Rivals (A Jelsa Story)

Chapter 2 - Disgraced Councilman

Jack's POV

"Mr. Frost!"

I looked up, annoyed. Mr. Bloome had his arms crossed and was glaring at me. "Is whatever is on your phone more interesting than what's going on in my class?"

Given that what was going on in his class was another lecture about whatever depressing book we were reading this time, I was inclined to say yes. Instead I kept my mouth shut and just looked back at him.

"I expect more from a member of the student council," Mr. Bloome said angrily. As if I hadn't heard that one before. "This is the third time this week. If you don't want to be here then you can go to the vice principal's office."

Fine by me, I thought as I grabbed my bag and stormed out of the room, ignoring the stares and snickers from my classmates.

I reached the vice principal's office and threw the door open. "Look, Mr. Shrek -"

He sighed. "What is it now, Mr. Frost?"

"Bloome's totally trying to kill me with his stupid English lit class," I huffed, plopping myself in a chair.

Mr. Shrek shook his head slowly. "Jack, I know you have a lot going on in your personal life right now, but this is the fourth time you've been sent to my office this month. This is getting out of hand."

I grumbled something under my breath and stared at the desk.

"And especially with the event with Disney Prep coming up, it's not good to have a member of the student council getting in trouble this much. We need to figure out something where you can express your feelings in a healthy way and still do well in school."

"Yeah, well, school isn't exactly my main priority right now," I mumbled.

"I understand that. But if this continues, we may have to remove you from the council."

My head snapped up. "Wait, you can't do that! They need me for the event!"

Mr. Shrek looked at me sadly. "I'm afraid we may not have a choice. Decisions have consequences, Jack. If we can't count on you to do the bare minimum for school, how can we expect you to fulfill your duties as a council member?"

"Because that's something I actually care about?"

He shook his head again. "I'm sorry, but it's not up to me. Rules are rules. Now, until you get your act together, I'm afraid I'm going to have to place you under in-school suspension."

"'In-school suspension'?" I repeated. "What does that mean?"

"It means you spend the day either in my office or in the library, you'll have all your assignments sent down to you, and you'll work on them by yourself."

That sounded like heaven. I grinned at him. "Okay, I understand. I'll do that." I said, standing up.

"Now remember, this is a punishment, Mr. Frost," he said sternly, but he was smiling.

"Yes, of course. Thanks, Mr. Shrek."

"I'll see you after lunch!" He called as the bell rang and I walked out.