I avoided the principal all day. I just got through my classes, and I was almost home-free...
729Please respect copyright.PENANAkn9yiF1qKP
A special announcement comes on through the speakers of the whole school. "This is Principal Peabody. I'm asking for Jade Lillian to immediately report to my office. Thank you."
729Please respect copyright.PENANAEH3HWcOCzz
Jesus, I was so close to escaping! I very slowly get up and abandon my art project half-way.
729Please respect copyright.PENANAALNi0x4kFg
I get to her office, where she's waiting for me. She's an extremely thin woman in her 40's with wrinkles and age spots everywhere. But she's a very understanding woman, and nice, for that matter.
729Please respect copyright.PENANAKh4epPBdrW
"Why hello, Ms. Lillian. How are you on this fine day?" She is SUCH a sweetheart.
729Please respect copyright.PENANAUM7h0XeyKn
"Pretty crappy. And yourself?" I ask courteously.
729Please respect copyright.PENANACAh12p6tQA
"I can't complain, thank you. Now. Do you know why you are here?" She motions for me to take a seat, so I do.
729Please respect copyright.PENANAU2UUspin6a
"Um... Because of what happened in the cafeteria?"
729Please respect copyright.PENANAKsvF7UCmdw
"Exactly right. I myself was not there to witness what happened. I only heard rumors. But of course, it would be unfair to decide on a punishment without hearing BOTH sides of the story, now wouldn't it? So tell me what happened."
729Please respect copyright.PENANA6s1EPJubx3
She waited.
729Please respect copyright.PENANAZFPO5a7bp9
And waited.
729Please respect copyright.PENANArmEWA0hJOv
And waited.
729Please respect copyright.PENANA8hg2v94IA5
Finally, I open my mouth. "How's your husband, Ms. Peabody?"
729Please respect copyright.PENANABDFHWM0AYb
She’s taken aback, not expecting me to change the subject. But she plays along.
729Please respect copyright.PENANA9uNzvXCJVJ
"He passed away a few years ago, Ms. Lillian."
729Please respect copyright.PENANAyyww6SsT8T
"How?"
729Please respect copyright.PENANA9mgO9grPv3
She’s reluctant to answer, but she does anyways. "He... Was hit by a car..." Her eyes start to well up.
729Please respect copyright.PENANAsibSr3d1NC
"Why are your eyes teary?" I ask.
729Please respect copyright.PENANAHMDwE4AO75
"Because, Jade. He was the one person I loved the most. And now he is no longer with me."
729Please respect copyright.PENANA4Bn9qs5FY7
Here's where I get a little... ‘interesting’. "Wouldn't it be so funny if I hit you with a car, too? Maybe you guys will meet in Heaven together! Or maybe--"
729Please respect copyright.PENANABjgqY6JeOb
"MS. LILLIAN. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. I find it highly disrespectful for you to speak this way." By now she's crying a little.
729Please respect copyright.PENANAMZe7F10Fqp
"EXACTLY. People make jokes about your only love and you're enraged, are you not? Well THAT is how I felt when that new kid spoke in a hurtful manner about THE ONE PERSON I LOVED THE MOST. THAT is why I GRABBED MY KNIFE AND STABBED HIS ARM. THAT IS WHY I CHOKED HIM FOR A MINUTE. THAT IS WHY I PUSHED HIM TO THE GROUND AND KICKED HIS RIBS."
729Please respect copyright.PENANARN4QPlbRk0
I'm panting so hard! Why? Had I not decided a while ago to let Edward go? Why am I sulking? Sobbing? Why is my heart throbbing, threatening to jump out? Why... Is... My... Throat... Closing.... Choking...
729Please respect copyright.PENANAwjL9g7QirU
All I see... Is black...729Please respect copyright.PENANAi0J2IChgbc