The End

four

When we pulled into the parking lot, the first bell rang, which meant I'd most likely be late to my last class. Kyla and I shared a quick hug and a goodbye before heading off in opposite directions. On the way into the school, I broke into a run to avoid that awkward "Why are you late?" conversation with the teacher. 

I wanted to avoid being found out by my parents. They were always pretty adamant when it came to me not seeing Kyla anymore. The final bell rang when I was about halfway to class.

"Hey!" a voice shouted. I turned to see Kyle running towards me. "I can't find anything in this place. Where is the office?"

"Down this hall and to the left. I've got to go," I said, trying to take off. I was already late.

"Sorry. Where were you doing lunch today? We were supposed to go talk to that coach," he asked.

"Had a personal thing. I'll introduce you after school today. But I've gotta go," I said anxiously.

"Thanks, man," he said and took off down the hall.

"Hey!" a voice yelled angrily. "Both of you, my office! Now!" 

The person shouting was none other than the lovely vice principal, Mr. Record. He's old fashioned, strict, hard to reason with, and a long time member of our church. I was sure I'd be hearing all about this over dinner that night. Kyle and I followed him to his office and took a seat as we were instructed. 

"Now, care to explain why you were in the hall during class time?"

"I got lost, and Andrew was just helping me out. It was my fault," Kyle said.

"Andrew, why were you in the hall after the bell rang?" he asked.

"I had to grab something out of my car. And it made me late," I lied. I couldn't let him know I had left campus during lunch. Even thought plenty of people did it every day, it was against the rules.

"And what were you going to get?" he asked.

"Uh..uh, my jacket," I answered.

"You don't seem to sure about that answer," he replied, smirking.

"Why would I lie about getting my jacket?" I asked.

"You tell me," he countered.

"Mr. Record, I assure you we weren't skipping. I was called to the office out of class and got lost on my way. Andrew got held up by me," Kyle interrupted.  "It was all my fault."

"I'm very disappointed in you, Andrew. Your father will not be happy to learn you have detention today after school. One hour," Mr. Record said.

"Sir, if you're going to punish someone, punish me! It's my fault he was late," Kyle replied.

"If you're not careful, you'll wind up in detention with him," Mr. Record warned.

"This is bullshit!" Kyle shouted and stood to walk out.

"You just bought yourself two weeks, young man!" Mr. Record shouted as Kyle left the room. "And you," he said pointing to me. "I'll let you off this time, but be forewarned: If I ever see you with that boy again, you'll pay for it. He's bad news. You're a good kid, Andrew. I wouldn't want you falling in with the wrong kind of people."

"What do you mean?" I asked, confused.

"I read all new students' files. And believe me, your father would not want you around someone like him. He's bad news," he said, quietly. "Now go on to class. I'll write you a pass," he said picking up a Post-It. 

He quickly wrote a pass and sent me on to class. I took the note and walked out into the hall to see Kyle leaning against the wall. He was clearly angry and pulled his fingers through his hair.

"Hey, are you okay?" I asked.

"I'll be fine," he said before taking off down the hall.

I certainly hope so.

Walking down the empty halls always gave me an eerie feeling. The lights flickered every once and again, and there was not a single window. This school had always felt like a prison to me. Between the barbed wire lining the outside gate and the people who judged you for everything, it was hard to feel at ease. 

I felt the same way at home sometimes though. My parents were so closed-minded. They only tolerated like-minded people, and if you disagreed, you were irrelevant. And if you did one wrong thing, you must be evil. You were irredeemable.

I didn't want to support Kyla in what she did, but she shouldn't have been kicked out of the family. Uncle Phil too. They're just different. True, they were sinners, but who were my parents to decide their punishments?