The Principal's Son

chapter nine | two improvising offers

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"Ms Forte, is it?"

I'm on my way to class with Riccardo and Michelangelo on my sides when someone calls me from behind. I look around to see the always professional principal's secretary, and she is wearing a tan pencil skirt and a satin black shirt. "Yes?"

"The principal wants to see you now," she smiles. "Oh, don't worry, you're not in any trouble. Come by the office quickly." And with that, she elegantly walks away.

"Allie, what did you do to piss off Noah?" teases Riccardo.

"What? I did nothing. You know how well he and I get along together." I reply sarcastically. "Oh, Mich, stop staring at the secretary's arse, or you'll be the next."

"You should get going," Riccardo laughs, running his hand through his smooth blond hair. I notice that he has a slightly heavier Italian accent than Mich, but it's adorable. "Or you'll be in trouble soon."

"Fine, I knew you guys don't like me," I joke, waving them goodbye and heading towards the principal's office. It's funny that just a couple days ago, I was right outside the room's window when I shouldn't. The office is on the ground floor, so I take the stairs down. When I finally reach my destination, I knock on the door politely. I hear "come in" before twisting the door handle. "Good afternoon, Principal Cadwell."

Principal Cadwell sits behind his desk, piles and piles of paper on the table. "Ms Forte, sit, please." He smiles, motioning to the empty chair in front of him. I sit down gingerly, nervous of what he's about to say. "So I believe you probably know about the dorm issues by now."

I simply nod, and he continues to talk. 

"I see that you're the only student who both came to Kensington Independent College on a full scholarship and have no home in the city. I don't want this situation to bother you. Noah mentioned to me that you don't have a place to go to?"

"Yes, sir. I returned my flat," I tell him quietly, playing with the hem of my skirt.

He touches his chin, apparently deep in thoughts. "I'm truly sorry about this situation, but I might have a solution for you." A solution? My eyes must have brightened up because the principal is now chuckling. "What about I offer you a place to stay? You don't need to pay, of course."

"That would be amazing," I reply, pleased. "But where?"

"My house, just a few miles away from school."

Wait what?

Are you kidding me? I get to live with the school's principal? Who is filthy rich? And still getting my scholarship? I wonder if I drank too much coffee this morning. Maybe I did.

"I see that you have a troubled look on your face." Principal Cadwell chuckles. "Don't worry, my wife already arranged everything for you. You can move in any day."

"I can't—I'd be bothering you all. You don't have to do this for me."

"Trust me, you won't. I haven't seen my wife so excited about anything in a while." He smiles. I can see him thinking about his wife lovingly as the corners of his mouth curl up. I feel bad to reject him. Besides, I desperately need someplace to stay in. I hope I'm not making a terrible decision by saying yes.

I take a deep breath and release it. "Alright. Okay. Does Cad—I mean—does Noah know about this?"

"I believe my wife already said plenty about it to that punk," he laughs. "Thanks for saying yes, or else I would've looked foolish if you rejected my suggestion. You know what, bring all your stuff over this weekend, I'll have my wife to pick you up? "