Silence is Golden

Chapter 36

Packed inside the little office was my mother, Blake, a man I guess is his father, Michael, his mother and Eli. I was hoping my mother was planning on changing when I saw her outfit this morning but obviously not, she obviously thinks a mini skirt and leopard print halter neck top is appropriate for a school meeting. I noticed Blake’s’ father and the head teachers gaze keep drifting to my mother.

“We are just waiting for one more then we can begin”, the head teacher said taking the seat behind his desk.

I took the seat beside my mother.

“My mums not coming, she has to work”, Eli grunted from the other side of the room.

I turned to look at him, his arms were folded over his chest and he had his typical scowl on his face.

“Did she not get the message I left on the answer machine, this is very important you know”, the head teacher demanded angrily.

“So is her job”, he snapped back.

“Don’t use that tone with me young man, I guess we will have to proceed without her but I will need to see your mother at some point”, he said sternly.

“She working the street again Elijah, spread her legs-”, Blake started to say.

In seconds Eli was across the room and had hold of the front of Blake’s shirt with one hand and his fist raised ready to hit him.

“Don’t talk about my mother like that you little shit”, Eli shouted.

The head teacher jumped up from his seat outraged.

“Unhand him this instant!” he shouted.

“Get your hands off my son”, Blake’s father demanded angrily reaching for Eli.

Oh god this is all going to hell and Eli is just digging himself a bigger hole. He wasn’t even gonna be in much trouble he didn’t hit Blake but now he’s really going to be in the shit. I watched him shaking from anger and know he’s not going to chill out any time soon without some help.

I got up from my seat.

“Sit back down right now Roxanne”, the head teacher shouted as I made my way across the room.

I just ignored him and approached Eli placing my hand on his shoulder to get his attention. He turned to meet my gaze and I discretely shook my head telling him to stop. I watched the struggle on his face as he fought against what he wanted to do and what I was telling him. I kept my eyes looked with his pleading with him, he’s just making matters worse for himself and it’s my fault. He wouldn’t even be in here if I hadn’t lost my temper with Blake and Michael. I watched as slowly he lowered his fist and I smiled gently encouraging him. His grip loosened on Blake and I took hold of the top of his arm slowly turning him completely away from Blake and leading him across the room away from him all the while not breaking eye contact. 

“Outside right now Elijah I shall have to deal with you separately as you can’t control yourself”, the head teacher said angrily pointed to the door.

I let my hand slip from his arm as I waited for him to leave; one of his big rough hands squeezed mine gently before he left the room shutting the door loudly behind himself.

“Right as I'm sure you’re all aware we are here because of the constant conflict between Roxanne, Elijah, Blake and Michael which yesterday escalated to violence during detention. I would like to make it very clear that I do not tolerate violence in my school, this behaviour stops now. You are to stay away from each other and focus on your education not antagonising each other.  Blake and Michael you are to serve another weeks’ worth of after school detentions as I understand you were antagonising Roxanne which caused her to hit you”, the head teacher said.