Tongue Tied

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

After my last class, I stroll toward my destination: the mediation room on the second floor. I still can't believe this. I open the door. Empty room. I'm the first one to arrive. I can make my escape. No, I'll get in more trouble. I sigh, removing my backpack, sitting in the middle row of desks. I watch the door for anyone else to enter. Since we can't use our phones, I lean on my seat to get a book. 

I set mine on silent. The door opens, Principal Haskell adjusts his red and black tie, stepping to the enormous desk. His height almost towers over everyone, low cut hair is neat as always. He's in a pressed dark blue suit and black dress shoes. He's always in a suit, it's like its his uniform. He probably wears it to sleep. I laugh, holding back a sound. "I'm actually surprised at you, Miss Hall. Fighting with another student," he shakes his head, sounding disappointed. He said that already, the first time in his office with my mom. Hearing it again in the same tone, I internally groan, jiggling my leg up and down. I told him it's not my fault.

It was unheard of. There's no point repeating myself. Instead I say, "I'm sorry."

"I'm shocked. You are one of my top students, graduating this year with top grades and an adequate GPA. You don't want to end it with suspension or expulsion."

"No, sir." I say in a detached tone.

"Let this be the first and last time I hear any type of negligence or violence from you." Of course, because I'm a good student, it's expected of me to be good. I have to respect my boundaries and so did she. Self defense. Keep your hands to yourself. We were taught that in elementary school, right?

"Yes sir."

"Good," he says, picking up the dry eraser on the board and writes the time slot: 3pm to 4:30 pm. I roll my eyes when his back is turned. Hearing more footsteps, Jessica strolls in like a princess. Her head held high, phone in hand and looks around the classroom.

"Wait, I have to stay here, with her?" She points at me.

"This is where we serve detention, Ms. Mendoza," Principal Haskell says.

"Sir, I don't think I should be here. I have the bruises to prove it. She's an animal," she speaks in a duh tone.

"Animal?" I whisper. I hold back another laugh, she's ridiculous. She came at me.

"Nevertheless, you two caused a disruption on school grounds. Please sit." He gestures to a seat.

"Lame." Her mouth sticks out like a duck, taking a far away seat near the door. She pulls out her phone, typing on her screen.

"No phones," he warns.

"What? My livelihood?" She gasps. I shake my head, she's unbelievable.

"No phones, first warning. If I see it out, I'm confiscating it." She scoffs, putting it away in her duffle bag and crosses her arms over her chest.

He sighs and mutters: I'm too old for this. "For the next 90 minutes, sit and be quiet."

Feet squeak on the hallway marble floor, Sam enters, slinging his backpack behind the chair near the wall. "Mr. Rodriguez, just in time with a minute to spare."

"Not by choice," he mutters, sitting in a slump. Three desks behind Jessica.

He looks at his watch, sitting on the desk. I glance at Sam. He leans against the wall, a bored expression on his face. I can do this. Keeping quiet is my expertise. I can sit in my room and say absolutely nothing. I search in my bag for The Hoodie Girl by Yuen Wright. I pick up where I left off, resting my fist under my cheek.