It was a busy Monday, the first day of school in fact, and children were quickly running from all over the playground of 3rd Street School to see the toughest kid in school "going at it" again. Her current victim, a first grader who had just moved to Third Street, and had called her an unforgivable name…
"Take it back!"
She had him pressed against the wall, and her fists were almost already in his face. He looked absolutely terrified.
"But..but.." He stammered.
She clenched her fists tighter, until her knuckles shone white.
"You have three seconds…"
He opened his mouth to say something.
"One…."
His jaw clenched as he snapped it shut. He was trembling noticeably, to all the observers' delight.
"Two…"
Finally he sunk down on his knees, looking defeated. She glared at him expectantly.
"Ok, Ok…"
She tapped her foot Impatiently.
"You're not a girl." Then he snickered into his palm, which had become sweaty. "You're a GUY!"
"That's it you little worm! I'm gonna…."
"Spinelli!"
11 year old Spinelli released the boy, who ran away quickly. She wasn't sure if it was because he was scared of her, or the giant bulk standing behind her. She turned and tried to put on the most innocent face she could muster, which made her look like she had indigestion.
"Yes Mrs. Finster?"
Mrs. Finster put one hand on Spinelli's shoulder and positioned her so she faced the Principal's office. "That's the third time this week young lady!"
Spinelli winced at being called a "young lady," "But Mrs. Finster! It's only Monday!"
Mrs. Finster steered her over to the school doors and escorted her to Mr. Prickly's office. "That's exactly my point. I'm afraid you'll have to pay Mr. Prickly a visit." With that she was pushed into his office, only to find him playing with his yo-yo.
He quickly put it away, trying to look as casual as possible. Folding his hands together and placing them on top of a large stack of papers he began, "Take a seat Spinelli, this may take a while."
Spinelli gulped, that was never a good sign. The bell rang, calling the students back into their classrooms. She rose to get to her class but the principal held up his hands.
"You're not going any where Spinelli. We have a few things to discuss. I'm afraid you're fighting has gotten out of hand, way out of hand. Now what do you suggest we do about it?"
Spinelli shrugged, then smiled sweetly. "Make sure that the kids know to stay out of my way?'
Mr. Prickly gave an exaggerated sigh, "Spinelli, what are we going to do with you? Your behavior will have to stop; one of kid in juvenile hall could ruin my chances of getting that middle school job… I mean, it could ruin your future."
Spinelli nodded and tried to look interested. In truth, this was all going in one ear and out the other. She tried to remember how many times she had been given this same lecture, but gave up after 17. She hadn't noticed he had finished until she heard him say, "Well, what do you think?"
She snapped back into reality, "Um," she bit her lip, "Could you repeat the question?"
He gave her a sad sigh and waved her ahead. She jumped up and ran out the door like her pants were on fire. Principal Prickly's shoulders sagged as he paged Mrs. Lemon.
"This is her," came an old voice over the intercom.
Looking at the door where Spinelli had vanished behind moments ago he shook his head, a frown playing on his lips.
"Mrs. Lemon? Get me Luitenint Skinner on the line please."
3 Days Later…
"Spinelli I'm disappointed in you, I thought our little chats were working." Principal Prickly shook his head sadly. She had been called into his office for fighting again, only this time she had taken out 3 third graders.
Spinelli was grinning from ear to ear, a rare occurrence. Nothing could hold her joy, not even another lecture from Prickly. "I'm sorry sir," she said. "They are working very well, but apparently the other kids just aren't getting the message." Another grin.
Prickly wondered what on earth could make a girl so happy, it certainly wasn't from her fight, she had received a black eye and a twisted ankle.
Though, she had fared better then the boys. "Tell me Spinelli, what joy could you possibly get from causing pain to others?"
Spinelli shrugged thoughtfully, she was actually considering the question. This fight had only been a pain in the butt; she had other reasons for being happy. She had just stink bombed the Ashley's, setting it so that the moment they turned on their T.V, they would be bombed with skunk spray. She could practically hear the screams now.
The principal inhaled deeply, making Spinelli focus back on him, "One more step out of line, and you'll be sent to juvenile hall."
Spinelli stood up abruptly. "What? How could this…? I mean… WHAT?"
The principal glared at her, "I warned you that this would happen," he ignored Spinelli's grunt, "and you'll just have to handle the consequences. You're dismissed."
Spinelli walked numbly out the door. Juvenile detention? Her brother had been sent there, it nearly made him go insane. Maybe it DID make him go insane, he had acted so perfect once he go out, then he had just, "snapped, and had run away, saying the pressure was too much. She still had no idea what was going through his mind, but she knew she wasn't going to let it happen to her.
She was just passing the Science Lab when she paused to look in. The teacher was showing them how to dissect frogs properly, the one thing Spinelli was looking forward to next year.
"Ow!"
Spinelli clutched her ear and tried to ignore the ringing of the fire bell that she was standing next to. 'That's funny, I didn't know there was going to be a drill today. Usually Mrs. Grotkey tells us…'
She looked into the window again; the students inside made no move to get up. Suddenly Mrs. Lemon's too familiar voice rang out over the intercom...
"Students and Teachers, please exacuate the school immediately. This is NOT a drill. I repeat, this is NOT a drill."
That got a reaction from the students. The girls ran to their cubbies to get their jackets and bags, while the boys ran to rescue their comic books and sports balls.
Spinelli was about to push open the doors leading to the playground when Mrs. Lemon continued, "Ashley Spinelli. Report to the flag pole at once."
Spinelli wondered what they could possibly want from her, but she followed orders. The rest of the school was already gathered into their units. She could feel their stares as she slowly made her way to the too high flagpole. She didn't blame them, what could she have to do with a fire?
When she finally made it over, two burly guards in black suits each put a hand on her shoulder, preventing her from moving. She spotted her backpack on the ground in front of Prickly. She reached out to grab it, the grips on her shoulders tightened. She took the hint and stopped struggling.
"Students and teachers, it is my great unfortunate to reveal to you what has happened. At precisely 1:22 p.m. Ashley Spinelli was released from my office. At 1:30pm. She had not made it back to her classroom. At 1:36pm. A pipe bomb exploded in the girl's bathroom. She had still not made an appearance in her classroom." Prickly turned to Spinelli, who was looking quite shocked. "Ashley, do we have permission to search your backpack?"
Spinelli shrugged. Why not? It's not like she was hiding something. SHE wasn't the one who had bombed the place. So you could imagine her, and everyone else's, surprise when the principal pulled out all the materials needed to make a crude pipe bomb. "What have you got to say for yourself?!"
Spinelli choked back on the expected, 'it wasn't me.' She fought to keep a straight face, "I was framed."
One of the guard's faces contorted up in fury and she received a hard blow to the back of her head. She fought the impulse to throw her hand up and clutch her burning head, even though she could feel blood beginning to drip onto her shirt. Instead she bit her lip and ducked her head. "I will not tolerate liars!" he sneered, and "accidentally" elbowed he wound.
"That's enough!"
Spinelli looked over to see Super Intendent Skinner walking over, smiling. "You can wait until we get to Juvi hall can't you?"
Spinelli glared at him. He walked past the angry principal, pretending not to hear his whispers of, "Child Abuser," and "Job Stealer."
The superintendent cupped Spinelli's chin in his hand and gave her a once over. "She'll survive. Take her away boys!"
He waved his hand and the two guards dragged her to the police car, then ruffly threw her in. Spinelli looked out the window, trying to get one last look at her friends. She wasn't disappointed.
They were all huddled in a corner, each of their expressions different. Gus's was one of awe, Gretchens's of fear, Mickey's of confusion, Vince's held understanding, and T.J's… Spinelli would never forget it. His look of ultimate disappointment would haunt her forever. She ducked her head and let the tears flow. And they took her away…
"Take it back!"
She had him pressed against the wall, and her fists were almost already in his face. He looked absolutely terrified.
"But..but.." He stammered.
She clenched her fists tighter, until her knuckles shone white.
"You have three seconds…"
He opened his mouth to say something.
"One…."
His jaw clenched as he snapped it shut. He was trembling noticeably, to all the observers' delight.
"Two…"
Finally he sunk down on his knees, looking defeated. She glared at him expectantly.
"Ok, Ok…"
She tapped her foot Impatiently.
"You're not a girl." Then he snickered into his palm, which had become sweaty. "You're a GUY!"
"That's it you little worm! I'm gonna…."
"Spinelli!"
11 year old Spinelli released the boy, who ran away quickly. She wasn't sure if it was because he was scared of her, or the giant bulk standing behind her. She turned and tried to put on the most innocent face she could muster, which made her look like she had indigestion.
"Yes Mrs. Finster?"
Mrs. Finster put one hand on Spinelli's shoulder and positioned her so she faced the Principal's office. "That's the third time this week young lady!"
Spinelli winced at being called a "young lady," "But Mrs. Finster! It's only Monday!"
Mrs. Finster steered her over to the school doors and escorted her to Mr. Prickly's office. "That's exactly my point. I'm afraid you'll have to pay Mr. Prickly a visit." With that she was pushed into his office, only to find him playing with his yo-yo.
He quickly put it away, trying to look as casual as possible. Folding his hands together and placing them on top of a large stack of papers he began, "Take a seat Spinelli, this may take a while."
Spinelli gulped, that was never a good sign. The bell rang, calling the students back into their classrooms. She rose to get to her class but the principal held up his hands.
"You're not going any where Spinelli. We have a few things to discuss. I'm afraid you're fighting has gotten out of hand, way out of hand. Now what do you suggest we do about it?"
Spinelli shrugged, then smiled sweetly. "Make sure that the kids know to stay out of my way?'
Mr. Prickly gave an exaggerated sigh, "Spinelli, what are we going to do with you? Your behavior will have to stop; one of kid in juvenile hall could ruin my chances of getting that middle school job… I mean, it could ruin your future."
Spinelli nodded and tried to look interested. In truth, this was all going in one ear and out the other. She tried to remember how many times she had been given this same lecture, but gave up after 17. She hadn't noticed he had finished until she heard him say, "Well, what do you think?"
She snapped back into reality, "Um," she bit her lip, "Could you repeat the question?"
He gave her a sad sigh and waved her ahead. She jumped up and ran out the door like her pants were on fire. Principal Prickly's shoulders sagged as he paged Mrs. Lemon.
"This is her," came an old voice over the intercom.
Looking at the door where Spinelli had vanished behind moments ago he shook his head, a frown playing on his lips.
"Mrs. Lemon? Get me Luitenint Skinner on the line please."
3 Days Later…
"Spinelli I'm disappointed in you, I thought our little chats were working." Principal Prickly shook his head sadly. She had been called into his office for fighting again, only this time she had taken out 3 third graders.
Spinelli was grinning from ear to ear, a rare occurrence. Nothing could hold her joy, not even another lecture from Prickly. "I'm sorry sir," she said. "They are working very well, but apparently the other kids just aren't getting the message." Another grin.
Prickly wondered what on earth could make a girl so happy, it certainly wasn't from her fight, she had received a black eye and a twisted ankle.
Though, she had fared better then the boys. "Tell me Spinelli, what joy could you possibly get from causing pain to others?"
Spinelli shrugged thoughtfully, she was actually considering the question. This fight had only been a pain in the butt; she had other reasons for being happy. She had just stink bombed the Ashley's, setting it so that the moment they turned on their T.V, they would be bombed with skunk spray. She could practically hear the screams now.
The principal inhaled deeply, making Spinelli focus back on him, "One more step out of line, and you'll be sent to juvenile hall."
Spinelli stood up abruptly. "What? How could this…? I mean… WHAT?"
The principal glared at her, "I warned you that this would happen," he ignored Spinelli's grunt, "and you'll just have to handle the consequences. You're dismissed."
Spinelli walked numbly out the door. Juvenile detention? Her brother had been sent there, it nearly made him go insane. Maybe it DID make him go insane, he had acted so perfect once he go out, then he had just, "snapped, and had run away, saying the pressure was too much. She still had no idea what was going through his mind, but she knew she wasn't going to let it happen to her.
She was just passing the Science Lab when she paused to look in. The teacher was showing them how to dissect frogs properly, the one thing Spinelli was looking forward to next year.
"Ow!"
Spinelli clutched her ear and tried to ignore the ringing of the fire bell that she was standing next to. 'That's funny, I didn't know there was going to be a drill today. Usually Mrs. Grotkey tells us…'
She looked into the window again; the students inside made no move to get up. Suddenly Mrs. Lemon's too familiar voice rang out over the intercom...
"Students and Teachers, please exacuate the school immediately. This is NOT a drill. I repeat, this is NOT a drill."
That got a reaction from the students. The girls ran to their cubbies to get their jackets and bags, while the boys ran to rescue their comic books and sports balls.
Spinelli was about to push open the doors leading to the playground when Mrs. Lemon continued, "Ashley Spinelli. Report to the flag pole at once."
Spinelli wondered what they could possibly want from her, but she followed orders. The rest of the school was already gathered into their units. She could feel their stares as she slowly made her way to the too high flagpole. She didn't blame them, what could she have to do with a fire?
When she finally made it over, two burly guards in black suits each put a hand on her shoulder, preventing her from moving. She spotted her backpack on the ground in front of Prickly. She reached out to grab it, the grips on her shoulders tightened. She took the hint and stopped struggling.
"Students and teachers, it is my great unfortunate to reveal to you what has happened. At precisely 1:22 p.m. Ashley Spinelli was released from my office. At 1:30pm. She had not made it back to her classroom. At 1:36pm. A pipe bomb exploded in the girl's bathroom. She had still not made an appearance in her classroom." Prickly turned to Spinelli, who was looking quite shocked. "Ashley, do we have permission to search your backpack?"
Spinelli shrugged. Why not? It's not like she was hiding something. SHE wasn't the one who had bombed the place. So you could imagine her, and everyone else's, surprise when the principal pulled out all the materials needed to make a crude pipe bomb. "What have you got to say for yourself?!"
Spinelli choked back on the expected, 'it wasn't me.' She fought to keep a straight face, "I was framed."
One of the guard's faces contorted up in fury and she received a hard blow to the back of her head. She fought the impulse to throw her hand up and clutch her burning head, even though she could feel blood beginning to drip onto her shirt. Instead she bit her lip and ducked her head. "I will not tolerate liars!" he sneered, and "accidentally" elbowed he wound.
"That's enough!"
Spinelli looked over to see Super Intendent Skinner walking over, smiling. "You can wait until we get to Juvi hall can't you?"
Spinelli glared at him. He walked past the angry principal, pretending not to hear his whispers of, "Child Abuser," and "Job Stealer."
The superintendent cupped Spinelli's chin in his hand and gave her a once over. "She'll survive. Take her away boys!"
He waved his hand and the two guards dragged her to the police car, then ruffly threw her in. Spinelli looked out the window, trying to get one last look at her friends. She wasn't disappointed.
They were all huddled in a corner, each of their expressions different. Gus's was one of awe, Gretchens's of fear, Mickey's of confusion, Vince's held understanding, and T.J's… Spinelli would never forget it. His look of ultimate disappointment would haunt her forever. She ducked her head and let the tears flow. And they took her away…