Watch Me

Chapter Eight

Hey, guys! So here's chapter eight! Hope you like it! I'm really sorry that I forgot to update yesterday, I meant to, but I'm gonna break my rules so you can have a good read. But I would like you all to know, this really won't happen often.

Enjoy!

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Chapter Eight:

Haley's POV

I open the janitor's closet door and slam it behind me. He doesn't even need to know about the demon I call dad. He's suspecting correctly, but what if I don't want to confirm his suspicion? What if I don't want to put him in that position.

"Haley Jacobs, my office, now!" Principal James yells at me from where Tara lies.

I lower my head and drag my feet behind him. I was safe from this, all of it. Until Tara had to run her pretty little mouth to me. She wouldn't be battered and bruised if she didn't shout to the whole world about my parents.

So my mom messed up. Was that any of her concern? Or was she just trying to aggravate me even more into hitting her?

I climb the few stairs to the door of his office, then watch as he sits in his chair. "Please, sit," he says more nicely.

I keep eye contact with him as I sit slowly in the chair in front of his metal desk. "So, you beat up Tara Hamilton? Why?" he asks, not sounding harsh at all.

I clear my throat, then drop my frown into a blank stare. "How would you like your parents being trash-talked in public?" I ask sarcastically. But I shouldn't be this difficult with him. If I land myself a suspension, I'll have to spend it with him. I have to try and get my way out of a suspension. I have to save myself from grief and beatings for no reason. "I'm sorry. I mean, she was speaking so low about... my mom. I just couldn't handle it anymore."

"Violence is never the answer, Haley," he said, making it sound as if I'm a hopeless cause. "I wish you would have just came to me. I could have stopped it all. She would get punishment, but unfortunately, now you do."

"Please, Mr. James. I can't stay home. I can't be suspended," I almost plead.

"And why not? Is there something at home that scares you?" he asks. I feel my cheeks heat up. Yes, I am scared. I'm very scared. Does he even know what I go through at home? No, he wouldn't. I don't tell anyone anything. I can't tell him anything, I could be beat harder for it. "Haley, if something at home is scaring you, you're free to tell me. I want my students to feel comfortable telling me anything on their minds."

I close my eyes and pinch the bridge of my nose. I can't tell him. I haven't even told Ethan, and he basically knows. "Well, Mr. James. I'm sorry, but I can't tell you. I can't give out that information to you," I say, my eyes still clenched shut.

I open my eyes to see a hurt look on his face. "Haley, if you can't tell me, then I can't guarantee that you can get out of your punishment," he says, sighing as he says this.

A tear slips down my cheek, but I wipe it away before he can spot it. I can't be pitied. Especially not by the principal of our high school. "One week, Haley Jacobs. Unless you would still like to tell me what happened?" he asks, cocking a bushy eyebrow.

I never quite realized how handsome he is. His hair is twisted into a spiky look, his jawline is perfectly sculpted, and his scruff on his cheeks is just barely even peeking out of his skin. I know it's a little weird to think your principal is hot and all, but I've never admired his sharp features until this moment. "Alright. I'll call your dad to give you a--"