Not Everyone Deserves a Second Chance

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

I step through the front doors of the school, not even pausing to watch my mom drive away. My boots click against the tile floor as i make my way to room 147. The hall seems never ending, unless you have any advanced classes. There are rumers going around that when new kids come to school, they are brought down there so the teachers can decipher if they are smart or dumb. i think that's just stupid. I was new a couple of years go, and i havent stepped foot in that win of the school. I'm reading the numbers off the wall, "145, 146, 147, here." I wrap my fingers around the doorknob, but as I'm about to twist open the door, i remeber something dreadful. James is in this class. I slowly step into the classroom, scanning the desks for his face. I let out a breath i didn't know i was holding when I realized he wasn't in the classroom. I must look really stupid, just standing in the doorway, the door resting on my side with my eyes all big and wide. I turn my attention to Ms. Lorenette, who lookes like she could burst at any minute.

"Tardy again, Ms. Norberts?" It was more like a statement, than a question.

"Sorry, Ms. L. I missed the bus. It won't happen again." Which is a complete lie. I miss this class at least twice a week.

"We're still using the same excuse, hmm, Jessica? I think it's time to get a new one, don't you think?" Ms. Lorenette motions for me to take my seat. As I take my first step, my good friend Kendra wavs me over.

"What?" I'm already in trouble, I don't want another detention. My mom hates me enough right now.

Kendra laughs and says, "Daydreaming about James again? Or still remembering the fight." Oh, that's right. I called her after James left.

I just look at her, and walk away. My desk is in the back, so i can really get away with anything. I take out my pencil and start doodling on the desktop, ignoring whatever instructions the teacher is giving. My head is swirling with memories from yesterday, but my vision clears when the ringing of the phone snaps me out of it.

Ms. Lorenette shuffles to the thick black phone connected to the wall, and picks up the receiver. I watch her as she twiddles her curly golden-brown hair around her finger, as she taps her high heeled shoe repeatedly on the tile. Her hot pink tank with brown jacket makes her look like a teenage mom, but the slacks says she isn't. I can't care less about what she's talking about with whoever was on the other line, until i hear my name.

"Jessica? Yep, she's here. Yes, I will send her down. Mhm, yup. Buh-bye." She hangs up the phone and faces me. "Jessica, Mr. Peterson wants you in his office right away." As soon as she says it, the entire class starts "Ooohing."

I get up and gather my stuff from under my desk. Before I can get out the door, I'm called back.

"Jessica! Before you go, I need to give you this." She hands me a slip of paper, folded in half. I really don't care what it is, so i take it and escape from the room.

I get to the principal's office and open the door. The place was filled with security people. I search for James, thinking he is the reason why I am down here. Well, he isn't here. My eyes open a little wider.

"If James isn't here, then, why am i?"