Contronym

Chapter 18

I don't think I had ever run faster than I did last night. Finn didn't try and stop me either. I thought we were cold to each other before; that was nothing. We didn't say a word the entire time. Our scrimmages were more aggressive than usual. There were some extra violent checks and a few shoulders thrown. At one point, Finn even knocked me on my ass. I thought I saw something flash through his eyes, but my face shut it down. If anything, I was smiling ruefully to myself when he finally hit me on my ass.

Call me crazy, but I just wanted to be one of the guys. They knock each other on their asses without thought yet they all seem to pause when it comes to me. I hated it.

"Vinalici ancillam cibis da-" Sam was cut off by the sound of the loud speaker cutting through the dull and dreary first period air.

"Griffin Riley and Sylvia Mason, please report to the principles office. Griffin Riley and Sylvia Mason to the principles office."

Shit.

"Quid feci?" Sam raised his eyebrow. I rolled my eyes at him and stood from my seat while slinging my bag over my shoulder. The period was almost over so there was no point in leaving my things here.

The teacher nodded at me and I left the room with the feeling of 20 pairs of eyes on my back. I was reluctant to go to the office. The two of us were most likely in trouble. It was probably for the detention we skipped. I feared that I was in for 'major consequences' as Gaurino so eloquent put it yesterday.

As I left the C hallway, I made eye contact with Finn as he exited No Name. Our school was a box with A, B, C, and No Name hallways on both floors. Outside of the box was the cafeteria, senior lounge, S wing (music, art, and trade classes) and then the gym, auditorium, and front offices.

We didn't utter a word to each other but we still walked side by side. I didn't think Finn and I would recover from our fight like we did the last big one. We were both on thin ice right now and we would benefit from some time away from one another. Once again, that was kind of hard seeing as we were in the same friend group and sport.

Despite our lack of vocal communication, I think we both were thinking the same thing; 'oh shit. This isn't a house office visit so we're in deep trouble'. We weren't supposed to be here for another two weeks minimum. And here we are the next day, at Gaurino's door looking like lost fucking puppies.

Finn was about to open the door when it was pulled open by none other than Coach. He looked at us with a grim smile that told me everything I needed to know. We were in deep shit after all.

I didn't know just how much shit until I looked at the rest of the room to see not only the Principle, but the Superintendent. Oh crap. I'm about to get expelled from a public school and I'll never get to play Lacrosse again. Finn must have shared the same sentiment because his eyes flicked to me for a fleeting moment. I might have even had time to consider if he felt bad for me or not had the Coach not interrupted.

"You two look like helpless animals. Man up. This is a big moment." Despite the criticism, I straightened up a little and crossed my ankles, something I never do when sitting. Finn subtly shifted while squaring it his shoulders. We both sat down while the Superintendent and Coach stood on either side of Gaurino.

"While I was informed of an incident yesterday, that is not why I brought you here. You two can settle your nerves for the time being." Principle Gaurino said with his fingers interlaced on the wooden desk.

We both nodded slightly and the Superintendent continued where Gaurino left off. "As you both know, you two are extraordinary at Lacrosse and many schools across the country have taken notice." He deep voice carried across the room. "Especially since this is such a competitive state. It seems colleges have not been the only ones to take notice. I'm sure you both are aware that for the first time since the 1948 Olympics, Men's Lacrosse will be played. The Olympic coaches have been recruiting all ages from sixteen to thirty from all across the country and both of you have been chosen to participate in the Olympic Trials in a few weeks."