"Hello?" I said, taking the phone from my boss at the University's printing company.
"Hello, Mr. McCormick. This is Mr. Robilliard from Garyville High School. I understand that your father is traveling and that Texas is under your care now. Is that correct?"
"Yes, it is," I sighed, waiting to hear what nonsense Tex had gotten into now. At 17, my brother finally seemed to be able to keep his nose clean. I had not received any reports about his behavior during the first term of his senior year.
"I am going to need to see you today. Any time before 4 pm will be fine."
"I can be there in 40 minutes. What did Tex do?"
"I think it would be best to discuss these concerns face-to-face. I will see you soon, Mr. McCormick. Thank you."
"Ok. Goodbye," I said and hung the phone up.
The drive did not take long; therefore, I soon found myself shaking Mr. Robilliard's hand as he invited me into his office. Tex did not look up when I entered.
Mr. Robilliard directed me to the seat next to my brother and cleared his throat.
"As you know, Mr. McCormick, Texas has not been putting forth his best efforts in school. While his grades remain good, his behavior continues to be disruptive and attention seeking."
I looked at Tex, who averted his eyes. "Excuse me, but I don't know what you mean. His behavior 'continues to be disruptive and attention seeking'? I haven't heard about anything before today. Not this school year, I mean."
Now it was Mr. Robilliard's turn to look confused. He looked at Tex, perplexed, and then seemed to understand. "Well, surely, you know that your brother has had multiple detentions and been paddled twice. I have the discipline forms right here with your signature on each of them."
He handed me five forms that I read over. Playing a prank in art class, being rude to the gym coach, dismantling a student desk so it would break when a student sat in it, and skipping school twice. Each had a forged signature on them.
My blood pressure was rising quickly, but spiked when Mr. Robilliard said, "And, am I correct in assuming that you and I did not speak on the phone on.…" The principal looked back at his notes and continued, "Yes…on Thursday, October 13?"
"No. We did not. Texas explain. Now."
He sat silently for a moment, but jumped when I yelled, "Now!"
"I…I didn't want to get in trouble so I forgedyoursignature." He said it so quickly it was nearly impossible to understand him. He wiped sweat off his forehead and continued, "And, when Mr. Robilliard called the house, I pretended to be you." He sank a bit lower in his seat.
"I'm sorry," he added weakly.
"You will be," I glowered. "What now?"
"In light of today's misbehavior—being disrespectful to a substitute teacher—and because the previous punishments have done little to dissuade Texas's poor choices, he will be suspended for three days. Any further problems may result in longer suspensions or even expulsion. Texas McCormick, this moment will be a defining one for you. The better choices you make in life, the more opportunities you will have."
"Yessir," replied Tex. "I'll do better."
"Your suspension will be over on Monday, so at that time you will have a Re-admittance Meeting. Mason, I will need you to attend that meeting also."
I nodded, "Of course."
"We will discuss exactly what you need to do in order to complete this school year and receive your diploma."
"Yessir. I understand," Tex murmured.