Chase & Adrienne

20

CHASE

MONDAY MORNING

On Monday, the fight during the basketball game is still fresh in everyone's minds, and it's all anyone can talk about. I get a mixture of responses as I walk down the hallway, ranging from congratulatory pats on the back to threatening looks from Luke's friends on the wrestling team that Adrienne now eats lunch with. By third period, the entire school seems to know about it. The most entertaining part by far, though, are the outlandish rumors concocted by the student body as to why the scuffle got started in the first place. I gotta hand it to these crummy high schoolers. They are much more creative than I would have previously given them credit for. Fortunately, I have yet to hear a rumor centered around Adrienne. 

During fourth period, the class right before lunch, the nasally voice of the school secretary crackles over the intercom.

"Chase McCarthy and Lucas Gates, please report to Mr. Saiz's office. Again, Chase McCarthy and Lucas Gates to Mr. Saiz's office. Thank you."

Crap. Immediately, my brain shuffles through scenarios. Detention? Suspension? Getting kicked off the team? Expulsion? That would look fantastic on my senior transcript. 

My teacher pauses at the board and turns to look at me. Everyone in class is staring at me now. Every last one of them knows exactly why I'm being called to the principal's office. That fight on Saturday is all anyone in this damn school is talking about.

I sigh, picking up my backpack from the ground and hoisting it over my shoulder. I make my way to Mr. Conner's desk, and he gives me a slip of paper and a small nod. I wouldn't be surprised if he knew about the fight, too. 

When I finally arrive at Mr. Saiz's office, Luke is already there, sitting in one of the chairs in front of Mr. Saiz's huge, oak desk. Joy. Just seeing his face sends a surge of anger through my system. I don't regret the fight for a second, no matter how much trouble I get into. I sit in the chair next to Luke's, intentionally scooting a few inches away from him and the scent of his overpowering cologne. Mr. Saiz clears his throat. 

"Would one of you boys mind explaining to me what happened at the basketball game on Saturday night?"

It's silent for a second. What is he expecting us to say? No worries , Mr. S. We are simply fighting over a girl. You know how teenage boys are.

"I presume you boys want to be here for awhile? Talk."

"Look, sir, this is a huge misunderstanding. Chase and I have been friends for years," Luke comments reassuringly, leaning forward in his chair. Wow. This guy might be a dick, but at least he knows when to lie. He continues. 

"I understand that you were probably shocked, and to be honest, I was shocked as well. You see, Chase has some problem with me that I fail to understand. He attacked me during the game," he finishes. 

I take back everything. Luke Gates is, and always will be, a terrible person. 

"And, sir, you can check the videos. He threw the first punch. I chose not to fight back."

"Yeah, chose," I mutter. "Look, Mr. Saiz. Luke pushed me after he missed a beautiful pass I threw to him. He started it."

"I did not! Sir, my mother would be appalled to hear all these accusations that Chase is carelessly throwing around about me that are simply untrue."

"You know what, Luke? That's cheap, bringing your mom into this. I don't care that she's a lawyer. I don't care if she's the damn president of the United States! You--"

"Enough!" Mr. Saiz interjects. "Chase, from what I have heard from the students and the faculty that were present during Saturday's game, you punched another player on the court, and that is in direct violation of league rules. I'm sorry, but you need to be punished for this."

"He started it!" I argue. Mr. Saiz holds up his hand calmly. 

"Luke, I am going to give you a warning. You cannot provoke your teammates and not expect them to retaliate," Mr. Saiz says. I see Luke smirk out of the corner of my eye. 

"This is such bull--" I start, but Mr. Saiz cuts me off. 

"Chase, please. You are banned from all remaining Homecoming events, and you are not allowed to play in the upcoming basketball game. You may play in the one after that. I have already discussed this with your coaches and the athletic director. Violent behavior, on or off the court, will not be tolerated at this school. You are both dismissed."

Luke and I get up at the same time, heading for the door. 

"One more thing," Mr. Saiz says to our backs, "if I catch either of you boys fighting with each other or anyone else, the punishments will be much more severe."

Once we're out in the hallway, I turn to Luke murderously. 

"You started that fight, and you know it."

"Maybe I did. But wouldja look at who just got suspended, banned from Homecoming, and has to miss our next game? Against North Stone! Man, you love to play them. I'm glad it's not me." He begins to walk away, but after a moment's hesitation, he comes back. 

"One more thing. Now that you won't be able to see how hot Adrienne'll look at the dance this weekend, I'll be sure to send you a picture of her dress on my bedroom floor."

"If you so much as touch her, I will come after you. I don't care what the consequences are." I'm beyond pissed now, two inches from him and just about ready to get expelled. The only thing that stops me is Adrienne skidding around the corner. She really is the only person who could have stopped me from kicking this guy's ass. Luke steps away from me, making his way to her. 

"Don't worry," he reassures her. "Everything's fine. I'm not in trouble."

Adrienne breathes a sigh of relief, wrapping her arms around him. I roll my eyes and turn to go, thoughts of Carmen on Saturday night returning to my mind.