The Treehouse Club {On Hold}

Chapter Fourteen // Jessie

JESSIE

"And you were caught on security cameras sneaking into an empty classroom with Johnny Bakerman before school this morning. You know that's against our policies here, Miss Aristole. That along with your little stunt at lunch makes your third offense so far this month. You've previously had such a good record here, what's changed?"

Night Jess hates confinement.

"Nothing, Mr. Carpel, I'm just under a lot of pressure right- Why are you looking at me like that?"

He had suddenly given me a very wary look in the middle of my excuse, almost like he was scared I might say that.

He turns toward my fully, his hands clasped atop his desk. "Miss Aristole," he says, clearing his throat, "You know that this is a safe environment, right? You can tell me anything."

I look at him suspiciously, confused as to where this conversation is headed. "Of course, Mr. Carpel, but I don't see how that involves-"

"I was just letting you know that if this Johnny kid was pressuring you into doing anything you didn't want to, you could always come-"

"Oh no, Mr. Carpel." I reassure him. "Johnny's just a friend. What happened at lunch today is completely unrelated. That was entirely my fault."

He visually sighs in relief at my lie. "Well then unfortunately I'm going to have to give you a detention. I will let you off lightly this time because of your relatively clean history, but if this behavior is to continue..."

"It won't, sir. I promise."

"Good, then you may go." He says, handing me my detention slip. I'm on my way out the door when he calls me back. "Oh and Miss Aristole? If indeed you are telling the truth about Johnny's involvement, I thank you for looking out for him. He hasn't had much luck in that category since his father left. It's nice to see my nephew is finally getting a break."

I smile, shocked. "Of course, Mr. Carpel. Johnny's a great guy. I'll do my best to make sure he stays out of trouble."

"Thank you, but I'm afraid Johnny's behavioral issues are a tad beyond your sanity limits. God knows they're past mine."

<><><><><><><><>

I walk into detention and hand the supervisor my pass to sign off. Once he hands it back I begin my journey to the back of the room, so I can draw in peace. But when I finally reach my preferred seat, it has already been occupied.

He's got his legs kicked up on the desk in front of him, looking completely at ease. When he notices my entry, his face lights up with that wicked grin of his, and he gestures to the empty seat next to him.

"DJ!" He exclaims, "So we meet again!"

"I hate you," I reply. "Just so you know. This whole thing is entirely your fault."

"That's a bit harsh, dontcha' think? I mean, I didn't force you to say dare. I only came up with an excellent one in response."

"You're a delusional asshole."

"You love it."

<><><><><><><>

I'm walking out of the school with Johnny after a fairly non eventful detention. He takes off, telling me he's gotta pick up his little sister from school, but he promises to meet up at the treehouse with me in a little while. Today we both need to let off a little steam.

As I'm walking down the steps towards the parking lot, I happen to catch sight of the third member of our little treehouse club walking cautiously out of the locker rooms by the gym. By the looks of it, one of our awful PE teachers probably made him stay after school and run sprints for "slacking off" or some other bullshit excuse they use to torture us.

I run to catch up with him.

"Jacob!" I yell to catch his attention.
He looks at me in confusion, but still slows down so I can catch up.

"Hey! Johnny and I are headed out to the treehouse in a little while. You wanna come?" The look of uncertainty that crosses his face makes my rethink my question.

"Unless you've got other plans?"

"No, but-"

"But what? You thought you'd spill your guts to us and we'd dump you straight back out on your ass? Sorry to disappoint Jakey, but that's not gonna happen. I don't know what you were expecting, but Johnny and I, we don't just give up on people."

He gives me a weird look at that.

"What?" I ask, confused.

"You've only just met him."

"Johnny? I've only just begun know him. We met a long time ago. Why to you say that?"

"You talk about him like you're a married couple."

I cover my ears to drown out his voice. "Do not say that. You'll give me nightmares."

He just laughs at my immaturity.

"So, treehouse in an hour? I've got to deal with my Mother first."

He thinks it over for a sec, but I know his answer before he says it.

"Alright, I'll see you there."

<><><><><><><><>

I try to sneak back into my house, but to no avail. My Mother is, as expected, waiting for me at the foot of the stairs as I walk through the front door.

"Where have you been for the last two hours, young lady?" She asks in a condescending tone the minute I step through the front door.

Instead of answering, I just hand her my detention slip to sign off, and go into the kitchen to grab a pen. By the time I get back, she's finished reading the note.

"No this can't be right! A detention after one offense? I'm going to call Derek. There must be some mistake."

"There's no mistake mom. Mr. Carpel gave me detention because this is the third time this month I've been in trouble."

"Third time?! What has gotten into you? Why am I just now hearing about this? And 'Disruption of Lunchtime Activities'? What does that even mean?"

"It means I stood on a table and confessed my love of Dylan O'Brian, that's what it means."

"You're in love? Darling you're so young! When did this happen? Your Father and I haven't even met the boy!"

It takes all my self control not to slam my head into a wall.

"He's an actor, Mom, from the show I'm always telling you about? You would know that if you'd listen to me once in a while."

"Now, young lady, I do not appreciate your tone."

I give her a flat look, "Whatever, Mom. I'm going upstairs."

"Your Father and I will be discussing this! Do not think this conversation is over!" She calls up the stairs after me, but I'm not listening. An outfit change, personality switch, and a black backpack, and I'm already on my way out the window.