DEEP

2 - Through the corridor

I walked behind him trying to feign regret but it wasn't too hard. I felt like an idiot for getting on Betsy Moran's ugly side. That was what started the whole ruckus. I could've ignored her hollow taunting like everyone else but I couldn't hold myself down! Ugh! A hurricane of thoughts whirled through my brain as I lumped those feelings of regret and mere foolishness. I had been working terribly hard just to get into the swimming team these past weeks and now I had practically ruined my chances! And it's all her fault! I had always linked emotions of dislike towards Betsy Morgan but at this point I couldn't think of anyone or anything that I loathed more!

Suddenly his voice broke the silence "So what really happened?" I didn't know what to say but my crimson face certainly told him that I regretted it. I had been waiting for an opportunity to meet him ever since I joined but I couldn't bring myself to speak to him, and now I was too embarrassed for words.

We came to a halt and I could see the principal sitting in his somber room. My legs suddenly turned wobbly, my insides began to churn and my head felt like an oven that was set far too high. "Anyway, this is where I take leave. Good luck in there."

I hesitated. I began to feel frantic and helpless like I had just jumped into the deep end of a pool without knowing how to get to shore. I imagined my limbs helplessly flapping about trying not to drown. FOCUS. I needed to calm down. Once I had centered myself, I took a deep breath and stepped into his office.

...

Excuse me, Sir?