Getting near the end!

Clare had never been more frightened in her life. Never before had she sat in the principle's office for anything other than praise. Mr. Simpson would surely call her parents. Not even her imagination could dream up the look of disappointment that was sure to be on her mother's face. Clare could just imagine the words that would come out of her mouth, "You're turning out like Darcy."

What had she been thinking? Sydney wasn't worth all this. Clare looked up and saw her reflection in a nearby window. There were three long scratch marks on her cheek that had been leaking blood.

"Okay, Clare. Come on in," Mr. Simpson walked out of his office stood next to Clare.

"Yes, sir."

Slowly she stood, not wanting to do anything except sink into the floor and never be heard from again. Walking into Mr. Simpson's office and seeing Sydney Smith sitting there with a tissue pressed against her bleeding nose held nothing but guilt and a slight area of twisted satisfaction. It was the strangest feeling.

Clare sat down in the chair next to Sydney. Next to the girl who had taken her boyfriend right from under her nose. A new hatred suddenly flared within her and her nostrils flared.

"Now, why don't you two tell me what happened, calmly please," Mr. Simpson emphasized the word "calmly."

It was silent for a moment. Clare was afraid that if she opened her mouth she would start screaming obscenities at Sydney again. But she wasn't even given a chance, for Sydney spoke first.

"I wasn't doing anything wrong, Mr. Simpson, I was just trying to be her friend!"

"That's a lie and you know it!" Clare interceded.

Mr. Simpson turned to look at her, "Clare, don't interrupt. You'll get your chance," he paused. "Continue Sydney."

Sydney glared at Clare before speaking again, "As I was saying. I was just trying to get to class when I bumped into Clare. We had experienced a tad bit of drama recently so I thought it would be nice to apologize for my previous actions. I said that I wanted to be her friend," Sydney paused and gulped loudly as if trying to hold back tears. "And then, she just threw herself at me! I was just using self defense. And I would like to apologize for the way that I acted and the words that I said. It was very disrespectful and I wish that I had just avoided Clare. I didn't realize that she held so much anger," she finished boldly.

Clare couldn't believe her ears. These words coming from Sydney's mouth were ridiculous. She was manipulating the situation.

"Mr. Simpson," Clare started, "That is not what happen."

"Oh? Let's hear what you have to say Clare."

Clare looked at Sydney, hate in her eyes. She could have sworn that she saw Sydney wink at her in a way that said, "I got you, don't even try."

"Well, I was walking to my next class when I ran into Sydney in the hallway," Clare cleared her throat, her voice shook. Why was she so nervous? Probably because you threw the first punch. You know you're guilty, she thought. There was no hope for her. There was no point in fighting this. Clare was at fault. She started the fight. Clare took a deep breath and looked at the floor.

"I'm sorry, sir. It's my fault. I started the fight."

It was silent for a moment. Clare dared to take a glance at Sydney and saw that she had a small, slightly visible look of victory upon her face.

She knew, Clare thought. Sydney knew that she would give in. That there would be no possible way that Clare would be without guilt.

"Okay," Mr. Simpson started, breathing heavily, "Thank you Clare for your honesty, but of course you know I'm going to have to punish you."

Clare looked at the floor, "Yes sir."

"And you as well Sydney."

Sydney looked up and a look of absolute innocence overcame her face. "Oh of course Mr. Simpson."

"I'll notify your parents of your punishments and I think it will be best if you both go home early today."

They both nodded and left the office. What was Clare going to do? She was just suspended for the rest of the day, possibly more. There was no way she would be able to go home. She couldn't face her parents when they found out the awful truth. And maybe she was being a bit dramatic, but her parents excepted so much from her. She just couldn't bare to let them down.

There was a snigger from behind.

"Good one, Edwards," said Sydney. "You know, I actually thought you were going to stand up for yourself for a second there, but you had me fooled."

Clare turned around looked at her.

"What?" she said.

There was a pause before Syndey spoke. "When I first came to this school, I admired you. I heard a lot about how you were this strong independent woman who fought for what she believed in. But I guess that was a false rumor, cause so far you've just stepped aside and let me take everything from you." Sydney smirked and looked at Clare dead in the eye.

"Wait, you messed around with Eli to see if I would stand up for myself?" Clare asked.

"Honey please, don't flatter yourself. I messed around with Eli because he's my type of guy and I wanted him. I was just a little disappointed by the fight, or lack of fight I mean, in my process of getting him. I thought it would be a little more exciting."

Clare's mind did somersaults. Was she crazy?

"You were disappointed that I didn't fight for Eli?" Clare whispered.

"At least it would have made the chase a little more interesting. But I guess you don't love him like everyone says you do," Sydney narrowed her eyes. "Even today when you threw that punch at me. I'm not sure if you were fighting for Eli or if you were just pissed that I got what you didn't have the balls to hold onto."

Clare opened her mouth and quickly closed it, groping for words. She was at a loss of what to say. There was nothing that she could say. Sydney walked and passed by Clare, practically sniggering at the dumbstruck look etched across her face.

"Oh and one more thing," Sydney said turning to look at Clare, "Your boyfriend, or ex boyfriend I guess I should say, he's pretty damn good in bed."

And with a single wink and a whip of her hair, she left through the front doors.

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