Memories

Chapter 10

Standing outside Principal Anderson's imposing office door, my heart thumped like a bass drum in my chest. I knocked softly, my knuckles barely making a sound against the polished wood.

 Principal Anderson's office had this serious, almost intimidating vibe. The dark oak furniture absorbed the daylight filtering through the blinds, and the walls were lined with portraits of past principals, all of them casting stern glances my way.

Seated behind his massive desk, Principal Anderson looked at me over the rims of his glasses, his expression a mix of disappointment and concern that weighed heavily on me. 

"Come in, Jadyn," he said, his voice carrying a stern but not unkind tone.

I walked in, and Principal Anderson gestured for me to take a seat.

He began a never-ending lecture, emphasizing the importance of self-control, responsible behavior, and the potential consequences of thoughtless actions.

"Based on your old school record, Jade, you were an exemplary student. Your academic achievements and behavior were commendable. However, since your move and the unfortunate events you've faced, we've noticed a concerning change in your behavior here at our school. This change is deeply troubling, as it does not align with the standards we uphold. Despite your family issues you do not have the right to mess around at my school.

The incident involving the basketball is particularly concerning. Attempting to hit an innocent girl with a basketball is not only a reckless act but also a mean-spirited one. It's important to recognize that your actions could have had severe consequences for Ava, physically and emotionally. You are fortunate that she was not injured, but the potential for harm was significant."

I hated lectures like these, but I just wanted this to be over, so I kept my head down and tried to look ashamed.

"I hope you understand the gravity of your actions today, Jadyn. It's your first day here and I want you to have a good day here, but that also depends on what you do. I expect more from you, Jade, given your past achievements and potential. It's vital that you grasp the gravity of your actions and the impact they can have on others.  I believe in your ability to make amends and rediscover the responsible and respectful student you once were. Let's work together to ensure you regain the positive track record you had before." Principal Anderson concluded, folding his hands on the desk.

I nodded again, my gaze fixed on the pattern of the carpet beneath my feet.

"As a consequence for your actions," he continued, "you will serve a week's worth of detention."

I nodded in acknowledgment, not trusting my voice at that moment to say something stupid, and hurried out of the classroom.

***

As I exited the office, the piercing sound of the end-of-class bell reverberated down the corridor. The once quiet hallway had transformed into a bustling thoroughfare, teeming with students making their way to the cafeteria. 

Being new to the school, the labyrinth of unfamiliar hallways and the cacophony of voices was disorienting.

Feeling somewhat lost, I decided to simply go with the flow, trying to blend in with the moving tide of students. My backpack weighed heavily on my shoulders as I navigated through the stream of teenagers, each seemingly in a hurry to reach the cafeteria.

When some people passed I could hear them whispering about me.

"Daddy issues..."

"Slut..."

"Pick-me!"

Just as I felt as if I was about to cry, a familiar voice cut through the chatter. I turned around to see Sadie and Calais. 

"Jade!" Sadie called.

Calais, her frustration evident, spoke up first, "Ava's being a bitch again, talking smack about you and your dad, now nearly the whole school knows."

Sadie, on the other hand, appeared completely unfazed by the drama. "Yeah, but we couldn't care less about her, so how about joining us for lunch?"

"Sure," I smiled, but my stomach twisted inside of me. I can't blame her for not knowing about everything that happened back then, but her simply just dismissing it like it was nothing hurt a lot.

***

"So Ava's bitch table is in the middle, the tables surrounding her's are her suck-up's and pick-me's, the jock's table is on the left side of the room, there's Colton's table at the back, there's the cheer, volleyball, drama, nerd, anime..." Sadie droned on, until Calais cut in.

"Shit there a fucking smoking hot dude with Levi. Bitch, get your ass over here right fucking now. He's so fucking hot."

Sadie and I scurried over, desperate to see who she was talking about.

Then, my eyes widened in shock to see Ashtyn.

"Damn," Sadie sighed.

"No way guys. That's my brother." 

"Ooo, what's his name?" Sadie asked.

"Ashtyn?!" Calais exclaimed, "Oh my gosh, he's changed so much!"

"Yeah, I know," I said.

"Can I have his number?" Sadie asked.

"Didn't you like Colton a few minutes ago?"

"Speaking of numbers, what's yours?" Calais asked, passing me her phone to type it in.

"Tell he about him," Sadie demanded.

"He's a player and not worth it."

Sadie's face fell.

"Never mind then."

"We've been looking for you. How bad was the punishment?" Mitchell and Blake came up to us.

"Just a week's worth of detention."

"That's not that bad, you got lucky with that one. Anderson was probably in a good mood today," Blake said.

"Hey Blake," Sadie said, "Mitch." She nodded at him. 

"Why don't you sit with us?"

"Now, what's that visit to the principal, Jade?" Calais asked.

I began on how I was trying to get revenge on Ava for spilling really private stuff about me, but when I got to that part, Sadie said, "I hope you don't mind me asking, but what happened?"

That shut me up.

Mitchell and Blake were also intently listening, and I sucked in a breath. 

Calais gave Sadie a disapproving look.

Calais knew parts of the story, but not the whole thing.

"Sorry Jade. You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to." 

Then the bell rang.

***

"I left my books in my locker. I'll meet you at class." Mitchell said, hurrying back in the other direction.

I nodded.

We had Chemistry next, and apparently the teacher Mr Thomas, was a great teacher. He was said to be good at explaining, keeping kids engaged and really funny.

"JADE!" 

I turned around to see Colton.

"I'm having a party tonight. You wanna come?"

"Sure, thanks."

"Great," he smiled and ran off.