Country Mile

THE DEVIL'S TRICK CANDLE

The speaker crackled to life, calling out to Mr. Woods and interrupting his history lesson.

"Mr. Woods, could you please send Genevieve Henderson down to the Principal's office immediately." Receptionist Joyce's voice seeped through the speaker and the room instantly erupted into childish 'ooohs' at the implication of Genna being in trouble.

"You heard her," Mr. Woods motioned. "Out you go Ms. Henderson."

Genna quickly gathered her things and dashed out the door. Her heart was pounding and she felt her fears take form like a heavy stone in her gut. She was afraid something was wrong with Delilah, and as she rounded the corner, her heart leapt into her throat at the sight before her. A man stood in the office, and though he had his back to her, she knew that figure to be Adam's.

She rushed in, pushing the door open with a little too much force. It swung hard and hit the wall with a thud, causing everyone to turn to face her.

"Is Delilah okay? Is she at the hospital? Do we need to go? I can get my—"

"Quiet!" Adam barked.

Genna was so wrapped up in her worry she didn't notice the angry look on his face.

"Delilah's got the flu, but she'll be fine," he informed.

"Oh thank god," Genna breathed a sigh of relief. "Then why are you here? Do I need to go home in case I'm contagious or something?"

"Step into my office, please," Mrs. Ramirez, the Principal ordered.

When Genna only stood there with a confused look on her face, Adam reached out and grabbed her by the elbow. None too gently, he tugged her to his side and escorted her into the room. There, she was met with a sniffling Valerie, and what Genna assumed to be, her parents patting comforting hands on her.

"What's going on?" Genna asked looking around at everyone.

"That's what we would like to know, Ms. Henderson." Mrs. Ramirez stated.

"I don't.. I don't understand." Genna looked up to Adam. His angry glare faltered as he saw true confusion in her eyes. But this wouldn't be the first time Genna dressed as a sheep, concealing the wolf beneath. Not wanting to be made a fool of again, he quickly schooled his features and ordered her to sit in the chair across from Valerie.

"There are some significant accusations being made against you, Ms. Henderson," Mrs. Ramirez began. "We are here to sort it all out."

"Um.. okay?" Genna sat and rested back in the chair. She crossed her arms, and was all too aware of Adam standing directly behind her.

"Ms. Davenport claims that you assaulted her after gym class."

"WHAT?!" Genna leaned forward in her seat to stand and object further, but Adam's hand clamped down on her shoulder and pulled her back.

He leaned down and harshly whispered in her ear, "You best calm yourself."

Genna swallowed thickly and nodded her head. She scowled at Valerie when she noticed the girl staring at her with a smug grin.

"That's not true. I didn't even touch her," Genna spat.

"Oh so you didn't run into me on purpose and hurt my shoulder?" Valerie scoffed.

"Well, I mean, yeah, but-"

"SEE! I told you!"

Genna rolled her eyes. "Oh for fuck sake, I barely touched you!" She winced when Adam squeezed her shoulder in warning.

"Oh really? You call this barely?" Valerie began to cry as she pulled the neckline of her shirt down and showed off what looked to be a severely bruised shoulder.