UTOPIA HIGH

63

Principal Ruzev nobleman stood at the front of the assembly, holding a crumpled piece of paper that seemed to carry the weight of unknown destinies. The room fell silent, tension thick in the air.

"Before I unveil these names, let me address the elephant in the room," Principal Ruzev began, his gaze piercing through the restless crowd. "The science division. I've heard whispers of drag races, city discos, powders, drugs, and disrespect to staff. Your activities have not gone unnoticed."

A murmur swept through the assembly as uneasy glances were exchanged. Principal Ruzev continued, his voice firm. "But let me be clear, this doesn't mean other departments are safe. You all are menaces, and it's time to face the consequences. Now, brace yourselves as I call upon the names whose fate hangs in the balance."

Principal Ruzev held the ominous list in his hands, his gaze piercing through the assembly. "Now, you know the drill. If you hear your name, step forward," he declared, his voice resonating through the tense hall.

"Blaze Storm, brother of Damon Storm, step to the stage first," he announced. As Blaze walked across the hall, a magnetic presence emanated from him. With his black hair, black vest adorned with a cross chain, earring on the right, and tattoos on his left hand, he exuded an undeniable charisma. The girls, especially from the science side, couldn't help but be drawn to him, their reactions palpable.

"Now, for time management, I'll mention the next names, and we'll deal with each one after," Principal Ruzev continued. As he started listing the next names—58 in total, a mix of boys and girls—each mention fueled the unease in the room. Students marched to the front, the weight of their alleged transgressions evident in their expressions, creating an atmosphere charged with anticipation and fear.

The atmosphere grew more tense as the principal continued, swiftly listing names for efficiency. Each mentioned name triggered a mix of anxiety and curiosity, students exchanging anxious glances.

"Next up," Principal Ruzev declared, "we have Amber Rodriguez, known for her frequent late-night escapades and involvement in unauthorized gatherings." As Amber made her way to the stage, whispers intensified, adding to the palpable tension in the room.

The principal proceeded, reeling off the names with a stern demeanor. "Jake Anderson, notorious for disruptive behavior and unauthorized experiments. Emily Chen, a maestro of secret parties and questionable substances." The procession of students continued, each step towards the stage accompanied by hushed murmurs and speculative stares

Casey Nguyen,Riley Garcia,Jamie Sullivan, Alex Murphy,Dakota Foster,Skylar Wallace,Cameron Kim,Quinn Taylor, Avery Martin,Morgan Blake,Jamie Thompso? Riley Mitchell, Jordan Carter, Taylor Adams, Casey Turner, Alex Collins,Dakota Hayes,Skylar Weaver,Cameron Reed,Quinn Foster,Avery Martinez,Morgan Roberts,Jamie Peterson,Riley Davis,Jordan Hernandez, Taylor White, Casey Lewis,Alex Taylor?Dakota Wright, Skylar Hall, Cameron King,Quinn Stewart,Avery Turner, Morgan Ward, Jamie Miller,Riley Powell, Jordan Perry,Taylor Gray,Casey Bennett, Alex Ramirez, Dakota Patel, Skylar Foster,Cameron Carter, Quinn Hayes, Avery Weaver, Morgan Foster, Jamie Weaver,Riley Hayes, Jordan Turner, Taylor Peterson, Casey Mitchell, Alex Foster, Dakota Thompson, Skylar Davis, Cameron Reed

As Skylar Davis heads on the stage she screams my pronoums are they/them !!

Principal Ruzev's solemnity persisted as he addressed the assembly, "Well, okay. Noted. Address her as they/them. Everyone has the right to feel comfortable at this school."

The atmosphere shifted as Principal Ruzev moved on to the last three names, each shrouded in a different level of gravity. "Now, the last three names have a totally different case. These three made the whole department have problems—hurt, disputes, and destruction of property—all for a girl."

He paused, the anticipation in the room mounting. "I'll begin with the girl's name. She is from a wealthy family with the biggest investment, and her father is very dear to me. Morgan Tanner, please come to the stage."

As Morgan's name echoed through the hall, a low-toned "ooooooohhhhh" murmured through the crowd. Morgan, feeling the weight of the stares, stood up reluctantly. As they walked slowly to the stage, an unsettling comment rang out. "Whore," a guy sneered, a twisted smile on his face. George, witnessing the derogatory remark, clenched his fists in anger, ready to defend Morgan.

Next up, a royalty, George Hover, who engaged in a fight in an apartment where he doesn't stay, leaving destruction. "Step forward," the principal commanded. George, with an air of indifference, walked slowly to the stage.

As he neared the guy who had insulted Morgan, without warning, George's fist connected with the offender's face. The room fell silent in shock as George continued walking, seemingly unfazed by the commotion he had just caused.

The principal continued, "The next one is Joseph Quinn, the man who started it all—bullying, consumption of powder, and causing havoc between Morgan and George." Joseph, sensing the gravity of the situation, walked to the stage slowly, the weight of his actions apparent in the hushed whispers that followed him.

Reon's eyes locked onto Morgan, who stood on the stage, visibly worried. He felt the weight of his contributions to the chaos, his unease evident. Gray, trying to ease the tension, said, "Lighten up, dude. You didn't do anything. It was Joseph's fault."

As the principal continued, a heavy verdict loomed. "So, the following 63 are supposed to be expelled immediately from the school grounds, as in effect from now." The room fell into a stunned silence as the reality of the expulsions settled over the assembly, leaving the students to grapple with the consequences of their actions.

The shock rippled through the students, and Reon's eyes widened in disbelief. "Is this really it? Am I not gonna see Morgan again?" he muttered, his voice tinged with regret. Each student grappled with their own emotions, some in silent resignation, others exchanging worried glances, realizing the magnitude of the expulsion decree. The reality of severed connections and uncertain futures hung heavy in the air.

The principal held a moment of silence before delivering a surprising twist. "That would have taken effect if you were not in the first year. We, the staff, sat down and reconsidered their expulsion since we may say it's a first-year effect, not fully grasping the weight of their actions."

"But let me tell you this," he continued sternly. "Now that you know what burden your choices carry, next time if a list appears in front of me or any form of complaints, there will be no second chances. As for this 63, they will be charged fines for any kind of unrest they caused and face a 20-mark deduction of their grade for this semester." The students, still reeling from the initial shock, now faced a different kind of consequence, realizing that accountability and responsibility were now non-negotiable.

Morgan, breathing heavily from the shock, let out a relieved sigh, whispering, "Thank God." Tynab, who had been sitting in fear, echoed the sentiment, glad that George and Morgan were spared from expulsion.

The principal concluded, "So the meeting is over now. Please, as you pass through the doors, make sure your IDs are scanned to avoid controversies during midterms. This meeting is adjourned."

Reon, still sitting in his chair, experienced a shift in emotions. A sense of happiness washed over him as the thought of Morgan leaving dissipated. He couldn't help but smile, reflecting on how just moments ago, he was willing to punish himself for not being there for her. The realization of the close call brought a newfound appreciation for the second chance they were all given.