Ratbags and Scallywags [bxb]

Chapter 22

"You can explain why the guy who beat Charlie to a bloody pulp and almost gave me a secondary TBI, putting us both in hospital, is back at school after only three days. Explain why he got the same sentence as Charlie, who the school knows is innocent, and was only punished to set an example to everyone else about fighting. If I can't get a proper story from you, then the press will have to do so."

Mrs. Anderson's eyes widened along with mine. Where did he get that nerve? The audacity? And how long has he been this bent up about that? I put my hand on his arm, shaking some sense into him, but he shrugged my hand away and didn't spare me a glance. He was clearly pissed off.

What if he got in trouble for this?

"You wanna know why we were in that closet?" he asked, cocking his head in question. "Because you let that dangerous asshole back into this school. You know why I didn't have a PTSD relapse? Because Charlie was with me. You know why I've been able to come back since that incident? Because Charlie was with me."

Mrs. Anderson's hand was in front of her face, mouth opened in astonishment. "Aubrey, I'm sor-"

Aubrey stood up from his chair and leaned one hand over the desk, hovering scarily close to her. She didn't look afraid, only disgruntled, clearly knowing his character well enough that he wouldn't physically lash out. He looked her straight in the eyes, like an unleashed beast. Was he always this fierce?

I'd only seen him looking docile since realizing he isn't some soulless delinquent. This was a whole new side to him that I'd never seen before. Another part I adored.

"You have no problem wiping the ass of a dangerous criminal teen but are all too willing to mess up the lives of two kids you see probably looking a little gay."

Mrs. Anderson didn't look prepared for this onslaught. She was completely taken aback, body rigid and lips pursed tightly, quietly taking in everything Aubrey said to her. She didn't argue, didn't defend herself; only listened. It was a quality I couldn't help but admire and respect.

"And what about Charlie's permanently stained record? Did it occur to you that you'd given him the same punishment as the monster who sent him to hospital? Why? Is his future that dispensable 'cause he's known to act like a clown in class? Is that it?"

She opened her mouth, trying to speak. "Aubrey-"

"Because he doesn't have connections with the school Principal?" he interrupted her. "Is that it?"

Her eyes widened in surprise. "How did you-"

"Um," I chimed in, fiddling nervously with my fingers. I desperately wanted to make out with Aubrey after this, so I needed to try help wrapping things up as quickly as possible. "He's kind of been spouting it out to a bunch of us this entire time. Ha-ha, like, 'befriending the Principal's kid' and 'I am immortal'."

Aubrey looked at me with surprise. "How did you know?"

I shrugged. "Ben told me before."

Mrs. Anderson sighed and moved her hand away from her head. "Take a seat please, Aubrey. Let me explain something."

Aubrey furrowed his brows in confusion and sat down. When his arm reached his armrest, I grasped his hand and hoped my silent thanks would reach him. He looked over at me and smiled shyly, like he was embarrassed at his own passionate outburst. I really, really, really just wanted to snog him right now.

How could someone be so sweet?

"What I'm about to say will be kept strictly between the three of us," she said, looking each of us in the eyes. "Do I make myself clear?"