Musically Problematic

Chapter 18: Detention

I remember that I have the same length detention to serve after school. I can't believe I have to be stuck in the library with him for 30 minutes after school.

Sophie's POV:

Michael walks me to the library, while promising to talk to my mum if she's the one picking me up. We stand outside the library door, I'm about to go in. Michael pulls me back and kisses me on the lips.

"Michael...we're still at school. Bye."

I walk in and am met with Calum's cold glare. I avoid looking at him and walk to the back of the room. I'm alone until someone sits at the desk next to mine. I look over and see Ashton. He looks at me confused.

"Ashton...right?"

"Yeah...I've seen you around but you're not in my grade are you?"

"No, I'm in grade 10. My name is Sophie."

"You're Michael's girlfriend. That explains it. And you live across the street from Katie."

"Yeah."

"So what earned you a detention?"

"I didn't do my English homework and I was late to English."

"The only teacher that gives this sort of punishment for being late is Mr. Jones."

"You've had him as a teacher?"

"Yeah. Worst year of my life. Worst thing is, I would give you tips on how to make it a better class. But once he's chosen you there is nothing you can do."

"Were you chosen?"

"For a couple weeks... But then he chose Katie. That's actually how we became friends. We were sick of being picked on by our teacher, so we used eachother for support. It makes me wonder what went so wrong. She was a victim in need of support last year and now she's obsessed with material objects. She also like to be in charge and boss people around, and what's worse is that Penny feels she has to be the same as her sister for her to like and be proud of her. Penny used to be so nice last year...they both did."

"You're not the only person that is confused and annoyed by Katie and Penny's attitude changes. But there's one thing I don't understand. If you and Luke don't like how your girlfriends have changed, then why are you still dating them."

"Part of it is popularity, we break up with them, we become bullied by them. But also the hope that we can persuade them to be who they used to be. I've heard Penny being really nice to Luke before, just like she used to be. It's usually when they think they're only ones there, though. It makes me wonder if she has an ulterior motive..."

We both laugh a little bit too loud, and the teacher comes over and gives us a stern warning. I look down at my empty desk and slightly bite my lip, I look at the clock and see that there's still 20minutes left of my detention. I take out my English book and start on my work. A few seconds later the bell rings and I see Ash stand up. He smiles and waves.

"I'll see you round, hey? It was nice talking to you."

I look up at him and smile and nod, I open my mouth to say something but see the teacher looking at us so I just wave slightly and look back down at my book.

***

The bell rings again signalling 30 minutes have passed and that I can finally leave. I pack up my stuff and walk towards the door. I see Calum run towards the door, in front of me. He lets everyone else out but blocks me.

"Calum. Can you move?"

"Not with that attitude, b¡tch."

"If you're going to call me that, then that's how I'm going to act towards you."

"But you've always acted like that towards me."

"I never really talked to you. Anyway please, Calum let me go. I'm already grounded and if I'm any later home  going to add another week on top of the time I already have. Wait...why am I telling you this? You'll just make this harder and worse me."

He looks at me shocked and his hands fall from the door frame so I take the opportunity to push past him. I jog through the school and out to the parking lot. There isn't any cars here, but I see someone sitting on the bus bench. It looks like they're holding a guitar and I can hear faint music. I walk over to the person. As I get closer, I notice that it's Michael.

"Mikey? What are you doing still here?"

"Huh? Oh! Hi Sophie! I talked to your mum. She asked if I could wait and then walk you home. She didn't want to hang around for an extra half an hour."

"So that means we get to spend more time together."

"Ye..."

Michael stops talking and looks near the school gates. I follow his gaze and see Calum, he's walking over to us.

"Hey, Michael. I can walk myself home, it's okay. You hang out with Calum, have fun."

"Wait. I made a promise to your mum. I can't break that. Calum can walk with us."

"No thanks. I'd rather walk alone."

"What's going on between you and Calum?"

"Ask him. Bye."

I turn around and fast walk along the path towards home. I can hear Michael coming after me, I feel his hands on my shoulders turning me back to him.

"I'm walking you home."

"I'm not getting between you and Calum. You guys can hang out and I'll just see you tomorrow. Bye Michael."

I turn away from him and speed up my pace a little bit. I can hear running, it's most likely Calum trying to catch up to Michael. I hear Michael yell something to Calum before I feel him grab my hand and slow me down a bit.

**

We arrive at my house, Calum went a different way eventually so he didn't follow us all the way to my house. We get to the porch and Mikey gives me a quick peck on the lips before ringing the doorbell.