Hell School

Chapter 12

  ...we were never who we thought...

We left the Dairy room differently from what we expected. We wasn't happy I got the same punishment as Ronald and seeing him with a smirk glued to his face. From the Dairy room we went to the great Hall. From trial to public embarrassment. It was time to announce our suspension to the whole school. 

 We made our entry from the stage, facing all the students. The anticipating voices quieted down as we stepped on the stage. My knees weakened, trembling in fear, facing so much crowd like this. This is worse than standing before the Round table. Ronald's confidence strengthened me, I gulped down my fear and look them in the eye. All I could see was heads of eager students and teachers, expecting to hear what my offence is.

 Amidst the staring audience, I was still able to spot Miranda sitting at the far back of a thousand seats hall. Our eyes met a few times, but her face was void of any expression akin to sympathy. After locking eyes for a while, she looked away, losing interest completely. She must still be upset about yesterday night. And I hated myself for risking such an important thing for someone who does not even appreciate it. 

 Ronald's, head high, smiled maliciously. While I saw a violent mob about to rip me apart limb to limb; he saw happy fans trying to get his autograph. His mole covered noise enlarged with his smile. Traitor.

 "-what have you done, Jimmy-" a blonde pudgy boy yelled from the audience. 

I stood frozen on the stage, awaiting Principal Damon's announcement. Suddenly, the whole audience, mostly juniors, echoed the question. I was I supposed to explain to the people who saw me as a role model that I did something I would vote an expulsion if any of them did such..

 "You heard them Jim," Ronald said looking at me with that malicious smile, "tell them what you did." Then he chuckled softly and evilly. 

I glared at him with utmost rage, wishing I could stick his head under my armpit and s***k him hard -- just a wish that will never come true. 

What I have done to make him despise me so much, I don't know.

 "Tell us, tell us." They echoed louder. The teachers were seated at the upper layer of the hall, looking down at me with disgust. 

 The speakerd screeched and Principal Damon's voice filled the hall. He was reporting from his office this time around, which was unusual of him.

 The entire audience looked around, noticing Principal Damon was not present in the hall.

  "Students of Meldow high," he addressed, "discipline is an important virtue in this great learning institution, therefore, we will not tolerate any form of decadence in the school."

 Now the moment they have all been waiting for - my offence. Their eyes widened expressly, their ears stretched, ready to catch any information floating in the air.

 "Jimmy Pearson and Ronald Hart violated one of the most important rule of the school," he went on, his voice tremored in the hall, "they breached the school's security database unauthorized and are hereby punished with an indefinite suspension given the privilege of attending the Hell week celebrate coming up in two weeks time. You may now return to your respective classes and be guided by the law." 

 Immediately, mumbled chatter filled the atmosphere. Most of them were shocked to see me in such light, but the deed has been done already.

 Everyone except Ronald and I returned to class. The suspension was with immediate effect. 

Ronald went to class with confidence, picked up his bag and left. While I crept in, covered in shame I picked up my bag and left as well.

 Ronald marched out of the school gate, and stood at the bus station. He does not bring his car to school.

I sprinted, leaving my bicycle behind, to meet him before he gets on the bus. Nothing was on my mind than questions, lots of them.

 "Hey what's with you?" I asked, trying to catch my breath. 

 "What do you mean?" He said with an unyielding face. I knew it was not going to be easy, challenging Ronald head to head. But I just had to let him know my mind.

 "You left me at the station yesterday and you..."

 "Oh that, sorry I forgot you were with me."

 I could not believe my ears. Forgot? That is the worst lie I have ever heard. How is that even possible.

 "It was obvious you did that on purpose."

 "You gonna hang out tonight?" He said, trying to evade my questions. He pretend like nothing happened, I just couldn't believe this from him. 

I walked out on him without response. I trusted him far too much than I was supposed to. 

 "You gonna walk out on me like that?" He yelled, "GO! You have never been of any help to me anyways."

 Without further thought, I turned back and charged at him heavily. I knocked him down with a punch, though weak but still caught him off guard. I continued hitting him in his face until my hand became sore.

 I pulled him by his collar, "I sacrificed everything for our friendship, everything!!" I hollered. 

 Passers-by could not interfere, they only watched and walked away.

I walked back home in anger, realizing what a fool I have been.

 When I got home, I saw my mother facing my father's picture on the wall. She touched it affectionately after five years. 

 "Why Jimmy? Why?" She whispered, as tears trickled down her face.

I became guilt stricken. I expected her regular sermons on how my father left us and married another woman - richer and older. How she took care of me and raised me to become a doctor material. How she worked multiple jobs just to make sure I lived comfortable. My eyes became wet by the mere thought of that, but she mentioned none of it at all. She held the frame tight to her chest, and sobbed helplessly. I shut the door behind me and cuddled her. She had always wanted to pull down that frame but I restricted her. Now, she won let go of it. She rested her head on my chest wetting me with her tears. 

 "I just wanted the best for you, Jimmy," she muffled into my chest, wailing uncontrollably. 

 At that moment, I knew the gravity of what I have done. I out everything on the line for Ronald. But not anymore, we were never what we thought, I would only move on.