Just Hang In There

Chapter 5

(Jacob)
Why did Mark want to help me? Why would anyone, especially a jock, want to help a helpless guy like me? I thought it was a prank at first but when he came into the bathroom to try to find me, I loosened up. I still didn't believe him completely, but I was giving in. He knew I was in the bathroom and I'm too much of a coward to go out. Instead, he is probably going to the principal's office for some kind of trouble.
I waited for the bell to ring indicating that fourth period had ended to leave the bathroom. I quickly cleaned myself up and made my way to my final class of the day: art. My hair was still dripping wet. I tried to dry it off, but it was no use. I did my best to ignore it and walked down the hall to art class. People were giving me strange looks and I heard whispers, but I didn't care.
When I got to class, I quickly chose the seat farthest and most distant from everyone. Today for our warm up, we had to draw a person. I let my pencil do the drawing. I wasn't really thinking on what I was doing, I let my pencil speak for itself. I wasn't paying attention when my teacher said our warm up time was finished.
"Jacob," she said, "Put your warm up away." I looked at my work, than at my teacher, than I put it away.
"Okay class, today we are going to work on our painting techniques. Everyone, get out a paintbrush and a canvas." She said. I did as I was asked. Than she began talking again. I didn't pay attention. I zoned out in my thoughts. I was thinking on what happened so far and especially thinking about Mark. I didn't know if I should trust him or not. He genuinely looked like he wanted to help, but something was telling me I shouldn't.
The final bell rang for the day. I packed up my belongings and headed for the door.

(Mark)
I sat silently in the principal's office. I was screwed. Sullivan, Nate, and Ian walked into the office with the same counselor that brought me in. Sullivan and Nate gave me a death stare, then they took their seats. I sat there, trying not to draw attention to myself. I kept reminding myself that I was doing this for Jacob.
"The principal will be here shortly," said the counselor, "now, do I need to stay in here with you four or can I go?"
"We can handle ourselves," said Sullivan in an innocent voice. Nate and Ian both nodded. Than she looked over at me. I nodded.
"Very good." She said. Without another glance she walked out. It was now the four of us alone. Surprisingly, none of them said a word to me. Actually, none of them said a word at all. I got a chill up my spine. Something bad was about to happen, I could feel it. Shortly, the principal walked into the room. He looked displeased.
"Now, I have heard that the four have been causing some serious mischief around here involving other students. Would one of you like to explain yourselves?" I waited to see if any of the three had the balls to speak, but they just sat in silence. Now was my chance to stop their horrible behavior.
"Well," I started, "These three cowards like to pick on people. Today, they really messed up. They took Jacob from the tree when he was sleeping and tried to drown him in the fountain. Honestly, I sat back and watched because I was afraid. When I realized they were not going to pull him out, I tackled Sullivan and pulled Jacob out. He was basically dead and I brought him back to life. When they realized what I did, they attacked me. They gave me this black eye and this lump on my head," I explained as I pointed to my eye. I didn't realize a tear rolled down my cheek. The principal looked at me thinking deeply.
"Okay, Sullivan, Nate, Ian, explain yourselves."
"First off, Mark over here is lying," started Nate. I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms. "It started when we were eating lunch together, the four of us, when Mark had this brilliant idea to shove Jacob into the water and hold them there. I personally thought it was a bad idea but Mark was so persuasive I couldn't say no. Finally after we discussed the plan, we went over to Jacob and grabbed him. He was asleep so it was easy to get him. When we got to the fountain, Mark started to record. Sullivan and I took Jacob and throw his head into the water.
When Jacob realized he was in there, he struggled and struggled. I remember Mark yelling at us to let go. He came over and shoved Sullivan and grabbed Jacob. I think he wanted to put the end to him. Luckily for Jacob, Mark slipped on the wet grass and brought Jacob out with him. He quickly got up and tried to drag him back in. Just before he could do so, Sullivan tackled him. I quickly threw in a few punches so he would stay on the ground.
When I realized we knocked Mark out, we ran inside to get help. We were just about to when or teacher yelled at us to get into class. I personally felt guilty leaving them out there, but it was for the best. I don't know what happened to them after that, but now we are in here," explained Nate. He had a fake depressed face on him. The other two looked down as if they were in deep thought.
"Thank you Nate. Now, someone recorded this?" asked the principal. The recording! I completely forgot about it.
"Yes, there was a recording! It's on my phone," I exclaimed excitedly. I pulled out my phone from my pocket and grabbed a quick glance at the others. All three looked like they were about to kill me. I gave an evil smile. "Here."
The principal took my phone and tried to turn it on.
"It's dead." I stared at him.
"Oh, let me take it home and charge it. I'll bring it to you on Monday."
"No, you will not be taking it home. I don't trust you, Mr. Steele. I'll will charge it here. Luckily, I got the same phone so the charger is the same. Your parents will have to come here to pick it up once I have viewed the footage."
I sighed, but if that's what it takes I'll do it.
"Now before you guys can go, I just want to inform you that you all are suspended for a week. Expect a phone call home sometime tonight or tomorrow morning," finished up the principal. I stared at him. I have never been suspended before. My mom was going to kill me and since the principal has my phone, that made matters worse.
"Now, you are dismissed. Have a good rest of the day."
I immediately left the room and headed to my locker. I grabbed my belonging and started for the door. Before I reached it, Nate blocked me.
"If that footage reveals the truth, I will kill you Steele," warned Nate. For some reason, I didn't feel scared.
"Whatever Nate. At least when the footage is released, everyone will know what horrible losers you are and hopefully get expelled," I said with full confidence. That mad Nate angry, but I didn't care. I shouldered him as I walked outside and made my way home.