As a mature "adult" its not an excuse, but as a "teen" it is an excuse
I don't agree. There's a reason this forum has age limits. Everyone should treat each other with respect. A load of excuses doesn't make up for rudeness. Had buttercup just said "I'm sorry" that would have been the mature polite thing to do.
RE: piercings etc. I myself don't have a problem with most, however it is an employers right to decide what is or isn't acceptable in their establishment. For better or worse, there are people that would go to a Walmart and see a cashier with a nose ring etc and be repulsed and have a negative "shopping experience". That can't be helped. It's the employers right and obligation to their company to do what's best for the company. That's just life. Fair or not.
Buttercup NEEDS to take a PT break if it's causing her additional distress. By her own admission , no one understands "where she's coming from" here, so what benefit does she get from spending time (which could be spend on homework ) here.