I immediately texted my father Charles Lane: “Since when did Crestwood Academy let outsiders call the shots?”
Half an hour past dismissal time, Lily still hadn’t come out.
I thought of going into the classroom to check, but a security guard yanked me back roughly at the entrance.
“Who are you? What gives you the right to just walk in?”
I explained I was there to pick up my daughter. He looked me up and down with disdain.
“The principal’s wife said anyone entering the school must show proof of fifty million dollars in assets. This is the nation’s top elite school—you don’t just walk in.”
“Look at you, you clearly don’t have that kind of money. Get out before I’m forced to hit a woman.”
Anger flared in me. Who had come up with these ridiculous rules?
Just as I was about to argue, I ran into Ms. Miller, who used to be Sophie’s homeroom teacher.
“Ever since the principal’s wife came, she’s replaced almost everyone in the school and made up all kinds of absurd rules. Most of the younger teachers quit, only us older ones nearing retirement are still here. Don’t even get me started.”