Benefits - h.g

17

Hayes

There had been some chatter amongst the students in the halls today. Rumours were going around about me. That someone wanted to beat the shit out of me. I didn't listen because I knew rumours were a load of bullshit, especially the ones about me because everyone knows who I am. But then it happened.

It was the lunch period, I was comfortably sitting with Zack & eating my lunch when there was a large crowd at the door of the cafeteria. They waded through the crowd & approached me & I realised who it was. It was Kyle with his little gang.

"What the fuck are you doing with my girl Hayes!" he yelled & grabbed my shirt, forcing me to stand up.

"What you talking about bro?" I asked as I made a face.

"You tapping my girl. MY GIRL!" he practically screamed.

"No I ain't," I backed away.

"Yes you are! I'm not kidding man. How dare you touch my property!" he yelled.

"She's not property. She's an actual person!" I got mad & pushed him.

That's when he lost his shit & threw a punch at me. I threw a punch back at him as we began fighting. Me, occasionally left hooking him. Him, jabbing my stomach & face as a large, rowdy crowd surrounded us.

I knew I had to fight. Not just for me. But for Danica too. I knew what we were doing was wrong but Kyle treated her like shit. She didn't deserve that. Like I tell her. All the time. I just knew this needed to end.

I felt a set of large broad hands grab my back & pull me away from Kyle, who was still trying to get at me. I was basically being dragged into the principle's office & sat down on a chair.

"Mr Grier. Would you care to explain what happened in the lunch room?" Mrs Garrett, the school principle, asked.

"Well ma'am. I was sitting & eating my lunch when Kyle Frances came up to me, accused me of some wrong doing & started punching me & I punched him back in self defense," I explained as I exhaled deeply.

"What did he accuse you of?" she asked as she fiddled with her pen in her hands.

"Sleeping with his girlfriend," I said soundly.

"Danica Stark?" she asked. Mrs Garrett pretty much knew everything about everyone. She cared like that.

"Yes ma'am," I nodded.

"& you're dating Jody Moreno correct?" she asked.

"Yes ma'am," I nodded.

"Okay," she nodded & the door opened & there Kyle stood with one of the teachers.

"Hayes wait outside while I talk to Kyle for a while," she ordered me & I nodded.

I stood up & walked past Kyle who gave me an angry scowl. I closed the door behind me & waited outside to await the punishment I was about to receive. Maybe Garrett was gonna get us off the hook? She could. But my fate was undecided for five minutes before I was called in again. I sat down across from Kyle as he crossed his arms & scowled again.

"Now I understand you boys are both frustrated because of this situation but that should be dealt outside of school grounds. Or at least through words. Or at least just hide the other's shoe & call it a day fellas," she laughed & I chuckled a bit, "but unfortunately, Hayes Grier you have been suspended for two weeks for disorderly conduct. Kyle Frances you have also been suspended for two weeks for disorderly conduct. Your parents have been contacted & you will be escorted off the premises right now."

I'm in shit.