Woke

34.)

Kiara:

Chris and I were sitting in the office, nervously waiting for Principal Karr to summon us. I was fidgeting with everything on my body, while Chris' knee bounced up and down at a rapid pace.

I was humiliated. I couldn't believe this was happening. How the hell did we end up here? Never in my life did I think I'd be sitting in the principal's office because someone leaked explicit content of me to the entire school.

"How the hell did someone get that video?" I whispered to Chris. This was the first time we'd directly spoken since lunch, which was at around 11:30. It was 15 after 1pm, and I could barely handle the silence

He shrugged. "I don't know!"

"Well it was recorded on your phone, so the only way they got it was through you."

"Don't you dare accuse me of sending or showing it to someone." He glared at me.

"I never said you did."

"It was very clearly implied."

"Mr. Marks and Miss Washington, be quiet." The front desk woman snapped. "Principal Karr will be out any minute to get you, and I'm sure he won't appreciate the small talk."

Chris rolled his eyes and turned away from me, while I simply stared blankly at the floor. I wasn't trying to imply that Chris may have told someone about the video, but it was literally on his device. I knew my words offended him, but it wasn't the time to apologize. He was too upset, and we had a different obstacle to overcome at the moment.

Principal Karr finally came into view. He didn't say anything, simply staring at us and pointing towards the door to his office before walking back inside. Chris and I stood up, then made our way into the room. Our principal had already situated himself back behind his desk. Standing beside him was a police officer. I immediately felt uneasy. The last thing I wanted was to deal with more cops.

"Sit down." Karr ordered.

Chris and I immediately plopped down onto the two chairs set before us.

"This is Officer Chapman. He's the head Deputy of our school district."

The officer nodded at us. "How're y'all doing?"

Was he serious?

I made a face. "Uh... as well as we can, given the situation."

"Never, in all my years of working in education, did I ever expect to face such an issue." Mr. Karr began. "Do you two understand the gravity of what you've done?"

"What we've done? How are we being blamed for this?" Chris scoffed.

"Child pornography is illegal. You're both only 17. Still minors, according to the state of Virginia." Officer Chapman explained to us.

"We didn't send out the video."

Karr glowered at me. "The video wouldn't have been sent out, had it not been made! When and where was this filmed?"

"Off campus, when school wasn't in session, and in a private setting." Responded Chris.

"Watch the attitude, Mr. Marks." Our principal snapped, "this is not something Winston can take lightly. A crime has been committed."

"If this is a legal issue, then technically you can't talk to us without a legal guardian present, right?" I asked. "I think I'd be more comfortable if my mom was here."

"She's on her way. Chris, your parents should be getting back to us soon."

Chris pursed his lips and nodded. We sat there for several minutes, as Principal Karr looked back and forth between Chris and I with disappointment, while the officer annoyingly tried making small talk.