icarus

xii. macho

Yara's new teacher wouldn't stop stuttering anytime he locks eyes with anyone in the class. Thank God he's a substitute because she reckons they wouldn't get much done if he keeps gazing into their eyes and allowing his already shaky figure to be threatened by their mischievous eyes.

Another reason he's close to shitting himself could be the fact that Yara is sat perfectly in the front row allowing her cold, unfeeling eyes follow his every move.

For the umpteenth time, his marker falls to the floor and he bends to pick it up amidst the chuckles that follow.

"Hopefully class, we are making Mr Easton's day much more wonderful by being cooperative and welcoming." Principal Declan announces, walking into the class and clasping a hand on the sub's shoulder. The class quietens, and everyone sits up straight. Yara's mind is half on the situation with Vivienne, and half on the rest of the class staring at her.

The older man walks to Yara, and gestures for her to leave the class. "Miss Harrington, your father would like to speak to you in my office." Yara nods, and stands up, her face impassive. They walk to his office in silence, the chilly foggy air dampening the windows.

"Phone call, I assume?"

Principal Declan just laughs, and opens the door where she sees a large figure looking disdainfully at the custom painting by Z on the wall. There's paint on her hands, and ink marks all the way to her elbow. She intertwines her hands behind her back, and turns to principal Declan. "May I use your bathroom?" He looks at her hands, and at her father then nods. She dashes into the bathroom and furiously washes her hands, her boots clicking pleasantly.

"Yara darling." He says, thumbing her cheek before kissing her forehead as soon as she walks out.

Yara smiles at him, leaning into his hug. "Hi dad." Principal Declan's secretary knocks gingerly, announcing that she's going on her lunch break before scurrying out. "You coming to see me for pleasantries seems presumptuous, so to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Coming to check on the progress of our plan, since I haven't heard anything from you nor from Francis, I decided to drop by." He says, his hands lingering on the pens that had been arranged meticulously in the holder.

"How thorough, Alexander." Principal Declan says, sitting down in his chair. "Well, the next board meeting is in two weeks, that is, after the founder's day ball. The board is concerned about funding and returns, but I do know some who are planning on selling their shares. Of course, they amount to less than 6 percent but we have to start small right?"

Father turns to Yara who's sat cupping her chin as she listens carefully. "And did you know all this?"

"No, haven't had time to see principal Declan since school started. Did confirm the plan with him when I first got here."

He hums quietly. "Of course, you've been busy with your Z business." Yara rolled her eyes, leaning against the chair. "Have you had your fun with it yet? Ready to come back to the real world?" She doesn't answer, just stares at the painting on the wall. The portrait Principal Declan had paid a large sum for. The portrait that had gotten her enough referrals to live extravagantly for the rest of her life if she pleases.

He sighs, and she stands up abruptly. "Excuse me, I have a test in my next class."

"Yara. Come on, don't be like this." He calls after her as she walks out, her nails digging into her forearm. She throws her locker open, and digs out books. Her head's surprisingly silent, but she seethes inwardly. Yara's fingers tighten against her books when she sees her dad shaking hands with Principal Declan, and when he looks at her solemnly, she stalks to the opposite direction.