Brandon’s right—I do go all in.

Which is why I’ve decided that it isn’t enough for me to stop the attempts. My parents need to stop them too. I’m saving them from themselves.

Last night I went to my parents’ office and found a copy of the flight reservations on their desk. I typed in the web address of the airline in the search bar, and on the website, I clicked the Cancel Flights button. After thirteen failed attempts at logging in, the site blocked me from trying again.

That may have been a dead end, but I have a plan B.

This morning, right after the announcements, I tell my teacher I need to go see the principal. I know Mr. Amondo will be there, since we just heard him on the intercom.

His office is open, and he’s at his desk. I knock on the doorframe. “Yes. Come in,” he says.

I sit in the same chair as last time. “I need to talk to you.”

He leans back. “Okay.”

For a tiny instant, I feel a flash of guilt, like I’m betraying my parents. But really, I’m doing this for them too. “My mom took me out of school again. A couple of weeks ago.”

He nods.

“And you asked about stuff. At home? You were right. Something is going on. And I’m worried I might get behind in school. So I was wondering if maybe you could talk to my parents? Tell my mom and dad I can’t miss any more days?”

His eyebrows push together.

I continue. “Because I don’t think my absences should be excused actually. I’m missing school because they want to break records.”

“Break records?”

“Yes. World records. Like flash-mob dancing and toilet-paper stacking and stuff.”

He rubs his chin. “I don’t believe that would be excused.”

“Yeah.” I’m in the odd position of being both the tattler and the tattlee. “Is there a way to let, uh, my parents know? I told them, but…”

“Yes.” He writes something on a yellow sticky note. “Is there anything else?”

“And is it okay if maybe you don’t tell them that I told you?”

He’s still writing and doesn’t look up at me. “I’ll see what I can do.”

“Okay.” I get up to leave. Pausing at the door, I add, “Thanks.”

He nods and straightens his Principal of the Year plaque. “Hurry up and get back to class.”