Heartbroken

Chapter 17: Milo

            "I'm not sorry for what I did." I sat in the chair across from the principal, my arms crossed.

"I know that, son, but why did you do it?" the principal questioned, exasperated. "Even if he did say something rude, that doesn't give you any right to start a fight."

I stayed silent.

"Well, I can't change the past, but what you did is a major violation. Fighting is never good, but it's even worse on a college campus that you don't even attend." He clasped his hands, giving me the I'm-disappointed-in-you look.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Chans, but you will have consequences for your actions, even if your father is... well, your father."

I folded my arms and crossed my legs, hating when anyone made a connection between my father and I.

"I spoke to your father just minutes ago, and he insisted that I give you the worst punishment possible. Unfortunately, I cannot carry out that wish because what he suggested we do is illegal."

He probably said something about physical punishment.

"So, you will be staying after school for two weeks to do whatever I ask. Don't be late, and expect to get dirty." The principal sighed as I stood. "Such a shame," I could hear him mumble as I took my backpack and walked briskly out of the office. I found Allegra sitting in the waiting area, and when she saw me come out, she stood, waiting. I noticed Kyle sitting halfway across the room, his face displaying a large bruise. Satisfied and somewhat smirking, I walked past him with Allegra following behind me.

"What did he say?" Allegra asked as she hurried to keep up with me. I shrugged.

"Two weeks of detention," and physical pain from my father, I added in my head. Allegra groaned.

"You really shouldn't have punched him, Milo."

"He deserved it."

"He's just a jerk, Milo. A high school bully. His job is to provoke you, and it looks like he won."

"He did not." I stopped and turned to face her directly, folding my arms defensively.

"Technically you both lost. Even though he got in trouble, he pulled you in too. You both dragged yourselves off the cliff."

I didn't know what to say, but I knew that she was right. I continued walking, the school empty except for the janitor's mopping the floors and cleaning windows. School had gotten out an hour ago, and the bus dropped us here in only half that time. Kyle and I had to stay after for obvious reasons, and Allegra stayed of her own free will.

"Wait, where's Mercy?"

"I had Ingot pick her up."

"She took her back to your house?" my mind immediately went back to last night, Allegra's shaking form in the corner. I shut my eyes.

"No. She's at Ingots now."

I didn't have to say good for Allegra to know that I approved. Speaking of Mercy...

"Where was Mercy last night?" I asked gently, treading on dangerous ground.

"Sleeping,"

"She goes to sleep at 7:30?"

Allegra looked down. "I make sure that she's asleep by then, because that's when my uncle drinks the most."