Hell School

Chapter 10

 Where to next...

  All was going well a blinding illumination flooded my room. I squinted my eyes through the sun ray to see my mum opening the windows. I moaned softly squeezing my head deep in the pillow, drooling a bit.

 "Jimmy... get it is time for school." Her voice echoed in my ears. The alarm went off, piercing through my ears.

 "What time is it?" I groaned heavily, stuffed my face deeper into the pillow, trying to reach for the alarm. I groaned the more.

 "This is 9:45, your are late for school," she said, killing the alarm.

  Immediately, I jumped out of my bed, like a possessed man. How long have I been asleep? My head rang heavy, this time more painful. It was like the universe had a personal vendetta against me and was seizing every opportunity to put me through the wringer. I lost my balance falling to the ground on my knees. The pain drilled itself harder into my head, I whimpered a bit, then it subsided.

 "What is it?" My mother asked, looking scared, holding me by the shoulder.

 "Nothing." I exhaled sharply.

I dashed into the bathroom, took my bath in less than a minute, dashed back to the room. I dressed up, straight for the stairs I went, without using my cologne or knot my tie. I squeezed it into my right trouser pocket, running down the stairs.

 "Here is your lunch," she said placing a lunch box on the dining table.

 "Thank you," I said, picking it up and hurried to the door. The first time I appreciated her packing my lunch in a Mickey mouse lunch box, I really didn't care. She cuddled me and I got upset, but I let it roll off my back because there will be none for me when in school and when I come back home. I released myself from her and straight for the door.

She called me back as I was about to open the door. She then stuffed a packet of cookies in my lunch box, "this is for Ronald," she said with a smile, looking at my face while I frowned, "and thank him for babysitting you yesterday."

Babysit? Seriously?

I could not believe my ears,"he did nothing of such," I said tartly witha frown. She was surprised to see me like that when she mentioned Ronald.

 "You boys fighting?" She asked delaying me on purpose.

 "I don't care about him," I yelled at her and regretted it immediately. She stood in shock knowing fully well that I have never raised my voice at her, she let it slide.

 I stormed out of the house, slammed the door behind me, got on my bicycle, fall twice, and ride. The bicycle has become a little rusty, after two years of sitting uselessly in the garden, withstanding the turbulent rain and the punishing sunshine. I missed the bus, so I had no choice. It was obvious I had outgrown it. I swallowed my shame then ride to school.

 I knew what to expect as I cycled into the school premises: ogling juniors with a restrained laughter, gawking classmates jeering and cackling, puzzled teachers. I listened to none, riding with my head high, chest pushed out and confidence reassured. I parked it and marched down the hallway and to the class. 

 I stormed into the class and immediately wished I didn't. They all stared at me, without saying a word but demanding an explanation for the madness. I stared back stupid and short of words, my eyes spotted Ronald turning my stare into a frown. His tiny evil eyeballs gazed back at me looking pitiful but I was not going to fall for it this time around.

 "Why are you late Jimmy?" Mrs Sheldon's asked, stopping her explanation.

 "I um... I," I gulped my words and reframed them, "I woke up late," I stuttered, still frozen at the entrance.

 "Take your seat then," she said in a harsh tone.

I went to my seat glaring at Ronald with burning rage, then my eyes met with Miranda. She was the only thing standing in between Ronald and I. She must be mad at me as well.

 "Hi," I whispered into her ears, but she snubbed me pretending she didn't hear. I was convinced she is angry.

 I tilted my head forward looking at Ronald, but he didn't flinch.

 The class continued and I switched my attention to Mrs Sheldon. I looked out the window and I saw my bird friend perching at the window. LMrs Sheldon noticed I was no longer paying attention to her.

 "What are you doing Jimmy?" She paused with her explanation. The whole class have me their eyes, making me look stupid. I shifted my eyes to the window to see the bird gone.

I was left all alone to myself, again.

"Nothing," I said sheepishly.

 As Mrs Sheldon was about to resume her teaching, the school speaker sounded. It was a direct message from the principal's desk to the whole school.

 "- students of Meldow high, converge at the great Hall immediately -" 

 There were mumblings and hummings. The entire class turned to a busy market place, everyone asking themselves who is about to be tried. Ronald and I locked eyeballs, he gave me a shot bow and I did the same. We knew what would come next and we were not disappointed.

 "-Ronald Hart and Jimmy Pearson, report to the Dairy roomroom-" another direct message from the principal's desk to the whole school.

Every eye turned to us in shock as we strode the hall. And for the first time Miranda gave me her attention.

 We approached the Dairy room - where the members of the round table converge - amidst sneaking and peeking of teachers and students alike. Most of them, especially Mrs Sheldon, wasn't surprised Ronald would be in such a situation. I was the major cause of attraction. 

Why would I be called to the Dairy room?

We stopped at the entrance for the retina scan. We took one glance at each other without saying a word.

 "Student 1312 and Student 1313, you may now go in for your trial," Ellie the Dairy room's AI guard said.

 We wished each other luck as we prepared ourselves for what lies ahead of us.