Hello everyone- I'm very sorry that I haven't been posting story lately. I have been very busy with work and school and theatre. I barely have time for myself at night lately! Plus I had major writers block and wound up writing something very dramatic and unrealistic. So I had to rewrite two chapters.

Thank you for being so patient with me. I will try and write more, more quickly.

Enjoy!

VioletHorizon

Chapter 21

I found myself staring at the clock. It was final period and there had been no signs of Kevin or Eddy in any of the last few classes of the day. Even Nazz had asked where they had disappeared too when I went to gather my belongings from her. They couldn't possibly still be in the principal's office, could they?

The bell rang and kids began packing up their bags and moving quickly out of the classroom and out into the hall. I felt as if I was in a daze. Everything was in slow motion, blurry, and felt unreal. Could this really be happening? Hadn't Kevin and I just had this conversation about wanting to not get into fights; wanting to keep a clean record; wanting to have no abstractions from getting a scholarship to a good college?

I slid the strap of my bag onto my shoulder and made my way out into the hall with everyone else. I could briefly hear laughing and talking as I made my way to my locker. It didn't take long for jocks to make their way to me and slam their fists into the lockers beside mine to cause me to jump. But with the daze I was in, I didn't even flinch.

They seemed aggravated by this and got closer. I could somewhat make out that they wanted to know what had happened to their captain; what had I done. One of them leaned over me, his arm still resting on the lockers, and asked if I had put Eddy up to getting into an argument with Kevin in order to get into trouble.

It caused my stomach to churn. There was no way I would want something like that to happen. Why would I want either of them to get into trouble? I understand that Eddy was being stubborn when it came to Kevin and to me, but that was no reason to get either of them in trouble with the principal. Who knows what kind of punishment she decided upon?

"Excuse me, gentleman," a voice broke the daze I seemed to find myself in and I turned to see a tall woman standing behind me. "Are you bothering Mr. Benson?"

"O-of course not, Mrs. Lancaster," one of the jocks on my right said. "We were just saying hi."

"How kind of you." Her tone of voice gave off an 'I don't believe you' sound. The boys looked away from her as she motioned to me. "Come with me, Mr. Benson."

I closed my locker after grabbing one more book and followed after her down the hall. "Mrs. Lancaster?"

"We had quite a long conversation after you left. Seems you can be quite popular."

I rolled my eyes, "not in that way, no. I seem to draw unwanted attention all the time. Like those jocks just a moment ago."

She chuckled softly, "I understand high school can be difficult. I remember it quite well. But, I also remember it was one of the best times of my life. Spending time with friends out at lunch or in after school activities. You aren't a part of after school activities, are you Mr. Benson?"

"No, ma'am."

"Have you thought about trying the Football Team?"

I laughed a bit, "Please don't joke, Mrs. Lancaster. That's Kevin's range of expertise. I don't belong there. I'm more of the chess club personality and physique."

"I'm serious, Mr. Benson." We stopped just in front of the doors that let out to the front of the school. "Extracurricular is just as important as regular classes. It looks good on scholarships and applications. As I was saying before, we had a long conversation about you after you left. One of the things that came up was how the jocks always seem to be bothering you. Something I must apologize for. I did not notice it was that kind of attention they were giving. We do not tolerate bullying at this school. It was actually Mr. Johnson who mumbled under his breath to have you join the football team."

"What?" I was rather loud, and I know it. But how else was I supposed to react to hearing something like that. "Eddy did?"

"Something along the lines of 'I wonder if they would tease him as much if he was a part of the team'. I don't think he meant for it to be heard. But both Mr. Dames and myself stared at him in disbelief. Mr. Dames looked at me and protested, saying that would only cause for more chances for them to mistreat you."

"I have to agree with him there," I sighed. "Brains and brawns don't really get along when forced into certain situations. And to be in the locker rooms with them where there is barely supervision? I don't think I would be able to do it. And the moment I stepped onto the field I would be crushed!"

"I agree," she said. "So I suggested something else."

I tilted my head and looked at her, "Something else?"

"Yes. I suggested that you join the Home-Economics club."

"Home-ec? But isn't it too late to join a club?"

"It's never too late to join an after school club, Mr. Benson. Especially one that could help you in the long run. As of right now, they are just starting their cooking portion of the program. Why don't you give it a try, at least for a couple of weeks to see if you like it? And if not, you don't have to officially join the club. But this way it will give you something to do after school."

"All right. I guess there is no harm in trying."

"That's the spirit." A bright smile crossed her face as she looked at me. "I think Mr. Dames would feel better, too. Knowing he didn't have to worry about you going home all alone. Something else we talked about."

"Ah, that reminds me. Their punishment?"

"You were very persuasive about Kevin and his scholarship chances. I know that I would not want to be the one responsible for the failure of my student's futures. So, as of right now, both have temporary leave from school. It will not go on their records, but they will not be allowed on campus for the next few weeks. This does not, however, mean that I have any control over how they will behave at home."

"I understand, Mrs. Lancaster."

"I told them you will keep me posted. If I hear they are still fighting, the punishment weeks will extend."

I chuckled, "I'm sure they will listen to that as best as they can."

"You are very lucky, Mr. Benson."

"Why?"

She looked down at me and smiled, "to have such good friends who both care dearly for you. I can tell they love you very much."

I sighed and looked out the glass panel in the door. "That's the problem."

"Have you decided?"

I jumped and looked up at her. "Decided?"

"What is the best path for you, Mr. Benson?"

With those last few words she turned on her heels and started down the hall and back towards her office. I watched her walk in a door on the left side of the building. It was quiet except the few mumbles that came from couple of people who still remained in the hall.

I turned and made my way out the front door. I walked down the steps and stood at the bottom. It was definitely quiet out here. The wind blew and I looked in the direction it pushed me towards; home. That's where Kevin was, right?

I wanted to see him.

Kevin.