Program Error

Chapter Two

Though first hour started sixteen minutes ago, I've been sitting in the principle's office since I walked through the school doors. I was immediately whisked away to this hole of depression the minute I stepped foot inside, leaving Saira behind.

Calum and Darren sit in chairs next to mine, facing the principle's desk. Calum casually plays a racing game on his BioTab, while Darren sits with his head in his arms, eyes cast downwards. He's seething. He occasionally glances at me sharply but turns away when I meet his eyes. I can probably guess what that's about. 

The principal hasn't arrived yet, but I am still anxious. I fidget with a piece of my short brown hair. We were given offense level three. I've never gotten in that much trouble before. There are six offense levels, with three being somewhere in the middle. What kind punishment will the Society have for us? Temporarily disconnecting our BioTabs? Society service? Or maybe even worse. I gulp as thoughts cross my mind. 

Calum must notice my anguish because he says,"Will you lighten up? It's not like we're in that much trouble." 

"Not much trouble? Calum, we got into a fight. That's a pretty big offense,"I say annoyed. How could he take this so lightly?

He shrugs, not looking up from his BioTab. "What's the worst they could do?"

As if we were just jinxed, Ms.Groden, the dreaded principal, walks through the sliding doors of the office. I don't really know her, and I never really see her. I've heard rumors about how nice she is, and about how frightening she can get. I hope her happy side is the one we'll be seeing today.  

Ms. Groden's steps are quick but graceful as she strides across the floor.  She cautiously eyes each of us as she sits in her oversized hover chair. I stare down at my black sneakers, avoiding her gaze.

She loudly clears her throat, causing me to jump. Calum snickers while Darren rolls his eyes. A sharp glance from Ms. Groden quickly silences Calum.

"So," she says, sucking her teeth," I want to know how you three managed to get a level three offense in the space of four minutes." When no one answers, she folds her hands and says,"Well?".

"It was Aza," Darren admits bluntly.

"No it wasn't," Calum argues.

"I'm pretty sure she threw the first punch," Darren says.

"That was you, idiot," retorts Calum. He stares Darren down, their eyes fiercely connected.

"She kicked me first Calum. I didn't start this." He accentuates the last word sharply.

"You started this, you-"

"Enough,"Ms.Groden says, holding her hand up to silence them. She turns to me. "Let's hear what Aza has to say."

I expel a long breath before I talk. I could exaggerate the truth a bit, putting most of the blame on Darren. While that would give me the satisfaction I need, I can't help but feel a pang of guilt. I decide to tell the truth. Nothing but the truth. 

"I dropped my BioTab, and Darren picked it up but wouldn't give it back to me." I look him in the eyes while I'm talking. "Like the ever-so-nice person I am I tried to ask for it politely, but Darren, being a jerk, wouldn't hand it over. So I..err.. kicked him. But it was a light kick, so it didn't hurt hi-" I'm cut off by Darren.

"That's bull! ! I have a huge bruise from your "light kick"!" Darren bursts. 

"Darren," Ms.Groden warns. She motions for me to continue. I do so.

"He then proceeded to punch me in the face. It was pretty hard, too," I say, pointing to the black and blue mark on my face.

"I can tell," Ms.Groden says softly, assessing each of our faces, evaluating the damage done.