Sorority Father

Chapter 1: The Walk Home

Sherwood, Oregon, August 23, 2023, Sherwood High School

If I had honestly poked the eye of Sauron and Don Bluth, I wouldn't have gotten a better death glare than what I'm seeing before me. It’s never a good sign when your principal has a look that says “Prison doesn't sound so bad right now” She wasn’t that much of an intimidating woman, but at that moment she shook like a dog soaked to the bone (and looked like one too, which isn’t my fault technically) and if I moved a muscle I felt like she’d try and bite me. “Now Miss Adway, I know what this may look like. But if you allow me to explain-"“ Mr. Hellshire” Miss Adway interrupted, “do you know what today is?” her voice was as sharp as a knife. “National…space day?” her glare grew darker when she heard my incredibly awesome joke. “Today was the day of our “just say no” pep rally…a pep rally we’ve worked on during the summer and what we planned for last year…do you know WHY this pep rally was so important?” I clear my throat and think for a moment, I haven't been paying attention too much since I lost my job at the local Pizza Hut. “Because drugs are bad?” she slams her fist on her desk and shouts at me “NO! I mean.. Yes, drugs are bad, but that’s not important. The CEO of Grey Gear Inc. was there! Do you know what I had to do to convince him to come here? I had to make Lemon Squares! And they are very hard to make!”

Her statement surprised me, not because he's the CEO of Grey Gear Inc., one of the biggest companies ever and a multi-millionaire, was in the audience. “You don’t know how to make lemon squares? They're so easy to make!” she glares “Sydney! That is not the point I'm trying to make! Take this seriously! Because of your little stunt. You’ve not only embarrassed me and the entire school, but you probably prevented us from getting much-needed funding! Do you have any idea how much you’ve messed up!?”

I was used to being yelled at, but this took the cake honestly. “You think all of this was my fault!?” I stood up while the squeaking of my wet sneakers shouted in protest. She glared “Yes, Mr. Thompson told me about your little prank and how he tried to stop you. And you had the nerve to give a black eye to our star Quarterback." Not only was I being framed, I wasn't given the time to explain myself. Why do I find myself in these types of situations?! “You believe that!? Do I look like a troublemaker!? When have I ever done something so major that you can automatically accuse me?!” Ms Adway stood up glaring at me as if to say how dare I talk back to her. “ Don’t you talk back to me! I know it was you!” I was starting to get so angry I didn't care “Why?! Because I'm black? Or is it because you have such a hard-on for your football team? Because at this point I'm starting to think it’s both!” Ms Adway began to shake so much she looked like a dog drying itself off. “How dare you! You are hereby Expelled From Sherwood High! Get your things and get out! Before I have the police do it for you!” I've been having a bad week already, the last thing I need is to get arrested. “Fine, I'll leave, but you're in the wrong profession if you're going to pick and choose favorites. And when you realize that you were wrong, I want your apology to be on your knees!” her eyes widened at my statement, and it took me a second to realize how i said it. “I meant in a begging sense, not a s****l sense! Get your mind out of the gutter!” I grabbed my satchel and left her office.

The school I attended was Sherwood High School, the home of the rambunctious Beaver. The school was two stories and was clinging to life. It was, however, a historic landmark, so the mold in the ducts and classrooms was supposed to be “classy”. “Can’t believe I’m being blamed for this bullshit, nothing is going right for me” All the students are back in the classes but everyone is talking about the “prank of the century” that asshole Brandon just pulled the fire alarm activating a sprinkler during a pep rally. It wasn’t exactly rocket science. As I walked down the long hallways that smelled like rusty water where (you bet your ASS that’s a smell), the people that are outside of classes snickered at me while I walked past. It’s a small town, so I don’t doubt that everyone and their dog knows about the incident. And I'm pretty sure a few janitors threatened my life. Either that or a finger across the neck means “good luck!” in sign language. Before I headed downstairs. I was stopped by the bastard himself, Brandon and his lackey Doug. “You're lucky the principal got to you first. Otherwise, I'd break my foot off in your ass "Doug hyped him up “and I'll help!” I wasn't intimidated on account that they are both dumber than a box of rocks and the smell of gasoline and hotdogs. “Hey, Brandon?” I smirked feeling a little devious “How’s that shiner I gave you? Seems you're wearing it like a badge of honor. Let me know if you want one, Doug, you both can be matched!”

Brandon glared at Jason “You're a cocky son of a b***h aren’t you?” I smiled at him with full seriousness. “Only when I allow myself to be'' before he spoke up I continued “But if we’re being technical you're the cocky one, how dare you act like your better than me because you're the mayor’s son” Brandon anger grew on his face “well at least my dad’s still around, where’s your dad? Six feet under” It took every ounce of my will power not to donkey kick this b***h in the f*****g throat. But I don't get mad, I get even. “Yeah my dad’s dead, but at least my mom’s clean. Not sniffing that booger sugar. Didn’t she nearly OD a few months ago? Also, how are you the mayor's son, but you both live in a trailer? Make it make sense, and let’s not forget how your girlfriend of 6 years left you for longer “meat”” Brandon was too stunned to speak and Doug pretended to read a poster on the wall even though his reading level was in 6th grade. I continued to taunt him “she left you for longer meat! You weren't poking her pancreas! But don’t worry, there are plenty of tadpoles in the pond." I pat him on the shoulder. “I'll see you around centimeter Peter '' I headed downstairs, leaving him dumbfounded. 'T…this isn’t over!...y.you!” He was so angry he couldn’t find a word to say. That’s how I like to leave my opponents. Angry yet speechless. I headed to the security booth to sign myself out of school. And the resource officer Will looks at me “so I’m guessing you’re heading home?” I sigh and begin to sign myself out. “Yeah, as if today couldn’t get worse, it gets way worse.”

Will sighs and looks up from his magazine. “I know you didn’t do it and hey, I heard you were fired from Pizza Hut. Sorry to hear about that man. But if you ever need money, The Missus will be willing to get her hair done again. You know she likes it when you do her hair best”, Sydney smiles. “I appreciate it man, and I’ll keep it in mind. I’m just glad that my landlord is nice enough to give me an extra month to get my affairs in order. I’ll be heading home now. Tell Debra I said hi will ya?” Sydney and will fist bump “Will do, I’ll see you later” and with that, I walk out of the school campus. The fire department is still outside from the fire alarm. I was already receiving death threats from the janitors. I don't need to know what the firemen will do if I waste their time. I’m not as worried as I expected myself to be. I mean I didn’t do it. Not only would there be camera evidence, but his fingerprints would still be on the fire alarm. So I'm practically in the clear. I just gotta wait for the Principal to come to her senses, if that even happens.

I put the hood on my head and walked casually to avoid the firemen because, let’s be honest. A black boy in a hoodie in the middle of the day has never gone wrong, has it? My house is a block or so away, so I wouldn't mind walking. If only my mp3 player hadn’t died I would've listened to some music. Because walking in silence leaves me alone with the things I hate most: My thoughts, I mumble to myself... Brandon had some damn nerve bringing my father into the discussion. If he was here he would’ve kicked Brandon's ass…at least I think so… Sometimes I can’t remember his face anymore. I remember the idea of him. I remember the day he proposed to Mom when he first took us to Six Flags when I was 9. Yet I can never remember his face. After the accident, Mom would cry at whatever picture we had of him. So I had to put them away… I wonder what dad would think of what’s going on?.. It was after the accident that I was pulled into adulthood without warning. Mom was so heartbroken she couldn’t go to work and was eventually fired. So now she just stays home drinking Strawberry Gin. Since then, I've had 3 jobs. And I was dragged into the workforce at the early age of 14. It was hard, and I'm tired of it…but I got no help. It’s been four years since Dad died and Mom is still grieving. When can I grieve? I was so deep in thought that I didn't notice Ms. Gwenten calling my name Or her hellhound of a chihuahua chewing on my leg “Down! Down Mr. Nibbles leave Sydney alone!”

ms. Gwenten was the owner of a local daycare and the owner of the antichrist of chihuahuas. Mr. Nibbles, a beast that even pit bulls fear. Which is currently pulling on my pants leg growling. I shook my leg trying to get him off “hey bad dog! Let go!” Mr. Nibbles glares at me as he pulls on my jeans as if to say “Abandon all hope for your soul shall quench my ever-growing hunger!” I swear this dog is the devil or something. Ms. Gwenten waddled over and picked up Mr. Nibbles, saving me from an eternity of being in his belly or his chew toy. I'm not sure which “I'm sorry about him, he hasn’t taken his medicine yet” knowing That the dog, his medicine is probably holy water. “It’s fine, ms. Gwenten I was so caught up in my thoughts I didn't notice him.” I gave a soft smile to not hurt her or her demon dog's feelings. Although he probably doesn’t care. “I heard what happened in school today, it must’ve been scary what happened” Great, if Ms. Gwenten knows the entire damn town knows

“Someone pulled the fire alarm, it’s not the second h*******t. Ms Gwenten.” I joked, with only partial seriousness, because why not? Ms. Gwenten giggled and Mr. nibbles looked like he was daydreaming about stealing candy from babies and small businesses. “I have to get home, miss Gwenten, I’ll see you tomorrow” Ms. Gwenten nodded “Of course, tell your mother I said hi! Say goodbye Mr. Nibbles!” Mr. Nibbles I growled, which i interpreted as “until next time food”. I waved goodbye and headed down the road. I’m beginning to see my apartment complex “the Campy Coral”, a pink two-story apartment complex run by an Italian man named Mr. Pablosky. He’s a kind man with a pot-belly. He offered us an apartment after we lost our house because, apparently, you can’t pay the mortgage on a lumberyard salary alone, so we moved here. Mr. Pablosky and his daughter Penny are good people and have been by our side through thick and thin.

Mr. Pablosky saw me as a hardworking young man and would always remind me he respected me a lot. When I reached the parking lot, I saw Mr. Pablosky and penny barbecuing, the smell of ribs and Worcestershire sauce. Filled my Nostril Mr. Pablosky wore an apron over his gray and black t-shirt. Penny was playing on her handheld console. When she looked up she smiled “Hey! Sid!” she waved me over, Mr. Pablosky had the same smile: “Sid my boy! The ribs are looking great today!” Even in my sour mood I couldn't help but smile, those two have always been by my side.“Hey guys, I'm a bit tired. So I'm going to go for a nap for a bit”, Penny smirked. Knowing when there’s something wrong with me, we’re practically siblings at this point. “Come on, what’s wrong?” She puts her arm around my shoulder. Mr. Pablosky calls out. “Nothing. A nice rib can’t fix”, he picks up one of the ribs and hands it to me. If Ribs could make sure my stuck-up Principal, Unexpell me from school, that would be great. I take a bite of my rib, and it hits perfection. “Honey Garlic glazed rib?” I asked with a knowing smile on my face. Mr. Pablosky wipes the sweat off his brow recipe “Can’t stop using that recipe of yours! They're great! If you sell that recipe book of yours, you'll be rolling in dough.” Penny chimed in. “And of course, we get a little portion of that Moolah”, I smacked her arm laughing “you wish!” After taking another bite of my rib, I decided to come clean with what’s bothering me. “I got expelled from school today” A small silence from them follows before Penny burst into laughter while Mr. Pablosky shakes his head. “Now how did you manage to lose your job and your spot in school at the same time?” Penny laughs “holy s**t man! You can’t catch a break!” I groaned, only thinking about how mom would react. “It wasn’t even my fault! Some asshole tried to pull the fire alarm. I tried to stop him, and suddenly I was the bad guy! I swear she’s probably sleeping with the football team or something.” I took another bite of my rib aggressively, accidentally biting into the bone. Hurting my tooth. “Mom’s probably going to chew me out later. Not looking forward to that.” Penny cleared her throat, looking down at her feet before looking back at the grill. “You know you're welcome to sleep over if you want. We’ve been friends for two and a half years, and we’ve not once had a sleepover”. It must've been due to the sun, but her face looked kind of red. “AHEM!” Mr. Pablosky cleared his throat.

“I have some friends on the school board, I'll have them look into the matter. So, in the meantime, maybe you could get some rest. You keep working all day you’ll work yourself to death”. Now that he mentions it, I am tired. It feels like I’ve been walking a marathon with no end. “If I’m still alive after I argue with Mom, I’ll come to hang out with you…okay?” Penny smiled “You got it buddy” Mr. Pablosky pats me on the shoulder. “You’re a good kid, don’t be too hard on yourself” I smiled, Mr. Pablosky and Penny are like family to me. They were right, I'm a good kid with a good head on my shoulder. “I should go get this over with, I’ll see you guys later tonight, okay?” they smiled “See you later Sid, we’ll play video games.” Mr. Pablosky smiled wide. “See you later Sid!” I headed upstairs with Rib in hand. As I walked upstairs, I heard Mr. Pablosky talk to Penny in spanish “No te preocupes cariño, te confesarás con él en poco tiempo.” Penny shouts back in an Embarassed Tone “¡NO! ¡Papá, vamos, cállate! Te oirá!” i wonder if they were talking about me? Eh, probably not. I finish my rib and grab my house keys from my Satchel and head inside. The apartment wasn’t that bad for a place called the “Campy Coral”, a two-bedroom apartment with a One and a half Bath, our washer, and dryer. And that’s only for 350 a month. Such a steal! Of course, Mom took the master bedroom but, a majority of the time she’s passed out In the living room watching Reruns of Hair Battle Spectacular. Drunk on Strawberry Gin. And like Clockwork, Mom is passed out drunk with 6 bottles of Strawberry Gin Scattered across the floor. Taking a deep sigh, I began to pick up the bottles. Since the accident, it’s like our roles were reversed. Packing away the empty bottles into a garbage bag, not to throw them away, but to give them at the recycling station for a few bucks. At least mom hasn’t got a call from school yet. So I can at least take a nap beforehand.

I wonder what I’ll cook tonight. After putting away the bottles and taking off my jacket and satchel, I went into my room. My room wasn’t really that big, about the size of 7. Broom Closets. I got used to downsizing. Keeping my room clean gives me much needed space. I have a desk, a bed, a computer screen sized TV, a dresser, and a Messercras computer. A laptop I found in the dumpster and spent about six weeks fixing it. It works on occasion. And it even comes with its own personal AI! I named it Ziggy after one of my favorite shows. I should probably check my emails when I wake up from my nap. I lay in my twin-sized bed and felt the softness of it, as if it was telling me to never leave it like the lover I wish I had. “Everything will be fine…won’t it?” and with that I let sleep take me.