Surf's Up?

Ugh Boys

Ellis' POV

I stood around nervously by my locker, wringing my hands. Brian was the first one to walk out to the

principal’s office. He saw me and walked slowly towards me. I took a deep breath and looked him in the

eye as I said, “Hi.” I practically whispered it. He ran a finger over his lip. “I’m sorry Hill punched you, but

that obviously doesn’t make up for what happened.” He didn’t say anything, he just stood there, staring

at me. The reason for why Hill punched him wasn’t really clear so I asked, “Why did you tell Hill? And

how did you know that his reaction would be anger?” Brian sighed. “I told you before, I know Hill better

than most. I knew that what he didn’t know being shoved in his face would anger him the most. I also

know that it hurts when someone lies to you.” At this, I ducked my head. He tilted my chin up. “I know

you were protecting him and I’m sorry I told him. It should have been your choice.” I looked at him and

he dropped his hand. I looked behind Brian and saw Hill step out of the principal’s office. He stared at

the back of Brian and then at me. Brian saw that my gaze was behind him, so he turned, saw Hill and

turned back to me. He searched my face for any sign of… anything, I guess. I bit my lip and patted

Brian’s shoulder. Then, I stepped to the right and walked towards Hill. When I glanced back, Brian was

looking at the lockers. Hill looked slightly triumphant as I walked towards him. “So, what’s the

punishment?” He smiled. “Just a week’s worth of detentions.” I frowned. “Why are you happy about

that?” His smile grew wider. “Because Brian is suspended and if he gets suspended one more time,

he’ll get expelled.” I sighed. “Maybe he’s not as bad as you think.” He shook his head. “Right. I should

go. I shouldn’t be late to class since I already have detention.” I nodded. I followed him out the door but

then realized that I didn’t have my Government textbook. I turned to go back to my locker. I was about to

open the door when, through the glass, I saw Brian move quickly. He punched the locker, hard.

Startled, I didn’t go back in, I just watched. He leaned against the locker and closed his eyes. I turned

around slowly and headed to Government without the book.

After school, I checked my phone for a notification of red flags, like I should’ve done last time. The

notification said that it wasn’t safe to go in the water, so I put my phone away. I reached Cara’s car and

told her we couldn’t go surfing. She nodded and said goodbye. I climbed into my jeep and started it up.

I sat there for a minute, thinking. I really need to talk to Hill about things. I still don’t know if I believe that

Brian’s changed, but he seemed so sincere in wanting our friendship back. I owed that to him; it wasn’t

just Hill who convinced me not to hang out with him, I turned my back on him. It was my choice and I

was wrong.