Shout Outs:

My shout outs to one and all HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Yep, hope they're well spent. My present to ya all... this chapter! Cheap present, I know.

*12*

"I want an explanation," Medda demanded as she paced back and forth in front of us. "An explanation, not excuses." Polecat shrugged as few others glanced at her.

Guilt began to poke me in the stomach. It was my task to do everything on that list, my task. Now I'd gone and involved nearly ten others. Everyone is getting in trouble because of me.

Well, not entirely because of me. It was Pie Eater who sought out Ruin and they are the ones who were initially caught. It was Dutchy's idea to go up to the girls dorm and have them strip naked. Which didn't even work out how it was suppose to, I ended up with Skylar's bra, not Chance's. But I did get a bra, so I guess it doesn't really matter what girl it came from.

Also, Skittery was the one who decided to play the music at a level bound the draw attention. Although we could of probably gotten away scott-free if it hadn't been for Pie Eater. So it's not entirely my fault we're all facing down the intimidating stare of Medda. All I wanted was a bra.

"I needed a bra."

Medda's gaze swept over to me, "A what?"

"A bra."

"For what?"

I saw Dutchy from the corner of my eye, he was shaking his head very slowly. Hoping I got the silent signal right, I shrugged. "To wear."

Even with the trouble we were in, half the group snickered. Medda narrowed her eyes at me, "You want to do what?"

Right now I hate Jack Kelly. I can just imagine him laughing once word of this night travels to him-- which'll probably happen by morning. I hate him, sweet, sexy mouth or not. That mouth that's I'd to kiss as much as punch. Jack's gonna get his, one way or another.

"I wanted to wear a bra."

"But... David, may I ask why?"

God, I don't even know why. "I miss my mother, it makes me fell closer to her." Thank God for the Jerry Springer show.

"This... have you discussed this with Denton?"

"No, I don't like to talk about it."

"We're scheduling an appointment for first thing in the morning. But this takes none of you off the hook. Boys do not belong in the girls dormitories, ever."

"Yes, Ms. Larkson," everyone chorused.

"No one is to be out of their dorms after curfew."

"Yes, Ms. Larskson," I joined in this time.

"We do not play party music at midnight and strip off our clothes."

"Yes, Ms. Larkson," I noticed Chance didn't say a word that time.

"And we especially don't do what I caught you two attempting," she pointed an accusing finger ant Pie and Ruin.

He grinned but nodded, Ruin flipped Medda off as soon as her gaze shifted to the rest of us. "We have rules to follow here," she lectured. "Why do you think your parents sent you? As a last chance shot, that's why. You've all three strikes, you're already out. If you don't make it here, jail and worst off places are all that's left. Do you even know how lucky you are to be here?"

"We know, Ms. Larkson."

"You all will have extra sessions with Denton each week." Everyone groaned in protest. "Detention, after last period, in my class for the next two weeks. You have to write one another apology letters." A few of the girls scoffed.

"Why should I apologize," Tiger mumbled. "Wasn't my idea for a strip party, I only watched."

"I wanted the letters my Friday morning, everyone's," Medda directed a stern look towards the small red head. "If I approve of them, you'll hand them out to each other at the end of the school day."

I sighed a little breath of relief. This punishment wasn't as bad as I had expected it to be. Actually, I think Medda's going pretty easy one us.

"And this is your final chance, for all of her," he tome went from highly upset to sad and calm. "If any of you are caught out of line one more time, that's it. If you smoke, if you cut class, if you miss an assignment or let you're grades drop. Anything," she slowly met each of us with direct eye contact. "Anything at all, and you will be expelled promptly and permanently ."

Everyone's eyes remained downcast, I noticed as I dared to sneak a peek at anyone else's reaction. I think Skylar might of been wiping away tears, not rubbing her like she tried to make it look. Dutchy even sniffled, but his head was too fast down for me to see any tears. This threat... not even threat, this assurance of removal from the only place we had left before we really fucked up our lives. This very last chance, I think is what scared us most.

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Kinda short, I know. But I promise to try and make the next chapter longer.

Disclaimer: Misprint (who will be coming up in the next chapter or so) is owned by Misprint.

Lookit what my muses got me for Christmas *hold up a real live Legolas*. Ain't they so sweet?

Oh, this story also now has a hundred reviews. Actually it's 102. Sooo... *tosses confetti and hands out punch* we celebrate! And if I remembered to do my calculations right, Smartass was the 100th reviewer. *hands over Golden Pie award* Sorry, these are all the prizes I got. Unless ya wanna borrow my Legolas... but ya gotta return him! And his handcuffs stay with me, Pie can use them.