Stardale

2

As soon as I walked in the principal, Mr.Dale, came to me and handed me three files.

I know what they are for. One, the school newspaper since I'm basically the leader. Two, the planner of any events. Three, because I'm the captain of track.

"Hey C?" I Asked. He hummed in response while looking down. I pulled him towards the newspaper room where I work most of the day. I basically collected my work from the teachers and did it in here last year.

"What's going on Ashy?" He asked. A new nickname that actually sounds awesome. He never gave me a nickname. He just called me ash.

"I know you like to write alone. But, I was wondering if you would want to write with me this year. I'm in here all day basically too so that's where you could find me." I said.

"For what?" He asked while crossing his arms and raising an eye brow. "Freedom in writing. Mostly. I could make a few suggestions. Then you could also help me run the school newspaper department. Like team leaders." I said.

"Alright. Even though the writing doesn't sound like much freedom but, I know you." He said. The principal walked in.

"There you two are. It's actually great you two are in here. Ashleigh, would you tutor Colebert? Colebert would you allow her to tutor you?" Dale asked.

"I'll tutor him but, Mr.Dale, he prefers being called Cole." I said. "My apologies Cole." Dale said. "I guess I will let her." Cole said.

"Good. Don't worry. She use to tutor a few others. She's got the highest grade point average in this school too. 4.5 now. Went up after last year." Dale said, the end was more directed to me.

"Alright smartie pants. Take me to collect my work and you could just teach me. Right?" Cole Asked. I nodded with a small smile.

"If the teachers say you have to stay in class because you need to learn it. Just say that I'm tutoring you. Then come back here. I have to collect my work to." I said.

He nodded before walking out. I walked out and began walking towards the main classrooms. Might be the first day but, we always work. Always.

Especially if we might get out of school a few days earlier. It's up to the school board and principal.

I saw Violet and she saw me. She began walking towards me but, I sped up and nearly shoved down the whole hallway.

I knew she close to me but, that's what you get when your enemy is also in track.

It might take time to forgive her I guess. I turned into a classroom and got my work. The last classroom to.

Then I sped out and ran into someone. It was Austin. "Finally. Let's go. We are talking." He said while dragging me towards the student lounge.

It was empty. He shut the door. "Look. I know what I did was messed up and I'm sorry. I really am. I just want my best friend back." He said. I had my jaw clenched when Violet walked in and shut the door.

"Ash, I'm sorry." She said. I lunged at her and punched her a few times when Austin pulled me back but, I did the same thing to him before I stepped back.

"Maybe you are crazy like your brothers?" Violet said. I could see the regret instantly on her face as Katie and Cole walked in.

I stood there for a moment. "You know nothing about my brothers. Nothing. Your just a whore like all your little friends that think they are so popular." I said as tears spilled from my eyes.

She lunged at me and tried to punch me but, I tackled her and started to punch and. She rolled over and punched me in the face and I rolled back over and started punching her.

Katie looked shocked. Cole and Austin were trying to pull us apart but, it wasn't working. Until one of Austin's buddy's came in and helped.

I wiped my lip which was bleeding because her ring got my lip when she punched me. She looked worse then Austin. I walked out and headed towards the girls bathroom.

I started washing my hands when Katie entered with Violet, Austin, and Cole.

"Guys. I said take Violet somewhere else and this is a girls bathroom." Katie said.

"Well, I'm here for Ashy anyway." Cole said whole turning to look at Violet who looked at me with regret. "Not her." Cole finished.

"Ash, I didn't mean what I said about your brothers. I should have known this would come. After all Ashton taught you to fight." Violet said.

"My brothers aren't crazy. They didn't murder Lili either. Someone else did and it wasn't them. Everyone in this damn town should know they aren't capable of that. Like Cole said. Dumb and dumber. They also don't have the stomachs for that." I snapped angrily. Tears still spilling when a teacher walked in.

"Boys out. Ashleigh. Mr.Dale wants to see you. Violet. Come on." Winter said as she gave me a sad smile. She was walking behind me.

"Violet. You should know better then to bring her brothers into a stupid little fight. And to call someone crazy." Winter scolded quietly. I walked in and sat down.

Soon Cole and Austin walked in and sat down on either side of me. "I never expected this from you Ashleigh. Never. I know your having a hard time with your brothers after they have been arrested for the murder." He started but, stopped once I stood up.

"My brothers didn't murder her. You should know that. You saw them get sick at the little sight of blood. They don't have the stomachs for that. Lili Anderson was shot in the head and was found hanging in a tree. Mr and Mrs Anderson are just old hags looking for anyone to get in trouble." I said angrily.

"Calm down Ashleigh. I know they don't have the stomachs for that. I shouldn't have said murder because I doubt they did it. The only reason this case is still opened it because I said that and your brothers don't own a gun. They are trying to pin it all on Ashton though because he did leave for awhile to the marines or whatever." Dale said.

"Well they won't. I won't let them. My brothers don't deserve to be there. I have a question though." I said. He motioned me on. "Do you know where they are being contained?" I Asked. He nodded.

"Then tell me and don't call my parents. I need to hear my brothers side of the story. After all. Police aren't going to do anything besides sit on their lazy asses. You and I both know that." I said.

"Alright. Your going to need money probably to pay off the lady so she doesn't call your mother or father." He said. "Done." I said. He grabbed paper and handed it to me.

"And Ashleigh. No trouble. Just. No more fights. Now go along. Put your Nancy Drew skills to work on this." He said.

I nodded before walking out and heading towards the newspaper room. "Cole. Just. Meet me at Rons Diner around seven and I'll help you with homework. Alright." I said as he walked next to me.

"You don't really think I'm letting you go alone. Do you?" Cole Asked. "I didn't think you would want to come." I said. "Of course I do. I'd do anything for dumb and dumber." Cole said. 

"Let me drive you both there." Austin said. "No. We are good." I said rather rude. "Ashleigh. Can we just... talk real quick." Austin said while tugging on my hand which I pulled away.

"When I get back but, don't expect me to be anything more then a mutual feeling or a friend. Not best friends." I said. He sighed. "Fine. Ashleigh. I swear. I really am sorry." He said.

"And I don't give a fuck. I'm just good at holding grudges." I said before grabbing my stuff like Cole. We both sped walk towards the entrance where Dale is.

"He's coming with me. Also. Don't get the police involved. That's all I need." I said. "Just... be careful you two." Dale said. I nodded and was quick to walk out.

I ran towards the nearest bus stop knowing that Cole was following me. I stopped and pulled about fifty dollars out to get us to the prison.

"You sure your ready?" Cole Asked. I nodded. I took his hand as we got onto the bus that soon was here.