Never Lost, Always Found

Chapter Sixteen

        School sucks.

Even after a good night, morning, and bus ride, rumors are flying that I'm plotting to blow up the dang school. Why the heck would I blow up the school?

Eventually, I get called down to Mr. Ferdanda's office. When your name's called on the intercom, people normally snicker at you. But today, nobody even bothers to care. They are just frightened I will really harm them. Some people see me in the halls and ask if they could take the names off of my cast.

Like I don't deserve them.

Just a couple of days ago, everyone loved me and trusted me. Now they fear me. I walk through the quiet hallways, hoping I won't get laughed at or something. Tanner catches my eye.

We lock eyes briefly before turning away from each other. He whispers something to his friend, and they both start to howl with laughter. I walk into Mr. Ferdanda's office. I tell the person at the desk my name, and she tells me to sit down. She goes into the back and gets the principal.

He beckons me in, and I follow him to the back office. He tells me to sit down, and I do as I'm told. I'm not getting into more trouble than what I'm already in. My stomach suddenly starts to swirl with dread. My strong act is gone, and now I feel small and helpless.

"So, Paige, I heard you had an interesting night last night," he says. I nod my head. "Like you were going to burn a house down," he adds. I nod again, this time a little smaller. "I'm highly disappointed in you. You do understand that's highly dangerous and that you could get arrested for a crime called arson?"

I look away and fidget with the zipper on my sweatshirt. "I do," I mumble. "You may go back to class, but make sure to do nothing like this again or I will report you to the police and expel you," he says. "Thank you," I mutter, before walking out of the office.

Wow, what a good life I'm living.

Mr. and Mrs.Evergreen talk to me about what happened, asking me if I am okay now and that if I need a therapist they will get me one. I shake my head with that, giving them a logical explanation as to how fine I am. They tell me that they will talk to me anytime, and I thank them. How is it these people are nicer than my own mother?

Weeks go by, and gradually the fear of me deteriorates until I'm a loser again. It went in a full circle. I went from loser to a popular kid, to a feared kid, then back to a loser. The only good thing is the fact my birthday's tomorrow when I turn seventeen.

Funny it is the same day I get my cast off.

The day drags on, and I can't seem to think of something to expedite it. The rumors about me and Daniel have died down slightly, but Bailey still seems awkward and edgy around me. Something's up with her, but the thing that has changed most is Russell. Over the course of a few weeks, Russell's demeanor towards me has changed. He's more shy, like his regular self.

He comes over to me before Benji and I leave together and asks, "Listen, Paige, your mom, my dad, and I all want you back home. Please come back." "Why should I?" I shoot back defensively. Benji grabs my hand to drag me away from Russell, but then he says, "Paige, please. If you do, I'll make sure to tell everyone the rumors aren't true!"

I turn around, a boiling tornado of anger flaring up inside of me. "You started those rumors!" I cry. "You ruined so many friendships!" He lifts his arms in surrender, "I was just so upset, I thought it was a tiny thing! I'm sorry!" I take a deep breath, ready to accept his apology when I remember what happened with me and Tanner.