A/N: I do not own any of these characters – they belong to the creators of 'Dangerous Minds'. This fic is dedicated to the memory of Wade Dominguez, who played Emilio Ramirez and was awesome in the film. R.I.P. Wade.
Do Not Go Gentle…
01
"You asked me once how I was going to save you from your life. This is it, this moment."
Louanne's words rang in his head as Emilio Ramirez crossed the street and headed into the school. Why he was taking his teacher's advice was beyond him, but something…something was right about it. Did he want to die? Hell no, and following the advice of his teacher held better alternatives than dying. He walked through the halls, aware that his fellow students were watching him, wondering why on earth he was at school early, but for once he ignored their stares as he had something much more important to do.
It is not unusual, when one is desperate, to find oneself doing something that would never usually be an option. Such was the case with Emilio, and he stopped for a moment when he reached the principal's office, wondering if he was making the right decision. Sometimes, one's pride will stop one from doing the right thing, but luckily, Emilio didn't fall into this category today. He entered the principal's office, a place that was not unknown territory.
"Mr Grandey…" he began, but was interrupted by the principal.
"Go away Mr Ramirez," he said softly, not even glancing up from the paperwork on his desk. Emilio's jaw dropped in disbelief.
"Excuse me?" he said, and this time Mr Grandey did look up.
"At this school, Mr Ramirez, people knock before entering my office. It is called common courtesy, something that will be useful for you to learn if you wish to succeed in the outside world. So, with that in mind, please leave my office and don't return until you have learned some common courtesy," Mr Grandey finished, in a slightly patronising tone. Emilio stood, unsure of what to do. On one hand, he could flip this guy the finger, leave and follow his original plan, or on the other hand, he could stick around and take Louanne's advice.
"But Mr Grandey…" he began again, but the principal held up his hand.
"Not until you learn some courtesy," he replied quietly as he got up and moved towards the door. "Goodbye Mr Ramirez," the principal said, and shut the door to his office in Emilio's face. Emilio stared at the door, his expression bemused and angry at the same time, before he turned and stalked out of the office.