Chapter Seven: Protection Can Only Go So Far (Eli's POV)
I sat a couple seats away from Mr. Simpson's office. I had my arms leaning on my legs and my head lowered. I took a deep breath. I automatically thought of Clare's face, how scared she looked when seeing KC grabbing her so tightly. I still remember Jenna running off and finding me, I first thought there was something wrong with her baby.. But it turned out that she was gasping that Clare was in danger, That was enough for Jenna to lead me to where she was. To immediately feel the anger boil into my pumping veins, to feel my arms press him against the row of lockers. To spit vicious words at his face. It made me feel good. Although my foolishness led me to Mr. Simpson's office. I soon heard his office door open and saw Mr. Simpson lead KC out of the room. "Remember what I said KC. Anymore of this." Mr. Simpson said looking at me and then KC. "Then I'll have Coach Armstrong kick you off the team." Mr. Simpson threatened. KC nodded feverishly before heading out of the office rather quickly. "Wuss." I mumbled only low enough for my own ears to hear. "What was that Mr. Goldsworthy?" Mr. Simpson asked, I looked up and the smirk was washed off my face. "Nothing Mr. Simpson." I stammered. I stood up and placed my hands into my pocket, an attempt not to hurt him. "Uh Huh. I've heard that before. To my office Mr. Goldsworthy." Mr. Simpson said with such authority in his voice I felt panic as I passed by him into his office. I took a seat in front of his desk and folded my hands in my lap. "I suppose you know why you're here Eli." Mr. Simpson said while fiddling through some papers, most likely my record. I sighed and nodded. "Yes Mr. Simpson. It's about my alternation with KC Guthrie." I answered. Mr. Simpson's eyebrows raised and he nodded. "Well KC told me that he was helping.. Clare Edwards after he spilt some soda over her polo and was trying to help her, when you barged up and threw him against the lockers. He says your jealous that Clare talked to him and not you." Mr. Simpson clarified. My mouth hung open. "He's lying Mr. Simpson!" I shouted. Mr. Simpson held his hand up. "There is no need for shouting now. I'm just saying that I believe KC's word against yours." Mr. Simpson admitted. I scoffed. "You believe his against mine? What the hell Mr. Simpson!" I yelled yet again. I was beginning to notice that Mr. Simpson was beginning to become angry. "Eli.. I believe KC's against yours only because KC didn't cause a school lockdown. KC didn't bully a particular student." Mr. Simpson said flat out. I leaned back into my seat. "I can't be precious KC Guthrie, Mr. Simpson. I'm Elijah Goldsworthy. That's who I am. And the thing about Fitz is completely different. Nothing to do with the current issue we're discussing." I spat more vicious than needed. Mr. Simpson grunted and went through my records. "Well Eli.. You know Degrassi has a no tolerance for bullying. You do know about the issue with Rick Murray?" Mr. Simpson asked. I gulped and nodded, remembering how the kid went psycho and shot Jimmy Brooks and was eventually shot by his own gun after being wrestled. It was a horrible thing. But did Mr. Simpson really compare me to him? "Are you comparing me to.. Rick Murray?" I scoffed. I was nothing close to what he did. Mr. Simpson groaned and rubbed his temple. "No Eli.. I'm just saying that bullying or fighting is unacceptable at Degrassi. What has been happening is enough on my plate, but I'm giving you a month's detention for attempting to hurt KC." Mr. Simpson announced, putting my file away. I stared at him with my face gawk like. He then waved me off. "Go on Eli. I'll be seeing you after school today." Mr. Simpson said, his voice edging on a bit of anger. I nodded and strolled out of his office. I checked the time on my phone and saw that there was still ten minutes of lunch left. I looked to my left to see Clare, Jenna and Alli walking out of the girls washroom, Clare was holding her stained purple polo and was wearing a rather baggy purple polo. Alli immediately noticed me and whispered something to Clare and Jenna quickly before jogging over to me. "Alli?" I asked, unsure of what she would want. I've barely ever talked to her. Alli looked behind herself to still see Clare and Jenna standing there awkwardly. Alli nodded and beamed up at me, such a short thing I though to myself. She did always seem taller, but that was when she would wear her heels. "I just want to thank you for helping Clare out. KC is such an ass…" Alli said, with a giggle. I scoffed. "I can agree with that Alli. He deserved that.. I saw the way he was gripping onto her… It pissed me off." I admitted, looking away, hoping I wasn't blushing like a girl. "KC's stubborn. Always has and always will be… but thanks again. Hope you didn't get in trouble." Alli said, a nervous look in her eye. I nodded and sighed. "Simpson gave me a month of detention for attempting to hurt a student." I muttered, a scowl on my lips. Alli sighed heavily and flipped her hair behind her back. "Well. That sucks. I'm sorry Eli. Clare is too." Alli added quickly, as if to make me feel better. I shook my head, disagreeing with her immediately. "No she isn't. If she was, she would be here apologizing.. Not you. Thanks though Alli." I mumbled, before walking past her, barely brushing her shoulder. I stole a glance at Clare and Jenna watching me, I lowered my head and continued down the hall. Almost suddenly I felt a hand on my arm, I flinched and jumped back. I looked to see it was Clare, she nervously bit her lip and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "Thanks for helping me Eli." She muttered, looking into my eyes. "No problem, Clare. He was hurting you." I stammered, Clare nodded. "Again.. Thanks. I don't like violence.. In fact I hate it. But KC needed to be stopped." Clare said, obvious regret in her tone of words. It took me a couple of seconds until I realized that Clare's hand was still on my arm, she quickly dropped her hold and smiled slightly. The bell rung and I looked at Clare. "I'll see you in English." I said with confidence before turning on my heel and walking away from her still face. Her blue eyes were longing to follow.. But her heart told her else.