The Division

31

There was no way I could avoid the rumors about me at school.

When Monday arrived, I was the hot topic on everyone's lips. The weekend passed with me visiting Dr.Blanc because Aunt Cecilia wanted me to tell her what had happened at Principal Easton's house. Of course, this didn't happen but I was let go because my therapist told her when I was ready to talk, I would talk.

I will never be ready to talk. 

Later, I obtained the key of Humility and I think I really deserved it as compensation for everything I went through surrounding Easton's death.

An assembly was called first thing that morning.

"Settle down students." Vice Principal Penn spoke softly into the microphone as everyone arranged themselves in the auditorium talking and gossiping.

"As most of you know," She went on once the room was a little quiet, "Our Principal, Mr Easton has tragically passed away in a fire." She dragged the tragically and shook her head as if in denial. Then, her expression changed in a flash. "From now on, I am the new principal so, I expect to be addressed as Principal Penn at all times."

The announcement caused some chaos. Everyone was talking and coming up with theories. My name was mentioned here and there and I heard a few things about me that I will not repeat.

But, in short let's just say they thought the Principal was a weirdo and that I killed him.

Which is a little true but not in the way they're saying it. Not at all.

Mrs Penn continued ignoring the noise, "You're new Vice Principal is Mr.Jameson."

The African-American man came on stage waving to the crowd and everyone cheered suddenly forgetting their theories and the late Principal Easton. I clapped too.

Mr. Jameson is an active member of the school council. Everyone loves him because he's a very nice and kind man who is always smiling. He gives  kids money too like how you would share candy to children so, I guess that's why everyone was happy.

Mr. Jameson gave a short speech about helping the school and other teacher stuff. He also paid his respects and announced some fire safety rules with the help of two twelfth graders. We were told a memorial would be held for Principal Easton and encouraged to make presentations and songs in his honor.

There were rumors of a statue but that didn't happen and I'm grateful for that.

My conscience wouldn't have been able to handle it.

"Gwen!" Michelle ran up to me with a worried look, blue eyes studying me as if searching for something  "Hey, I've been looking for you. You heard everything, right? Rumors are going around and I don't know what to believe." She pulled st the sleeves of her pink sweater and crossed her arms.

"It's complicated." I briefly explained, "Just some DIVISION stuff that I dealt with." I didn't make eye contact and started down the hall, picking up pace as I still felt some eyes on me. Michelle followed and Jay joined us.

"Gwen, about Principal Easton, the rumors-"

"Yeah, Yeah DIVISION things. Long story gotta go now, see ya!" I didn't want to talk so I waved them off and awkwardly sped off. Him and Michelle watched confused as I made my way down the hall, looking for Avien. It didn't take long for him to find me. A familiar hand dragged my sleeve and pulled me into the  janitor's closet.

And, I thought my hoods were the issue.

"You got the book." Avien said looking down at me with an emotion other than disdain or frustration for once. I felt proud, "Barely got out alive but still got the book. Where is it?"