The Pain Thief

Chapter 10

TOUGHER OPPONENTS

Zoe spent the rest of her night doing some homework and playing chess with Mr. Z. It was a quiet evening, but she was used to the silence. It was a comfortable silence, not an oppressive one when she was with Mr. Z. 

"You know," said Mr. Z, "I hear there's supposed to be a party in the neighborhood soon. I think that would be a wonderful way to catch up with everyone."

What Mr. Z was talking about was actually the fall festival that the community held mid-October every year. Zoe usually went with Jack as friends, but it was more of a family thing so she'd never felt compelled to try and get a date anyway. 

"I think that would be wonderful," she said as she moved another piece. 

Mr. Z smiled. "You know you should probably wear a dress this time Zoe."

Zoe smiled. "I promise I'll dress up nice this time Mr. Z." The past few years she'd gone in casual clothing, so she figured it'd be easier to concede this year. She didn't like dressing up because a lot of people from the school came and she didn't want any extra attention.

It'd be worth it though if Mr. Z was really pushing for it this year. He'd never had a daughter and didn't see his son often, or his grandchildren for that matter. She felt bad that his own family didn't come visit, but was glad that she at least was there. If she could get him to smile, then maybe it was all worth it. 

"You missed some school today. Got punched it the face?" he said, moving another piece. 

Zoe was quiet for a moment, calculating her next move. Then she said, "Yeah... there was a haze and getting in a fight was the quickest way out... I understand if you're angry."

Mr. Z had never really been angry with her since she moved in, but that was because she never usually did anything that he either didn't know about or had to punish her for. 

"Good job taking care of it," he said. He looked up at her through his glasses. "And nice job standing up for yourself. I know it wasn't a real fight, but never let your anger turn into violence. Use strategy and courage in a real fight."

Zoe nodded and smiled slightly. "You know I'm not like that."

He chuckled. "I know, Zoe. I know." 

*** 

While Zoe hadn't gotten in trouble at home, she did get in trouble at school. It was only second hour when both her and Jack got called down to the principal's office. Chrissie was already there when they were called down, and Zoe had no doubt she had been grossly exaggerating that actual story, although the actual story didn't bode too well for her either. 

Both her and Jack sat down in the chairs in the Principal Drake's office. The principal, Corey Drake, was a middle-aged guy with salt and pepper hair. He was an averaged sized guy with kind eyes and a helpful demeanor, but that didn't mean he wasn't tough. 

Zoe felt bad for dragging Jack down here since he had been in this office quite a few times for fights, but at least he wasn't the one in trouble this time. 

They stared at each other for a minute, trying not to make any noise in the quiet office. Then Mr. Drake walked in, sitting behind the desk and folding his hands together in the classic principal move. 

"So Ms. Szramik, I hear you've been fighting," he said. 

"Uh yes sir," she said respectfully. 

"And why did you start the fight this time?" he asked calmly. 

"Chrissie always makes fun of her," said Jack as he leaned back and crossed his arms angrily. "She deserved to defend herself once and I even got her to the nurse before anything else happened. Chrissie threw the punch."