Chapter Six

As if dealing with Rachel wasn't bad enough, I still had to go see Chapman after school.

"Marco? What happened to your eye?"

"Nothing, Mr. Chapman," I lied.

"Have you been fighting?" Chapman asked, like a dutiful Assistant Principal.

Yes, Mr. Chapman. I've been fighting with all the guys in my gym class over the right to go out with your super-hot daughter.

"No, I accidently hurt myself during gym," I said. There was no way that I was going to accuse Rachel of giving me a black eye.

Besides, as far as Rachel was concerned, I had probably gotten off easy. That girl was scary when she got angry. But eventually, she'd understand that I was just joking around, and she'd cool off.

At least, I hoped she would.

"If you say so, Marco," Chapman said. He gestured to the chair in front of his desk. "Please, have a seat."

"Yes, sir."

"Now, I'm sure you're wondering why I asked you to my office today..."

"Does it have anything to do with Melissa?"

Chapman gave me an evil grin. "Exactly, Marco. I could not help but oversee the conversation you had with her this morning."

Chapman sat down at his desk and gave me a stern look.

"You see, Marco, it is very important that I look out for Melissa, not only as her Assistant Principal, but as her father as well."

Oh boy. Here it comes.

"And that is why I felt it was necessary for us to have this little chat, Marco."

I ran a hand through my hair nervously. Why did Chapman feel the need to say my name in practically every sentence?

"Now, Marco, I should first say that I understand why you exactly how you feel. I was once your age, and I understand, Marco. I understand that it is a difficult time, and that your body is undergoing many changes, and that you are starting to have certain new...feelings towards girls."

Oh. No. Way. Chapman was going to give me "The Talk". I had to find some way to stop him fast, before my brain exploded.

"Mr. Chapman, it's not like that," I said. "Melissa and I don't know each other. I only went to her locker to pick up my cell phone."

"Are you sure, Marco?" Chapman said, giving me a stern look. "She is a very pretty, beautiful, sexy young lady. I can understand how any boy could have feelings for her."

Ew. She's your daughter, you perv.

"I...I have a girlfriend already," I lied. Anything to put an end to this conversation as soon as possible.

"You do?" Chapman asked. "I mean, of course you do. You are a very nice young boy, Marco."

Again, ew.

"May I ask who the lucky lady is?"

"Katherine Applegate," I said, making up the first name that popped into my head. "So you see, I'm not interesting in your daughter. I'm involved with someone else."

"I see," Chapman said. "Well, I'm glad to hear that, but in any case, Marco, I'm afraid I will have to warn you that kissing is not allowed in our school. If you and your lady friend would like some more...family-appropriate activities, the Sharing is a great place for you..."

Chapman started rambling on about the Sharing and all the fun things its members do, such as not kiss each other. I always knew the Sharing was boring.

Eventually, Chapman stopped his lecture on appropriate behaviors for kids my age. I only pretended to pay attention to him. I was just glad he didn't give me "The Talk". Or detention.

"I think I understand, Mr. Chapman," I said. "Can I go now?"

"Sure, Marco. Just make sure to think about what I said, okay?"

I gave Chapman a huge phony grin. "I certainly will, sir."

Chapman nodded. "Good. You may leave now."

I left the office with a huge sigh of relief. Hopefully, that would be the end of all my Chapman troubles.

But if there's one thing I've learned from being an Animorph, it's that you should never count on luck. Almost immediately after I left Chapman's office, Melissa Chapman came bursting around the corner.

"Marco? I heard about my father and—Oh my gosh!" Melissa said, her hand rising to her cheek. "He punched you in the eye!"

"What? No!"

"I knew he would go overboard! I'm sorry! He's really overprotective."

"Your father didn't punch me," I assured Melissa. "I hurt my eye in an accident."

"Really? I have some lotion in my locker. I could get it, and you could try rubbing it on the bruise."

My eye must have looked worse than I thought.

"I'd love to, but I can't," I said. "I have...something I have to do at home right away. See you later, Melissa."

"Well...bye," Melissa said. She sounded disappointed. As any girl would, of course.

Sorry Melissa, I thought as I walked away. I couldn't stay and chat with her. I had a mission to go on.