Author's Note: Wow, I can't believe it has been so long since I updated. I am so sorry. I know exactly which direction this story is going with and I will definitely be taking it there in a quicker period of time from now on. The next chapter will be up very soon as it is half-written. Sorry that this chapter is not very significant. Thank you to all of my reviewers—I love you and appreciate you very much.
Ryan was all too happy to have a plausible excuse to leave the benefit, but he didn't share it with Marissa. The fact that Elle had even left to attend the dance upset Marissa, so Ryan knew it would only spoil her night to know that Ms. Kim had demanded Ryan's presence at the Harbor school immediately.
As soon as he got the call on his cell phone, Ryan jumped behind the wheel of his new Ferrari and sped off to go rescue another damsel in distress.
The said damsel was curled into an armchair outside Ms. Kim's office. She waited nervously for Ms. Kim to finish talking to Jake. Her friends were all on the brink of tears and didn't dare to look each other in the eye.
Ryan Atwood was the first parent to arrive. Always the doting dad, he rushed over to his only child and wrapped her in his arms.
Elle started to sob into his shoulder. Her tears rushed onto his tuxedo jacket but she knew he wouldn't care. Ryan hated tuxedos and everything that went along with them.
"What happened baby?"
"M-ms. Kim didn't tell you?"
"No, she just said I had to get over here." Now the headmaster of Harbor, Ms. Kim was even tougher than she had been during her days as the dean. The sound of her voice still frightened Ryan to his core.
"Well, I…I just…and then Jake…he didn't mean to, Daddy…he's a good guy!"
"Huh?" Ryan pulled away and held his daughter at arms length. She avoided his gaze. "Elle? What happened? Talk to me, kiddo."
"Like you ever talk to me," she muttered resentfully.
"Elle." Ryan's tone was all business.
"Someone snuck some pot into the dance—I don't know why. I didn't smoke it or anything—you know I wouldn't!"
"Were you the one to bring it?"
"No."
"Well, then we shouldn't have a problem."
"I guess not." Elle was apprehensive.
Ms. Kim stepped out of her office and raised an eyebrow at Ryan's presence.
She motioned for him to come in and he let go of his daughter's hand to walk in her office.
Shutting the door behind herself, Ms. Kim spoke, "Mr. Atwood. It's been a long time since you've been in this office. Please sit down."
He did as he was told and nervously rubbed his hand together. Sitting in the worn leather seat brought back memories of high school, but not the good ones.
"Ms. Kim, Elle has assured me that she had no part in this whole incident. She said she didn't know why they brought pot and she promised me she would never do that herself nor would she ever use any illegal substances."
"And do you believe her?"
"Of course I do. She's my daughter."
Ms. Kim sighed. "Very well. As I'm sure you know, the Harbor School deeply appreciates the support you and Ms. Cooper have given us over the years. Ms. Cooper is a valued trustee and the carnival would cease to exist without her guidance. Danielle is one of our brightest students and I would hate to see her ruin her future with illegal substances. I'm afraid I can't just let this slide, but I will let Danielle off with two Saturday detentions, one tomorrow and one next week."
Ryan is clearly relieved. "Thank you very much, Ms. Kim. I really appreciate the gesture and I know Marissa and Danielle will too. I'll be sure to reflect my gratitude during this year's fund raising drive."
"Thank you, Ryan. Things have definitely changed since the first time you were in my office."
'Yes,' Ryan thought to himself. 'They certainly have.'
Of course, some things don't change. Across town, Marissa was in her element as the hostess of the benefit. Mark glued to her side, they looked like the perfect couple to everyone.
Well, not everyone.
Cameron looked on disgustedly as Mark kissed Marissa's lips after it was announced that they had won the romantic getaway in Lake Tahoe. He knew that Elle would be marching right up to her mom and Mark to break them apart if she were here. She would think—what was Cam doing? He and Elle hadn't talked for weeks. He used to know her every thought, her every dream and wish but now? He didn't know her at all.
Cameron sighed.
