The Principal's Office

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May 7, 2018

Maya stood in the mirror Monday morning admiring her handy work. Her shorts were dangerously short, her top was cropped and being held up by thin spaghetti straps. Paired with the shoes she'd thrown into her bag: she was a walking dress code violation. She smirked at herself knowing she was in for a quick trip to the principal's office. But she had to get out of the house first, so she threw a baggy t-shirt over the entire outfit and shrugged on her backpack before quickly rushing out the door.

Throwing the decoy shirt into her locker the second she arrived at school, she heard an audible gasp from behind her. Her fists immediately clenched at her sides.

"What are you wearing?" Riley stared at her, mouth open.

"Haven't you learned to mind your business?" She slipped on the strap of her chunky-heeled sandal, making her legs look ever longer in the mini shorts.

Another gasp, "I know what you're doing, Maya! You really shouldn't--"

Maya took a menacing step toward Riley. "I swear to god, if you don't back off," she seethed. "I'm pretty sure slapping you in the face will get me where I wanna go too." She stepped back, slamming her locker shut and snatched up her book bag from the floor, passing her former friend in a hurry.

"You have to stay away from him--" Riley said, getting cut off again when Maya spun on her heels and swung. Her palm made such a loud slap against her face, the halls went quiet. Everyone turned to see Riley holding her face, tears brimming in her eyes.

"Hunter! Matthews!" Their English teacher yelled, "Principal's office, right now!"

Maya smirked in Riley's direction before stomping off in the direction she'd intended. She slumped down in a chair in front of the secretary with a devious grin on her face, while Riley still held her cheek and stood awkwardly in the room. Mr. Turner walked out of his office and sighed at the sight of the girls, trying not to let his eyes linger too long on Maya.

"Come on, Matthews. You first." Turner rubbed his hand through his hair, following Riley into his office. "I don't know if I even need to ask what happened," he said, shutting the door behind him.

"Uncle Jonathan," she began but he put a hand up to stop her.

"It astounds me that you haven't learned a lesson in all this yet," he sighed. "I understand that you felt as though you were doing the right thing, and I admit I have overstepped. However, you might want to learn to keep your mouth shut once in a while, before your meddling, well..." he gestured toward her pink cheek. "...before it comes back to slap you in the face."

Riley stared at the ground, "I'm sorry..."

"I'm sure you are, but I would advise giving Maya some space because I cannot constantly have her in my office," he stared at her with an unwavering severity. "Do you understand?" The girl nodded. "Okay, then back to class." He stood up and ushered Riley out. Standing in the doorway, he locked eyes with Maya, gesturing for her to enter with a tilt of his head.

Turner shut the door behind them, leaning back against it, staring at Maya. She faced him, leaning against his desk. "Are you trying to get me into more trouble?" He pointed at her outfit, looking at her with hungry eyes.

"I was trying to get myself into trouble. Turns out hitting Riley did the trick, and it felt pretty damn good," Maya shrugged, leaning back on her arms.

A smile threatened the corner of his mouth. "Maya, I am begging you, don't make this harder than it already is." Her eyes fluttered down to confirm how hard he might be, only for him to shake his head and chuckled. "You're impossible."

She shrugged, "I'm sorry. I just wanted to see you. Everything fell apart so fast..." her words trailed off.

Jon stood still at the door resisting the urge to cross the room. "I know, and I'm sorry. I--"

"Please don't say you regret it," she whispered, her eyes scared and sad looking back at him.

He shook his head, "Baby, I could never regret it. But there was so much I didn't consider, so much that could hurt you. And I never even considered what it would do to Shawn and your family. I just saw this beautiful, young woman that made my days a little brighter. I was selfish."

"Is it really selfish to want to be with someone who makes you happy? Am I supposed to feel guilty for wanting to be with you?" Maya crossed her arms tight around herself. She looked so confused and upset.

It killed Jon to know what she needed right now and that he couldn't stop the shame that was creeping into her face. "Maya," he whispered, taking a step forward, placing his hands on the chair that stood between them. "I need you to know I care about you, so much. That has not wavered for a second, but we can't do this. Know I am trying to protect you, and please let me."

She nodded slightly, looking away from him so she could blink away the tears. "Okay," her voice wavered.

"So try not to get in trouble again," he dipped his head to try to catch her eyes. "For me?"

Maya sniffed, letting out a small giggle, "Well that's going to ruin my reputation." She pushed herself off the desk and walked toward the door, lingering next to Jon holding the door open.

He leaned in slightly. "At least put some clothes on, yeah? I can't have you walking around like that. It's torture."

"Fine," she smiled innocently.

"Good girl," he whispered, nearly making her knees buckle beneath her. "And Maya, I missed you too."

Feeling him that close to her again made everything better. All Maya had wanted was to know that even as bad as things seemed, it wasn't over between them. She wasn't ready to let go of the calm security he gave her. At least now she was sure she wouldn't have to, and she was determined to hold tight to one of the few good things that has ever happened to her no matter what the cost.

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