Hourglass

Detention, too soon?

"Oh you're so wrong if you think I'm going in there with you." Max chuntered .

"But you are. You were the one who got me in this mess." Ethan countered.

"What? Don't be an ass. My mom will kill me if I get into detention too."

"Well, you lied to my mom didn't you? You are as guilty as me."

"I saved your lying butt and this is how you pay me?" Max said while twisting her hand free from Ethan's soft yet firm grasp.

"I didn't-"

"Would you like to continue your banter inside the office? " A strident voice deffered their conversation. They looked up together to find Mrs.Miranda standing in front of them. Her height towering a little even on Ethan, who was a good 6 feet. They didn't notice the door opening.

"You are 3 hours late Mr.Millers, may I know why?" Mrs.Miranda continued.

"I-"

"I see you accompanied Mr.Millers, Ms.Opal." Mrs.Miranda said turning to Max.

"No, I-"

"You were there too, weren't you?"

"Yes, but-"

"Then you'll come inside too."

"But-"

Before Max could say something, Mrs.Miranda turned around and closed the door behind her. Max and Ethan stared at each other.

"You asshole-" Max started.

"I don't have all day Mr.Millers and Ms.Opal."

Max sighed and looked at Ethan again who was surprisingly smiling.

"What are you smiling at?"

"Nothing, just you."

Max shook her head in disappointment before throwing her hands in the air and letting them settle down near her waist again. Then she opened the door and got in. Ethan followed suit.

"I guess you already know why you both are here?" Mrs.Miranda stared. Her stare boring a hole in Max but Ethan looked quite unfazed.

"No , what's this about?" Ethan answered.

Omg Ethan, stop. Now's not the time to be cool.
We
"Exactly that!" Mrs.Miranda said.

"And what is 'That'?" Ethan made some air quotes.

Stop you idiot. We're already in trouble.

"That's it. You are in detention. You can go home after you've learned how to talk to elders."

"What? I just-"

"He's sorry ma'am. I swear he won't do it again."Max interjected.

"I'm promising no such thing."

"Just shut the hell up, Ethan."

"Watch your mouth young lady. You are going to detention too."

"What? I'm-"

"GO NOW. CLASSROOM 3-A. Mr.Keckleam is marking papers there. He'll know why you are there."
They left without another word. Max could feel Ethan trying to keep shut.

"Can't you just show some respect, when it's needed?"

"Oh c'mom, I didn't do much. She's a hot head. What I did shouldn't have ended with detention."

"You know what, you're right. This is a bit harsh."

"Harsh? Hmph, this is torture. We shall revolt."

"Cut your dramatics, shi-"

"Ah, Problematic children. Welcome, take your seats. Where's the other boy?" A skinny looking man stopped Max and Ethan in their tracks. His glasses covering a small portion of his head while his magnified eyes seemed to cover most. He was wearing a cream sweater vest on a loosely tucked moss green shirt.

"We don't know about the 'other boy', Mr.....Beckleam? "

"Keckleam. And don't worry about that. Take your seats. You are..."

"I'm Max and he's Ethan."

"Alright Max and Ethan. We'll begin shortly."

"But what?" Ethan said finally.

"I'm sorry?"

"What exactly are we gonna begin? We didn't do anything. Mrs.Mirnada is mad."

Max looked at Ethan wide-eyed, mouth agape. She slowly turned to Mr.Beckleam expecting some insults for Ethan.

Surprisingly he was.....grinning?
"Oh oh I can see why she sent you here but you-" He turned to Max suddenly. Max took a step back. "-Why are you here?"

"I just- honestly. I don't know."

Mr.Keckleam chortled at that. "It happens. I'll make sure to be fast and leave you soon." Then he turned to look at Ethan once again before heading towards the hallway and disappearing around the corner.

"What was with that weirdo?" Ethan said smirking.

"I have no fucking clue." Max chuckled.

They headed inside the classroom which was currently void. Max chose to sit at the 4th seat in the row near the window. Ethan turned the chair in front of her around to face her and sat with his knees out.

He gave out a loud sigh and then yawned. He glanced at Max who was staring out the window.

"Hey Max,-"

Max looked at Ethan and then her eyes trailed at someone behind him. He followed her gaze to a boy standing at the door. There was a bandage across his nose Bridge. A deep scar that seemed to be half-healed jeweled his forehead. His face showed no emotions other than rage.

He watched Max and Ethan as they stared back at him. He made a noise that sounded like a growl. Then he looked directly at Max and stared at her for a good minute or two. Then his eyes started trailing her up and down. And a grin crept on her face.

Max got up in anger. "What are you looking at, huh?" She shouted, her fist ready for her command to launch on the boy's face. She moved forward but Ethan grabbed her wrist. She looked down at him and he slowly stood up, their gaze never breaking.

"Let me handle that." He whispered, nodding Slightly.

"Like hell!" She broke herself free and dashed towards the boy who was still smiling.

"You have one chance-"

"Max, leave the -"

"No stay out Ethan. You have one chance. Apologize."

"Or what?" The boy scoffed.

"Oh boy!" Ethan hissed.

The boy looked at Ethan and then looked back at the petite girl in front of her. Her face rising with fury. He tilted his head, the smug smile never leaving his face.

In a moment of spiraling from face to face, Max's fist flew in motion.