The Story of Fictional High

Chapter 1: Principal's Predicament

ANGEL POV

Angel considers herself a pretty good principal. Sure, she may be one of the youngest the school has ever had, but that just gave her an advantage. Students trusted her more since she wasn't considered an old fart just yet, which allowed her to connect more with them than her predecessors, At least that is what she thought at the start.

She was laying back in her chair contemplating this morning's address to the new students wondering where she went wrong. What she said led to the new generation looking bored, unattentive, and tired. It reminded her of her little brother on his first day, but she always thought of him and those like him as a once-in-a-blood moon type of student, but seeing a room full of people having that same expression, turned her stomach.

She felt like she was failing as the principal and worried for her future, and looking at her track record it didn't look good. This wasn't really her fault, as she was just a victim of bad circumstances. However, if she couldn't pull herself and the school out of this rut, her career was very much on the line. But what really made her sick was what she knew would come next on a phone call. Well sitting in her cyan-coloured office she leaned in her chair more deeply, playing with the newton's cradle sitting on her desk fidgeting as the dread filled her. The phone rang, making her jump out of her chair, but she hesitates only for a moment before picking up and readying herself for the conversation.

"Hallo!" was the first word that came from the phone, the accented voice something she half wasn't expecting

"D-director Jaykayohfree?" Angel stuttered her first word.

Fuck that didn't sound professional, but still, she was expecting director Chouf, not Ray Jaykayohfree.

"How are youuu Angel? I hope the new students have settled into the school" Said director Ray, in a rather chipper voice. Made it harder for her to distinguish if the conversation was going to be serious or not.

"Oh yeah, the mornin address to the students was an absolute success. So many new students seemed very enthusiastic." Was she milking it a bit too much? Yes she was. Perhaps a bit too much because the next words from the director made her regret trying to gloss over it.

"Is that right? Well, I can't wait to hear aaall about it from my son when he gets home." Yeah, he didn't buy it for a second. Angel let out a sigh, exasperated at herself.

"You can see right through me sir, can't you? Sorry for trying to lie. I was hoping that it wouldn't be as bad as I thought, but I was wrong. Not a lot of enthusiasm from the students as I had hoped this time around. I'm sure the year will be better, as it is only the first day." Angel was still trying to be optimistic.

"I hope so, because this brings me to the reason behind the call. You see, all private schools are expected to fulfill a certain...quota for enrollment. Your school has sadly fallen behind this quota, and I'm giving you a notice. If you don't meet the standard by the end of the year, drastic measures may need to be taken. I hope you understand, as this is no laughing matter. You do understand right!?" How he was able to sound serious and happy at the same time still scares Angel to this day.

"Yes, of course I understand Mr. Jaykayohfree. I'm sure that by the end of the year this will all be resolved. I've already started brainstorming." Angel wasn't lying about that, as a few scenarios were currently playing out in her mind.

"Wonderful! Well, that's all I wanted to speak to you about. I'm glad you are understanding. Have a good rest of your day. Baii!" With that goodbye from him, she heard a click and the familiar dial tone of an ended call. Putting the phone back on the receiver, she put her head in the palms of her hands, cradling it.