The Ash Tree

Suspended

"Ash, you know why you're here, don't you?"

Ash had been called to the headteacher's office in the middle of math class. She had a feeling it had something to do with the stunt she had pulled yesterday.

"Yes, miss." Ash replied.

Miss Kate sighed. "Ash, setting your dest on fire is a serious offence. We need to take this seriously!"

"But miss, I am taking it seriously."

"Then could you please wipe that smirk off your face. And stop slouching."

"Ok, miss."

"Thank you. Now, normally we would make you pay for the desks but your parents are too poor for that so instead it will come out of our funds."

Ash was delighted. Her family would have never been able to pay for that without selling her cell phone or sister's doll house. Yikes. Ash could just imagine the screams if they did and shudder.

"However, we are suspending you for a month."

Ash was agast. "A whole month! Just for that?"

"Yes, we need to make sure you get  taught a proper lesson this time."

"Bu... but... "

"There are no excuses. Get your stuff from your locker at break time and come back here so I can send you home safely."

"Yes, miss."

"Good. You can go back to class now."

However, by the time the meeting was over, maths was already finished and everyone was going to their next lessons. Ash ran to her next period, English, and took a seat next to Nathan. Groan. He was the most popular boy in Year 9 and a total meanie as well. Ash had suffered through countless rumors spread by him and had almost gotten expelled because he said that she was hiding a gun in her bag. Luckily, they had a full search first and the only thing close to that was a mini water blaster she had brought I  to prank her friends. She had gotton off with just a warning.

The lesson went by really fast and, before she knew it, it was break time. Ash went to the lockeroom and took her PE kit.

"You're late." Miss Kate said coldly when she walked in. Her parents were already there and looked like they were about to cry. Ash shuffled her way out of the school.