Taking charge D-51

Chapter five

Walking through the school gate felt surreal and different this time. Walking past the students, I was very aware of the stares and whispers that followed me. This was nothing new to me of course, everywhere I went always solicited this reaction….. but was it my imagination or were the stares and whispers even more glaringly obvious today.

Ignoring the curious glances, I made my way towards the school building with determination in my stride. This was my last chance at redemption and nothing would deter me.

As I walked through the vast hallway, my path was suddenly blocked by a six feet giant pound of flesh and muscle. Of course it was Dylan, no one else dared to block my path like that

“What are you doing?” I asked irritated

“No what are you doing here? I was told you were supposed to be in bed resting”

“You spoke to my mum?” I ask curious

“Of course, I was worried sick about you. I wanted to come over but your mum was adamant about you resting, I knew you were going to get in trouble one day stressing your body out like that” he responds with genuine concern plastered on his face. It was weird but knowing someone was actually worried about me eased my tension from earlier.

No, I couldn’t be weak now

“Get out of my way Dylan, now is not the time” I dismiss him, regaining my composure from earlier. He is quiet so I push past him without saying anything else. I had a mission and I couldn’t afford any type of distraction.

I hurried towards the principals office, my heart pounding with anticipation. But as soon as I got to her office, I was informed by the receptionist that I could not see her because she was busy

Bullshit

It was now or never and I needed to take advantage of my chances, no matter the consequences attached to it. Determined to not be dismissed, I push my way past, finally entering the office

The principal looked up from her desk, annoyance evident in her face as she looked around to understand the situation. Looking past me to the receptionist who was still trying to drag me out. She shook her head and took a deep breath

“It’s fine miss Han, I’ll take it from here” she says adjusting her glasses. Miss Han stares at me annoyed before walking out the office and shutting the door behind her

“What do you want Miss Vivian, I don’t have time for this”

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. “I need to talk to you”

“Clearly” she responds

“I have worked harder than anyone else to get my spot at the WMP, studying till I fell Ill, sucking up to you and everyone else that would get my name on that list” I start and notice that I gain her attention “I don’t think it’s fair for me to lose this opportunity because of an illness which I cannot control. All I need is just another chance to take the test, we both know there’s no one better to represent charlotte in the WMP than me” I add hopping she sees reason

“Are you sure about that?” She scoffs “Miss Vivian, you know the rules, you had one chance and you lost it. I find it inappropriate for you to barge in my office like this and do this”

“You’re not listening to me”

“No, you’re the one not listening to me. This discussion is over Miss park. Have a nice day” she says as she gestured towards the door

“Don’t you still need my parents support if you plan to be promoted to the director of studies this year. I can make that happen”

“Are you trying to bribe me?”

“Is that what it sounded like? I was just proposing a mutually beneficial deal. You scratch my back and I scratch yours”

“Get out of my office” she screams looking at me. probably appalled by my boldness. I should have known that this wasn’t going to work, she was still set in her boomer ways, which is why despite being the most diligent, she was still stuck being a flimsy principal. She had no zeal for success like me, it didn’t matter whose toes I had to step on, so long as it got me my way, I could live with it.

“Fine, have it your way” If she wasn’t going to give in, then I could just try someone higher than her

“If you’re thinking of going to someone higher than me, then don’t bother. The decision was made by the board of directors. You forfeit your right to the WMP in exchange for covering up your drug issue”

“Drug issue?” My heart stopped at her words, confusion washing over me “what are you talking about?” I ask trying to make sense of the situation

The principals expression softened slightly as she realized her slip of tongue “Did your parents not mention? I figured they would have since they suggested the terms” My parents knew about this?

“I still don’t understand, what drugs are you talking about?” I ask clearly still confused

“The one that was found in your system when you were rushed to the hospital, seriously miss Vivian I know teenagers like to act out but taking dangerous drugs like D-51, I thought you were smarter than that”

A surge of anger and disbelief coursed through me as it all made sense now. D-51 was a strong narcotic that caused an uproar when it was initially released few years ago, it was quickly banned by the government after too many teenagers were dying of a D-51 overdose, it was basically impossible to get now and there was only one person I knew who had access to stuff like that.

The memory flashed through my mind almost immediately, Shirley, wishing me luck and mentioning something about staying awake during the test. Suddenly it all clicked in place. Her words of encouragement were not innocent but a malicious ploy to ruin my chances.

Blinded by rage, I struggled to contain my emotions, how could she sabotage my chances like this? What did I ever do to her? The unfairness of it all consumed me and all I saw was red as I made my way down the hall and straight to Shirley’s classroom.

She was going to learn today, that actions have consequences……..