Chapter 8.2: Confrontation
899 Words
Riley POV
I strode into the principal's office as though I owned the place. I refused to cower, to shrink, and be less than myself. I'd learned the hard way that trying to be invisible only meant that punishments were harsher, more painful, and emotionally damaging. I closed the door and leaned against it, my parents and Principal Jenner eyeing me, all with looks of disapproval. Thankfully, there was no sign of Bianca anywhere.
"Ah, Miss Sullivan," Principal Jenner awkwardly adjusted his tie and swallowed hard as he motioned to an empty chair, "if you'll just take a seat."
I sat. Dropped my bag onto the floor carelessly and folded my arms across my chest while my father tried to glare lasers at me and my mother sat there, a blank look on her face.
"It's come to our attention that you drew, ahem," Mr Jenner coughed, glancing at my parents apologetically as my father's lips tightened in fury, "genitalia on a female student's face."
"I did," I admitted calmly, and his eyebrows shot up, shocked that I had admitted it without having to threaten me.
"Okay," he said slowly, looking lost, "can you tell me the events leading up to it?"
"Don't even bother," my father growled, shaking his head at me, "this girl is nothing but a troublemaker."
Ah. Here it came. The blame. The denial. The determination to pin everything on me without listening to an explanation. He was so f*****g predictable.
"She spilled a drink on me intentionally and called me a slut," I said without missing a beat, "so I taught her what a real slut looks like. Should I be punished?" I continued sweetly as my father exhaled, looking on the verge of losing control, "but what exactly will her punishment be?" I asked.
"Her punishment?" Mr Jenner sounded confused.
I tilted my head and batted my eyes at him. "Well, she called me a derogatory name, intentionally ruined my clothes, and tried to embarrass me. That requires a punishment, doesn't it? I believe there are CCTV cameras in the cafeteria. If you need to confirm, my story for yourself."
"Ah, yes," he squeaked, wrestling with his tie as though it was a noose around his neck, "you're entirely right. I will, of course, be discussing Bianca's behavior with her as well."
My father slammed his hands on the table, causing poor Mr Jenner to flinch in fear.
"One day," he growled, eyeing me with disgust, "one day and already you've tarnished the family name."
"My last name is Sullivan, remember," I shot back, "so you're entirely safe from embarrassment, like you wanted."
"Don't you use that tone with me," he said darkly, his hand rising for a moment, his expression turning dangerous.
I waited. Even lifted my chin in defiance. "Hit me," I said bluntly as he hesitated, "it's what you're good at, isn't it? Can't have your daughter running around wild, can you? It's in your nature to hit first and ask questions later. Oh, I forgot," I sneered, "you don't ask questions, you just assign blame."
I was provoking him. I half expected him to follow through.
He slowly put his hand down, continuing to look furious with me. The principal hurried to intervene before things took a turn for the worse.
"Miss Sullivan, unfortunately, due to your behaviour, you will be suspended for the rest of the week, and this will go on your permanent record."
There were worse things.
"Bianca's punishment?" I asked, refusing to let it go.
I wanted her punished, if only to prove a point.
"Will be the same for antagonizing you. We run a tight ship here and don't tolerate unwayward behavior. She will be dealt with," he assured me.
I stood up. My father rose to his feet and shook the Principal's hand. We no sooner reached the hallway when he grabbed my hand and forced me to stop in my tracks.
"Get home right now," he warned, "I don't want to see you leave your room. If I do, let's just say the consquences will be dire for you. Your mother and I will be home later," he added with his eye twitching, "and so help me god, if I find you missing..." he threatened.
"Is that all?" I breathed, yanking my hand back and rubbing my wrist, my eyes filled with hostility.
I wasn't hiding my emotions at all. I despised him, and I wanted him to know it. Asshole.
It was hardly a punishment. At least this way, I didn't have to worry about running into her highness, Sofia, though, so that was a bonus. Not to mention the peace.
"Get out of my sight before I change my mind," he growled. "Count yourself lucky I'm not using corporal punishment this time."
He meant a whipping. It was tame by my standards. Hardly worth threatening at all.
I wanted to laugh at him. He turned on his heel and stormed away without so much as a second glance at me, my mother trailing in his footsteps.
Oh father. If you only knew that kind of threat doesn't work on me. I've had enough corporal punishment to last a lifetime, and I'm still standing. There's nothing you can do to me that's ever going to hurt as much as what I've had to suffer through. You're a fool to think otherwise.
- Writer
