Chapter 3: Julie's POV (Tues. Sept. 6th)

I used to love going to school. I loved this school. I had tons of friends. I wasn't one of the popular kids, per se, but I was friendly with almost everyone. I had four core friends: Ashley, Lucy, Crystal, and Gabby. Since finding out what happened to me, I only spoke to Crystal once, at the funerals. Since then, I haven't heard from her. I've seen her around the school, but we have no classes in common. I've called her once or twice, but she either doesn't hear or ignores me. I think she's ignoring me. Whatever. It still hurts either way. I'm glad Becky, Sara, Pedro, and John have befriended me. It's nice to talk to people who understand how I feel, the awkwardness, the desire to look over my shoulder always. They tell me it will get better. I hope so.

I had an exam first period in Global Studies today. I think I did well. It was on the ancient empires. Then, in Algebra, we reviewed one-step equations. Spanish was a breeze. Not only did I speak Spanish fluently, but Alex taught me grammar. He made me read and write in Spanish, not only speak it. Rachel and Ron never knew. They would have been angry to know how much of my father's language I understood. I had an excellent Biology class, learning about different kinds of consumers. After Biology, I returned to my locker to drop off my books from the morning and pick up my copy of the "Hunger Games" so I could read during phys ed. I wasn't allowed to participate with my broken arm. When I opened my locker, I found something sticky poured over my books. I think it's syrup. Then, I found paint on my lunch bag. On the inside, where my mirror is, the word "whore" was written. I slam my locker shut, closing my eyes tightly to keep back the tears.

I stomp to the gym, sitting in the bleachers where I'm forced to watch my classmates interact. As everyone files in from the locker room, I see various girls looking at their phones, then pointing at me and laughing. I'm glad they aren't hiding that they are making fun of me. I have tried to read my science textbook since my other book was destroyed, but I can't concentrate. A few minutes later, Sara approached me. She shows me a social media site that has a lot of horrible things written about me. Boys have written on it that I'm a good, easy fuck; girls have written that I believe I'm prettier than everyone else. Someone wrote that my father is a thug who is hanging around with a gold-digging whore. I once again closed my eyes to stop myself from crying. I take a deep breath, keeping my head held high. I thank Sara for showing me, vowing to myself to tell Papi when I get home.

After gym class, I head to the music room for Chorus, where, thankfully, nothing else happens. Now, it's time for lunch. I had to buy lunch instead of eating the food that Maggie had prepared. I head to the lunch line when Ashely pushes me hard into the wall and pulls my hair. Hair pulling? Really? What are we, twelve? I turn around and punch Ashley in the face with my uninjured arm. I'm pretty sure that I gave her a black eye. She goes to claw at me, but I duck and punch her in the nose. I hear a crack and see the blood start to pour out. Shit. I broke the bitch's nose. I guess those self-defense lessons are coming in handy. I mean, Ashley is stupid. She knows I have three black belts. She should know that I can defend myself with only one arm. By now, Mr. Quigley has arrived, forcing us apart. He asks a boy to escort Ashley to the nurse's office. He escorted me to the assistant principal's office, Mr. Quintana.

Mr. Quigley knocks on Mr. Quintana's office. When Mr. Quintana opens the door, he invites us in. "What's going on?"

"Miss Martine and Miss Iafrate were fighting in the cafeteria. Miss Iafrate is in the nurse's office. She may have a broken nose. I'm unsure what started the altercation, but I saw Miss Martine punch Miss Iafrate."

"Thank you, Gerald. Please write up what you saw as soon as possible. I'll take it from here." Mr. Quintana stated, dismissing Mr. Quigley. He gestured to me to sit down. "I'm not surprised to see you sitting here, Miss Martine. I was waiting for something to cause you to show your true colors. I don't see a future for you here. I will submit the paperwork to have you expelled from school immediately."

"But, Mr. Quintana, you need to hear my side. Ashely has been,"

"Silence. I don't have to hear anything. You have assaulted a fellow student, to which there is no excuse for that. Mr. Iafrate is a prominent lawyer here in Miami. He could sue the school. He most likely will if you go unpunished. No, Miss Martine, your time as a student here is over." He glances at his computer, picks up his phone, and places a call. "Good afternoon, Ms. Komer. This is Mr. Quintana from The Prescott Academy. I have your niece, Julie Martine, in my office. I see you listed as her guardian. She was in an altercation with another student this afternoon. Please come here to pick her up. She is not welcomed back at this academy."

He had a short conversation with Rita and then hung up. "Your Aunt will be here shortly."

"She is not my guardian. You need to call my father, Carlos Manoso. I'll give you his number."

"He is not listed on your emergency contact form."

"He filled out a new form last week. I saw him do so. Contact Papi, Stephanie Plum, my Uncle Lester Santos, or my Aunt Mariela Manoso if you need someone."

"I contacted who I am supposed to contact. Don't talk back to me, young lady. You are already in a heap of trouble."

I sit silently in my seat as Mr. Quintana fills out form after form. About ten minutes go by before the secretary announces that Rita arrived. She enters the office, hugs me, and then fusses over Mr. Quintana.

"Mr. Quintana, thank you for calling me. I'm sorry about my niece. I knew something like this would happen. Can you recommend any good military schools for her? She needs to get straightened out right away."

"Julie, wait outside while I speak with Ms. Komer."

I stand, then walk out of his office. I see Pedro walk in. "Julie, are you okay?" he whispers.

"No, Mr. Quintana wants to expel me. He won't listen to me. Can you please call my dad and get him here? Mr. Quintana called my former Aunt Rita. She is not my guardian."

"Give me your father's number."

"Pedro, dear, what do you need?"

"Ms. Collins sent me to check on Julie."

"Well, now that you have seen that she is still here, tell Ms. Collins she won't be in class today."

"Yes, Ma'am," Pedro answered. The phone rang, distracting the secretary.

"Call Rangeman, Inc. You can look it up on your phone. Ask for Ranger or Stephanie Plum. Whoever answers will transfer you. Quickly, please." I say as Pedro leaves the room.