High School Story Book 2

Chapter 3: Under Pressure

Wednesday morning, during first period...

Sammie is sitting in Principal Isa's office. She looks at her from across her desk, one eyebrow raised inquisitively.

Principal Isa: Do you know why you're here, Ms. Clifford?

Sammie: Uh....not really.

Principal Isa: I'll be frank with you, Sammie, I've seen you for the troublemaker you are. You were late to class, part of that rogue news show, and I know you broke into Hearst last quarter. But since I'm feeling generous today, I'm offering you a chance at a clean slate.

Principal Isa looks at Sammie sternly as she drums her fingers against her desk.

Principal Isa: We're aware that Koh was skipping class this past week, and that you ran into her during that time. We also have reason to believe she's been involved in something serious. Do you have any more information about this?

Sammie: Oh, um....I mean, Koh--

Principal Isa: Don't lie to me. You'll regret it if you do.

Sammie: Koh? Doing something else? I know nothing about it Isa!

Principal Isa: Are you sure?

Sammie: Positive.

Principal Isa: All right, you've left me no choice when I speak to Koh.

Sammie: But I--

Principal Isa: Get out....now!

Sammie quickly scramble out of the chair and head back to class.

Next Monday Morning, during homeroom....

Sammie is chatting with her friends with her friends as she wait for morning announcements to start.

Sammie: So what were you up to over the weekend?

Caleb: Not a whole lot. Shot some hoops with my brother, that sort of thing.

Myra: Well, I was working on this new trombone solo! Let me tell you, I was sliding all over the place, but now I sound pretty sharp.

Sammie: Why doesn't that surprise me? What about you, Emma?

Emma: Oh, I was out and about in town. Nothing too big.

Just then, the TV monitor flickers, and Isa appears onscreen.

Principal Isa: Good morning, Berry High. This is your Tiger News. On this day back in 1784, the continental congress ratified the treaty of Paris officially establishing the United States as an independent and sovereign nation. As you may be aware, since Coach Burke left the position, we've been looking for a new basketball coach. I am pleased to say we've found a replacement....Let's give a warm, Tiger welcome to my brother....Coach Andrew Isa.

The camera zooms out to reveal a dark-haired man wearing a grey shirt and a whistle around his neck sitting next to Principal Isa.

Coach Isa:....Oh, it's me? Uh....Hi!

He waves curtly at the camera.

Coach Isa: I can't wait to slam and jam with the basketball team! It will be the time of our lives.

Emma leans over and whispers to Sammie and her friends.

Emma: She's hiring her brother?

Myra: At least we won't have a Hughs-Burke repeat.

Caleb: Maybe he won't leave us suddenly like Hughs and Burke. I need something good to happen here. Coach Isa might be it.

Emma: What do you think, Sammie?