Going Nowhere

Waiting for Wonderland - 2

As Dr. Fitzgerald ushered me into his office, my nerves got the best of me, and I blurted, “Am I in trouble?”

“What?” Dr. Fitzgerald replied, genuinely confused, “Why would you think that, Alice?”

“Um…” my voice trailed off, and I gestured to the air around me, “You just called me into your office; the only time that happens is when someone is in trouble or getting an award, and I am not the kind of student that gets an award.”

It was after my voice had gotten slightly higher and more defensive that I sensed that Dr. Fitzgerald and I were not alone in his office. Dr. Fitzgerald’s uncomfortable look confirmed my suspicion, and I turned around to see a boy my age sitting in a chair across from the principal’s desk.

“Hey,” the boy said, nodding at me and winking. I had to resist the urge to gag.  

“Uh, hi,” I replied, and then my head swiveled around to look at Dr. Fitzgerald. “What am I doing here?” I asked bluntly.

“Alice, this is our new student,” He replied, gesturing towards the boy, “Christian West.”

 West.

That name was as recognizable as Kardashian or Trump. William West was the founder of a billion dollar company with its finger in many pies. I’d read about him in papers, and from the pictures I’d seen, Christian was obviously his son.

“Nice to meet you, Alice,” Christian said smoothly, and he extended his hand. I, however, was feeling confused and blindsided, so I folded my arms protectively over my chest and frowned. Christian was definitely attractive, but there was this air of arrogance that surrounded him that I really didn’t like.

After a few awkward moments, Dr. Fitzgerald cleared his throat to regain my attention. “Today is Christian’s first day here, and I was hoping that you could show him around the school.”

“That doesn’t make sense,” I stated, and I could tell Dr. Fitzgerald was getting uncomfortable. “Sir, I just started this year. Why would you pick me?”

Dr. Fitzgerald sighed, and he looked over at Christian. “Mr. West, can you please go out and see my secretary? She can print your schedule and locker information.” Christian nodded, and he stood up and walked quickly out of the room. As the door shut, Dr. Fitzgerald focused his attention on me, and he pointed to the chair Christian had just vacated. “Please sit, Alice.”

I sighed and sat down, and I readied myself for what was to come. Dr. Fitzgerald let out a sound of frustration, and he slid his glasses off and placed them on his desk. “Alice, I’ve noticed that since you’ve been here, you haven’t interacted with many students.”

“So?” I replied, frowning.

“So,” Dr. Fitzgerald said, putting heavy emphasis on the word, “I want you to make friends. This is an opportunity, and I want you to take it, please! It is my job to make my students feel comfortable here at Trinity.”

I thought about voicing the offense I was feeling at the fact that he thought I needed his help to make friends, or that I didn’t have any. However, I stopped myself. “I don’t have a choice, do I?” I deadpanned, and Dr. Fitzgerald shook his head firmly.

“No, you don’t,” He stated, “So be nice.”

“Yes sir,” I replied, giving him a mock salute, and I got up out of my chair. “Can I go to class now?”

“Yes,” Dr. Fitzgerald answered tiredly, and he added, “I notified your teachers that you would probably be late to a couple of your classes.” I nodded and then walked quickly out of the office.