The Journal

Chapter Four - Punishment

Mr. Moore walked Alex and Daniel all the way down to the principal's office, just to make sure nothing happened along the way.

When they walked into Mrs. Hamilton's office, they were greeted with an interested "Look what we have here" by the principal.

"Hi, Mrs. Hamilton." says Alex.

"Hello, Mr. Bentley," Mrs. Hamilton said. "Mr. Matthews, we meet again."

"Can we just get this over with?" Daniel complained.

"No, we cannot," Mrs. Hamilton replied. "Physical altercations are not something to 'just get over with.' If they're bad enough, you could be expelled."

"This one wasn't that bad, though," Alex said, cowardly. "Right?"

"Besides the obvious bruises forming on both of you, I see no serious injuries." Mrs. Hamilton said to the boys. "So, your punishments are—"

Oh no. Oh no. Oh no. I'm gonna be expelled. I knew it. Why couldn't I just not acknowledge him? Surely that would've made him go away, right? Holy shit, I'm gonna die! Dad's gonna kill me! He's gonna tie me up and burn me like a witch! He's gonna make everyone watch me like it's public humiliation! I'm gonna die from embarrassment before the flames even get to me! Oh god, please no!

"Mr. Matthews," said the principal. "You are suspended for two weeks and may not be on school grounds until your suspension is over."

Oh. It wasn't that bad for Daniel. Maybe I'll get a better one? A week and a half? A week? But what if they victim blame me? I'm gonna be treated even worse! What if I get three weeks? A month? I might even get expelled! Why couldn't I just tell a teacher before we fought? I would've been in so much less trouble. I wouldn't have even been in trouble! I hate myself so much.

"Mr. Bentley," the principal turned to Alex. "You will serve after-school detention Monday through Wednesday next week."

Wait, what? That's it? I got off way easier than Daniel! Not that I'm complaining or anything, I'd hate anything worse.

"When does my suspension start?" asked Daniel.

"Effective immediately," Mrs. Hamilton replied. "I'm gonna call your mother to pick you up. And Mr. Bentley, you may go back to class."

"Thanks, Mrs. Hamilton." Alex cowered.

On the way back to the cafeteria, everyone had already left. So, Alex picked up his backpack and hurried to his next class.

Ms. Abbott's English class was probably one of Alex's favorite classes, not only because he was good, but because his teacher was awesome. So, when he came in late, he thankfully didn't get in trouble for not having a late pass.

"Oh hey, Alex," Ms. Abbott said. "I was wondering where you were. You know, I was super confused when everyone said you were here today but you didn't show."

"Yeah," Alex replied. "I got in a bit of a scuffle, so I was in the principal's office."

Some ooh's were heard from Alex's classmates, and even Ms. Abbott let one out.

"With who?" The teacher asked. "I don't see you randomly fighting anyone."

"Daniel Matthews."

"Oh, I see it now. You know, I had him for English two years ago, when he was a freshman. Not the brightest bulb in the box, and seemed like he had some stuff going on at home."

"What?"

"Oh— uh— I should be teaching. Okay, everyone open your textbooks to passage 9."

I guess Ms. Abbott knows why Daniel is the way he is. I should try to get more information. And if I can, anonymously sign him up for counseling. Okay, maybe counseling is a bit far, but he should get help. The jerk beat my ass. While I was  simultaneously beating his ass. Ha, asshole can't even put up a good fight. If he was really beating my ass, I would've been on the floor.

The rest of the day went as usual, and Alex wished the day couldn't end, because after school, he would have to face his father.