The Rift Between Us

The Reveal

"A wise man once said, the pen is mightier than the sword," Principal Henderson said, walking back and forth in front of the crowd of students. "As I stand here above you, I realize now just how true these words are."

"Of course they are!" Josh said, slinging his arm over the back of Whitney's seat to grab her shoulder. "There's a reason we don't see people swinging swords around in school."

Whitney didn't laugh, and instead smacked the side of his head, bobbing her head in time to the music escaping her earbuds.

"When do you think we're going to get to the part where I'm supposed to care?" Dan asked, not looking up from his phone.

"Oh lighten up," Amy said, punching him lightly on the shoulder. "It's been all of five seconds, and unlike Captain Foot-in-Mouth over there, these things take time."

"I resemble that remark." Josh stuck his tongue out at Amy.

"Still," Dan said, rolling his eyes. "Why would Principal Henderson call an assembly on the first day of school? Clearly there's something going on, and I wish he would just get to the point."

"However, pens are only as mighty as the hands that wield them. No matter what you decide to do in your high school career, we, the faculty of Stallion High, will support you, laugh with you, cry with you, and fight for you." Principal Henderson continued, clearly ignoring the students talking among themselves. "You are our future, our next authors, chemists, teachers, astronauts, and unfortunately for some, fast-food workers."

Dan smirked at his best friend Ethan. "Some of us are already there."

"Shut up, Dan."

"In light of last year's... unfortunate incident, leaving thousands in property damage," Principal Henderson started, "we are going to make this year something truly special, something that will bring the student body closer than ever. This should help avoid both time for pranks and allow all of our students to grow closer together as Skylark Stallions."

"Finally, getting to the point," Dan muttered, rolling his eyes. He had enough anxiety from the first day of school.

"Starting today, this year's seniors will become mandatory mentors to the juniors; showing them the ropes, working with them on their projects, and even socializing with them, as a requirement for graduation."

There was shocked silence for a few seconds, then the entire gym erupted into several noises, horrified gasps, shouts of protests, and mocking laughter directed at both the juniors and the seniors. Suddenly, a whistle sounded, causing the majority of the student body to wince. "Quiet down!" Coach Mike yelled from the stage, crossing his arms.

"As I was saying," Principal Henderson said, glaring out at the students, "it is required that seniors and juniors spend their fifth periods together, along with two extracurricular events a month; one of the senior's choosing and one of the junior's choosing.

"Any other time spent together can be counted as extra credit, and any pair found slacking off will be severely reprimanded, and additional action, including, but not limited to: failure of the project, removal from extracurriculars, forced physical activity, and suspension will be taken."

Dan's phone lay forgotten on his lap, quickly filling with text notifications. He looked at his friends and classmates and saw that they were also in shock. Was this really happening?

"We're calling this the Stallion Support Initiative. juniors and seniors will receive an email by tonight containing a survey that will allow us to match you with your Stallion Supporter. You will meet with your supporter next Monday during your fifth period class. Any students seeking additional information may pick up a pamphlet, located outside the auditorium doors." Principal Henderson finished.