Parallel (discontinued)

Jonah- Chapter V: Trials & Threats

I hate girls. Actually, I take that back. I absolutely despise this one.

But for the plan to work, I need her to trust me. Not just as a tutor, but as a friend.

After Kee stormed herself out of the office, the principal explained how he will be arranging her schedule to match mine.

"You and Kee are in the same grade, and she needs the credits. Please find Kee and tell her for me. I wanted to tell her myself, but she rushed herself out."

No way! The same schedule!? Is he insane!?

But wait...this might actually work in my favor...yes...yesssss...very much so! He thinks he's so clever, but this will actually make this easier for the plan I had in mind!

The foster parents said their goodbyes, explaining that they had important matters to attend to as well. Them too. Sheesh. Adults are always busy. The fosters left, but not after hitting me with the most pestering utterance: the typical "keep up the good work".

Now I know I've said before that I love words, but if there's any five words that I hate the most, it's those ones right there. In that order. All the time. Every day. That's all they've ever said. Not so much as a "good job" or "we're so proud of you" or "we love you very much". Just, "keep up the good work". Sheesh, I'm willing to bet the old rich chaps don't even know what those other words are.

Soon it was just Mr. Smith and me. I was about to go, when suddenly he said,

"Mr. Kai, before you go..."

What...

"..I only said I was busy because I wanted to speak with you alone. Your parents are...very busy, I understand, so I figured it best not to keep them waiting any longer"

Yeah, and you also figured that you don't want them to get tired of the school calling them over and for them to stop funding it, since they played a major role in establishing this cursed prison anyway, and giving you your job.

"Do not think that we, the school faculty, are blind to your ideas?"

What...what does he know?

"I assure you, your little donation of artwork on our building's walls this morning was very much acknowledged"

Ah! Phew! Nice...it was about time

"I used to be a lot like you, Mr. Kai. I didn't always like school either. In fact, I was a bit of a rebel, myself. Graffiti has been a common gag for awhile now. It was big in my day, back in the 80s-90s. I didn't know teens still did that today. It's very well done. Even I was never able to make one that elaborate. I can tell it must've taken the whole night."

Why is he trying to sympathize with me? This isn't the response I wanted.

"But it is not appreciated here, Mr. Kai, and you will be met with punishment. Along with the tutoring, you will be spending your lunch here in my office for a whole week. And detention every day, as well."

Ah, that's more like it.

"Now, can you go find Ms. Jones and inform her of her schedule change."