A Dance with the Devil

Chapter 5

I was used to talk with school principals. Used in getting scolded with the school’s admins for getting in trouble. This was even a no big deal with me. Unless, it came to the point that they get fed up and decided that they couldn’t handle me anymore. That would be my turning point. That would only mean I won.  My father’s attention would be on me once again.

 The thing was, today was different. I was in completely diffferent circumstances. And it’s a bad one. Being called to the principal’s office was absolutely not a first time, of course. But it’d turn into an absolute disastrous feeling if and only if, in the worst possible situation, your brother turned out to be the principal. Okay, I knew it’d be bad for anyone with the same situation. But it’s three folds worst if your brother happens to be Tyler McQuillen. I was already starting to feel sorry for myself. Tyler kept on talking. He was in between scolding and settling our dispute over one another. Zeke and Nic were the ones who were actively participating, mostly talking back and defending themselves, but Clyde and I kept quiet. I was also devoured by my thoughts to keep on listening. I just hoped it all ends.

“Raven,” Tyler’s voice surfaced from my hearing and I raised my head. Four pair of eyes was staring at me, epectantly. “What do you think about it?”

I blinked. I was so caught up with my thoughts that paying attention to what Tyler was talking about was impossible. “About what?”

Tyler sighed in frustration. Nicole, the blonde boy, (yes, I was already well aware of his name now) snorted. Zeke looked bored. And Clyde, if his eyes could kill, I would’ve drop dead on the floor shortly after slapping him back at the classroom. I was guessing he’s already planning my murder on the back of his head from the way he was looking at me.

“About being the discipline head in the special class.” The bullied teacher from before said. I glanced at his direction. I didn’t even realize he was there all along.

“What are you talking about?” I asked. His words strucked me as if he’d just announced an all out war.

“Seriously, will you pay attention even a little, Ms. Fineza?” Tyler said in his formal voice. Good. This way I could set aside the fact that he’s my brother. The oh-so-sweet-and charming Tyler McQuillen.

“I’m sorry but could you please repeat whatever I’ve missed?” I asked glumly.

All of a sudden, Clyde snickered. But I could tell he was not laughing about something amusing. He was laughing at a bitter thought. “Don’t tell me you’re seriously appointing her as our discipline head? You’ve got to be kidding me.”

Then he stood up and started for the door, shaking his head in disbelief. But the teacher blocked his way out of the office. “The director is not yet finished with you. Please go back to your seat, Clyde.” He said sheepishly. He’s obviously scared. Looking at both of them face to face, you could clearly see who’s superior.

 “Want me to go back to my seat?” Clyde smirked. “Make me.”

He shoved the teacher out of his way and pushed his way out of the door. The teacher seemed to hesitate whether to follow Clyde or not but Tyler spoke just in time.

“Let him be, Mr. Javier. He’s just—“

“Outrageous.” I broke in. “And you, too, Mr. McQuillen. How could you possibly make me the discipline head of that class? “ I couldn’t hide the bitterness as I said the words. No one could blame me if I hated that class in my first day. They’re just plain bullies and mean. Not that I was any different but I didn’t really like their ways. A part of me wondered how they reach this point in their conversation. How did we end up on talking about appointing a discipline head? And most of all how did I became an option?