CHAPTER NINETEEN

Isla Pevlone got called to the office during her English class. She had been having a great time, talking to Honey and half-hearing what the teacher was saying. And then someone from the office came in and stared straight at her. "Miss Pevlone, please go to Mr Heaverns office."
The rest of the class turned to look at Isla. Hardly anyone got called to his office unless something serious had happened. As she made her way there, she thought about all the possible reasons why. And her mind immediately landed on Finn, her brother.
What had he done this time?

Ivy Falleh was called during a History quiz and she breathed a sigh of relief. But then she realized that it wasn't a good thing. Either she was being punished for the fire, her sister had done something (unlikely) or it was Finn. Ivy gritted her teeth and opened the door of the office.

Lionel Carter was in Sports, being jumped on by Tyler and Ben. They had just one a match of rugby. And then someone waved Lionel over and asked him to go to the office. His stomach turned inside out and he decided it must have something to do with Jace. Which made him even more sick.

"WHAT THE-" Ivy, Isla and Lionel exclaimed at the same time as they pushed into the office. They looked between Finn, Brent and Jace. Brent was holding an ice pack on his eye, Finn was cradling his hand and Jace had sunk into the chair.

Mr Heavern stood up and pressed his knuckles into the table. "Let me explain this and attempt to understand this. Brent targeted Jace in a non-violent way and Finn, you what? Decided to intervene and cause a fight?"
"He deserves it." Finn protested. "He's been targeting us for years and I couldn't let him take it out on Jace."
"Because I'm blind?" Jace snapped.
"No arguing." Mr Heavern gestured to the door. "Isla, Ivy and Lionel, you can wait outside."

"I can't believe him!" Ivy crossed her arms and leaned against the wall.
"I thought we were meant to stay away." Lionel pointed out. "I know he was sticking up for Jace but he isn't going to like it."
"Why?" Ivy asked.
Lionel pushed a hand through his hair. "He thinks he can look after himself."

"Guys?" Isla interrupted. "I'm here because Finn is my brother and I have a duty as a member of the family. Lionel is here for the same thing. Ivy is here because she's friends with Finn."
Lionel turned. "And your point is?"
"No one is here for Brent." Isla looked at the office door.
"You're saying he's just understood?" Ivy laughed. "That's the most cliché thing ever. He's hurt us more than I can count. I'm not going to be his guardian angel. Finn has disappointed me but he's right. Brent deserved it."

"I don't know." Lionel seemed conflicted. "I think he has family issues."
"Don't we all?" Ivy pointed out.
He shook his head. "I think it's a bit worse than your mini-war with Dana."
"We shouldn't discuss it." Isla decided. "I think Mr Heavern is finishing up in there."

The office door opened. Mr Heavern ushered Jace from the office and lead Lionel away, so that they could discuss it. In the office, Finn and Brent glowered at each other. Ivy and Isla were left together.
"He's an idiot." Ivy rolled her eyes. "But I didn't think he would punch Brent. Maybe a cruel prank but not this."
"He's unpredictable." Isla said.

Mr Heavern came back and glanced in at the office. "There are several punishments that the school can offer. Would you like me to list them?"
They both nodded.
"Suspension and expulsion are the most severe punishments," He paused. "And since this is a first violent offense, it may be overstepping the boundaries to expel them. Some other punishments include isolation or a long period of time spent in detention."

Isla and Ivy exchanged a look.
"I think detention will do." Ivy decided. "How long?"
"Thirty minutes after school every day for the next two weeks." Mr Heavern explained. "Or, ultimately, three hundred minutes - five hours."
Ivy nodded. "I think that sounds good. Isla?"
Isla shrugged. "Sure."

"I'll go and explain it to them. You two can head back to class. Don't make this public until I have explained it to both of them and spoken to my senior members of staff. Have a good day and I'm sorry for the inconveniences that this has caused." Mr Heavern turned and went back into the office, closing the door behind him.
They both headed back to their classes, mulling over what had happened.

"What happened?" Leah pestered. She had been wanting to know since Jace hadn't turned up for class.
He took a seat and didn't move.
"Come on!" Leah crossed her arms. "I'm your family, you have to tell me."
"Fine." Jace scratched at the wood of the desk. "Brent pushed me into a locker.. and then Finn came and punched him. Then we all ended up in Mr Heavern's office."

Leah went quiet. She walked forward and kneeled at the desk. "You can talk to me about anything, you know that, right? Anything at all."
"I know that but it doesn't mean I have to do it." Jace snapped.
"I'm sorry." Leah retreated and then remembered something. "Someone new is the joining our class tomorrow."

Jace huffed. "Oh."
"You might know her." Leah paused. "Briar Stellar?"
"Ben's sister? The other one?" Jace shrugged. "Alright."
Leah gritted her teeth. "At least be kind to her. She's been through a lot."
"And, of course, I haven't." Jace replied dryly.

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