Motive

Oh Goodie.

~Mary Jay~

Hit after hit. Right hook, left hook; over and over again. My once tan colored knuckles were now red and bloody. The only problem is, it's not my blood.

The students voices around me faded a while ago.

I have no clue how many punches i've landed. This girl will be lucky if she can feel the slightest pulse when i'm finished. She put up a good fight though, I must admit.

"Actions have consequences."

Mr. Peterson. Head principal. Emphasis on the head. The man is bald. I keep getting distracted by how shiny it is, do you think he shaves it with foa-

"Mary Jay. Are you even listening to me?" Oh, he was talking?

"Yup, I'm here."

"Mary Jay, this is the 2nd fight this week, it's only Monday." A furrow formed between his eyebrows as he rubbed his eyes.

"Um, in my defense, that first fight was definitely justified. He took the last turkey sandwich. A girls gotta do what a gir-"

"MARY JAY EVERETTE." Oh, such a sweet voice. My wonderful Aunt Apple. I would be lying through my pearly whites if I said she didn't scare the living daylights out of people. This time, 'people' is me. I might as well start digging my own grave.

"Ma'am?" I called out, not able to bare looking at the doorway where she stood.

"Good to know you still have manners, maybe you could teach your fists a few?" Touché, Apple.

"Okay I know this seems bad-"

"SEEMS?!" She said before going abnormally calm, "Mary Jay, this is bad. And I'm not talking Michael Jackson."

"Perhaps I should leave you two-" My aunt cut Peterson off,

"No need. Cut to the chase Mark. What are the consequences this time? A few suspension days? Probation hours?"

"Boarding School."

....

....

I'm sorry, did I hear that right? Did he just say boarding school. No, right? My ears are fooling me? It's all just one good fib. As much as I wanted to call bull, the only thing I could make out was,

"Say what?!"

"Mary Jay, you have said enough today, cap it." Aunt Apple demanded. You see, if she was any other person, she definitely would've had a few bruises.

"I'm sorry, boarding school Mark?" She retorted.

"I'd appreciate it if you referred to me at Mr. Peterson in front of students, Apple. And yes, boarding school. Specifically St. Rogan High."

Okay, just a second ago I was fighting over a turkey sandwich and now I'm being sent away like some damn prisoner? What has my life come to.

Auntie Apple cleared her throat, trying her best to keep calm. Could we even afford boarding school?

"And there's no other options?"

"Well, we could let Maddie's parents press charges, which in that case you're looking at juvie and probation again."

I pondered his words for a moment, "Who's Maddie?" Peterson rubbed his forehead in frustration, making it shine even more.

"The girl who has 2 broken bones and a concussion because of you. Keep in mind, this is not your first offense, Mary Jay."

Humpty Dumpty was right. I'd gotten in a lot of trouble in the past 4 years, I'm surprised I haven't been expelled. I've gotten in multiple fights; boys, girls, enbys, these hands are rated E for everyone. I've been charged arson once, though it was an accident; a story for another day. But boarding school? I could do a few community hours, some probation, whatever, but I am not a boarding school gal.

After a few moments of silence, "Our school would cover any fees as long as Mary Jay keeps a low profile. We do not want this to make our school's reputation decline."

Is this satire?

Aunt Apple just nodded as if she'd made up her mind on the situation before I could even process it. "Alright. Deal's a deal," she started before narrowing her eyes directly on me, "You're goin' Mary."

By the time we were in the car, anger was radiating off of the both of us.

"Mary Jay, this is no joke. I get that you are making you're teenage years 'worth it' but I am getting fed up with your antics." She was serious. The only problem I have with serious, is that I never have it unless I'm fighting. Which has gotten me into some deep trouble.

"Got it. I messed up again, what's new Auntie?"  I stated before slouching down into the seat.

"I'm for real Mary. This little ambiance you got goin' here isn't doing any of us good."

"I know it isn't, can't you see i'm trying?" My temperature was slowly rising.

"Trying? Trying to what? Hospitalize the whole world? You're 17, grow up."

"Grow up?! I've been growing up. I practically raised myself. Ive been grown since the moment ma' walked out for good."

It went silent for a moment.

It was best I choose my next words wisely, "I'm. . apologetic. I didn't mean to raise my voice, I'm just frustrated. His birthday's coming up."

My dad. Late dad.

"I know." She took a deep breath, "You're such a fool. I love you MJ, but maybe this is good for you. You could change. People don't have to know about your past." She said before pulling out of the parking lot.

So this was it, I was really being sent away. Should I go streaking and yell freedom or run away to Brazil?

"Yeah, right. Oh goodie."

****
First chapters are always fun😏 I'm having so much fun writing this and I have no clue why.

I currently have 3 books in the making. I'm not sure which one will finish first but I have different paths for each of them and none of them are connected.

I hope you all can understand! Remember to vote please!! Thank you for reading and as always, stay curious!- xoxo, insertsmirkemoji;)