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I tried to live today as any other day. I tried to laugh and pretend it’s all fine, but the knots in my stomach, the pinch on my heart, the heaviness in my chest…it’s all too much. And my scar, God it burns so much.
“You should have stayed at home today, Jamie. Emily will be excused for it. You would have too.”
“I don’t want to be alone,” I admit in a tight voice. “She offered to stay with me today, but I don’t think I want it to be just the two of us sulking.”
“I get that,” he smiles. “Are you working tonight?” At my head shake, he continues, “That’s good, do you want to do something? We could go to the movies or have dinner in Silver Falls if you want?”
“Cole is taking me and my mom for dinner tonight.”
Cole, the guy who could have stopped talking to me after I rejected him countless times and instead cherishes our friendship and acts like the brother I’ve been missing.
Chris nods, completely understanding as usual. “Where are you guys going?”
“I’m not sure. He’s sorting it out. Blue World? Ocean World? Big Blue…something?”
He chuckles. “Bluest Ocean. It’s an amazing place, you’ll love it. You’re not allergic to shellfish, are you?”
“I’m not,” I smile. “But I’m not a big fan either, my mom loves it. I kind of guessed it wasn’t a steak place anyway. Bummer.”
“I’ll take you for steak whenever you want. To the best place there is.”
“What with your convict tattoo? I don’t think so.”
We both laugh, but it’s short-lived as our Vice Principal, Ms. Rodgers stops by our table, her most serious face on.
“Miss Williams,” she starts with a graveness that sends a chill down my spine. An awful presentiment grows in my stomach. “Principal Parker needs to see you in his office right away. It’s urgent.”
I stand up straight as a rod, not waiting for any more explanation.
“Take your stuff with you,” her eyes dart to Chris, “and you can come with a friend if you wish.”
That freezes my blood completely. Something happened. On this cursed day, I know something horrible has happened.
“Do you want me to come? Should I get Cole?” Chris’ quick words send even more panic through my body. He got it too, that feeling of doom.
“I-I don’t know.”
“I’ll come. We’ll call him if needed.”
He grabs my backpack before I can even think of bending down to do so. His hand is in mine the next second, gripping me tightly enough to know he’s there for me, that he won’t let me go through this on my own. Whateverthisis.
Chris dragged me through the halls, the difference between his height and mine making it look like a dad in a rush to get somewhere important with his kid dragging behind. But now that we’re in front of the Principal’s office, he’s released me so I can walk in before him.
Principal Parker is sitting behind his mahogany desk, his brows kissing each other from the worry on his face. He’s on the phone and scribbling on a paper in front of him. Beside him, Mr. Ashton is waiting, an arm across his chest, an elbow resting on the palm of his hand so he can hold his chin in his other hand. The emotions on his face don’t announce anything good either.
“Take a seat,” Ms. Rodgers whispers as she joins Mr. Ashton.
They mumble secrets to each other as we wait for the phone call to end. Secrets about me and the news that is going to break me in less than a minute.
Chris and I both sit on the dark wooden chairs, cushioned with soft, velvet, purple paddings. I rest an elbow on the armrest so I can rub my temples without using too much of the little strength I have.
Principal Parker hangs up the phone and looks at me.
“Miss Williams, thank you for coming so quickly.” He looks at Chris and nods. “Mr. Murray.” Back at me he adds, “I’m going to be talking to you about a very personal matter, are you comfortable with the people present in this room?”
No.
I’m not comfortable with any of this, but my head is already spinning, and I need to know. “Y-yes.”
