behind your tardies and will allow you to attend."
18 Julia jumped out of her seat, repeating, "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
19 "Don't get too excited," Mrs. Thompson cautioned. "You'll have a one-day detention for each tardy. I hope you won't let your friends take advantage of you like this again."
20 "No, ma'am, I won't," Julia replied, grinning from ear to ear.
