Zodiac Academy (Draft 1)

Chapter 1: I accidentally make a bonfire

Please believe me when I say it wasn't my fault when the oak tree caught on fire.

It was a hot September afternoon, I was innocently minding my own business during lunch. I sat at the base of an old oak tree, eating my sandwich. Now, I'm not sure why, but the dry humid air made me think about wildfires. Next thing I know, the tree I was leaning against made a weird crackling sound, causing people to scream and go into a panic.

I looked up to see the tops of the tree engulfed in flames. I, too, ran away screaming.

And now here I am, sitting in the principal's office accused of burning an old tree just because I was the only one next to it at the time. How ridiculous is that? I have no reason to set an innocent tree on fire, never mind the fact that I had nothing to burn it with. Except perhaps my thoughts, I guess.

Mr. Johansson, the principal, had just gotten off the phone with my mother. I could only hear one side of the conversation, but I'm pretty sure he just sealed my death sentence with my mother. Mr. Johansson had balding red hair, the bluest eyes I've ever seen, and a progressing potbelly. He seemed nice, until you got on his bad side, which makes you think burning along with the tree seem like a nicer alternative.

"Your mother will be here shortly," Mr. Johansson said, sitting down in his swivel chair, but got back up again anyways to continue pacing. He groans, rubbing his temples, "This is going to stress the school budget." He mumbles under his breath as he looks out the window, which had the perfect view of the oak tree. Or what's left of it. I wonder if they have insurance for trees. Hope so.

I kept silent, knowing that whatever comes out of my mouth will be labeled as an excuse, or a lie. I keep my eyes on the clock, the minutes feeling like hours. Finally, there was a knock on the door, and before Mr. Johansson could answer, my mother barged in with my stepfather in tow.

Anger was written all over her face, but it wasn't the only thing there. I saw a bit of humiliation etched into her expression, and I was surprised to even find traces of shame in her eyes. My heart sank even more, if that was even possible.

I suppose she had her reasons for having that murderous look on her face. How would I feel if our positions were reversed? I'd have sent me to boarding school, if I were guilty.

My stepfather, Shayne (but I just call him my dad), looked amused. He seemed to find it interesting that his fifteen year old step-daughter had the nerve to set a huge oak tree on fire in front of dozens of students and staff.

"Mrs. Song-Nevins," Mr. Johansson said, stepping around his mahogany desk to shake her hand, "Mr. Nevins." He greeted my step-dad. In complete honesty, I'm glad mom hadn't decided to add 'Nevins' onto my last name, which is just 'Song'.

"Mr. Johansson," Mom said through gritted teeth, shaking his hand. She clenched her teeth together when she gets really mad, I guess it helps her hold back a bit. Just a little. "What's this I hear about Skylar setting a tree on fire?"

"Yes, yes. Please have a seat," Mr. Johansson gestured to the other two maroon leather chairs that smell of sweat. The chairs squeaked when my parents sat down. Mr. J sat down at his side of the desk, in the black swivelly chair. "It happened about half an hour ago, when the tree caught fire. Several students, including teachers, reported that Miss Skylar had been sitting beneath the tree when it happened."

"There was no way I would turn a tree into a bonfire. And I didn't." I interject before anyone could speak over me. I just wanted to get my point across that it wasn't me.

"Skylar, will you please wait outside?" Mom says without looking at me. "We're going to straighten things out. Adult to adult."

"Yeah, okay." I nod, hesitating slightly. I then decided I was relieved to be getting out of there.