For The Better

Coming Clean

"But."

Skie's eyes flew open in surprise.

"Sometimes, rules should be broken."

Simultaneously, both Skie and Hazel's mouths dropped open.

The headmistress glanced at the two girls and, unless Skie was very much mistaken, hid a smirk. "I believe in giving second chances. And, after all, my stipulation in the mentoring relationship between Miss Matthews and Miss Jamison was that Miss Jamison would be in charge of punishments. Therefore, Hazel, you are in control."

Hazel looked as though the sky had fallen and everything was now inverted. "Ma'am..? You...? I mean, are you sure? I mean..."

"I know what you mean. And yes, this was the agreement, was it not?"

Hazel slowly shook her head back and forth. "It was, ma'am."

"Excellent. I think you should stay here so we can discuss what you will do. Mr. and Mrs. Matthews, you should be here as well. I think its best the rest of you go. The bell for lunch will ring in five minutes."

Skie needed no further prompting. She ran out of the room and to her dorm as quickly as she could. She then sunk down on her bed, crying out her guilt and relief and fear.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Skie? What's going on?"

Skie looked up and saw Hannah and Danielle in the entrance of the room, looking very concerned. She pulled herself together and took a deep breath.

"Danielle, please close the door."

Danielle did so quickly and then turned back to face her.

"Seriously, what's wrong?"

Skie sighed. She knew she was about to lose her friends, but they'd find out anyway. "Sit down."

The two girls sat on Hannah's bed and looked at her.

"I...I really don't know how to say this. I've never told anyone this before, not by choice, but it's time for me to come clean. I..." Skie trailed off.

"It's ok. You don't have to tell us if you aren't comfortable." Hannah said.

"No, I need to say this. I'm just...I know you guys will hate me."

"Skie, didn't we go over this before? We could never hate you." Danielle encouraged.

Skie squeezed her eyes shut and bit her lip, knowing she had to get it out.

"I'm a kleptomaniac."

"You're a what?" Hannah said, confused.

"A kleptomaniac. I have a seemingly random and strong compulsion to steal things, even if I don't need them or won't use them." Skie said in a rush.

Danielle looked confused as well, but then her eyes grew wide. "Wait...that was you? Wheaton...and Izzy?"

Skie bit her lip and nodded.

"Wait, I don't get it." Hannah said, still confused but very concerned.

Skie sighed. "Hannah, it was me that stole the money from Ms. Wheaton's desk. And it was me that stole Izzy's money too."

"Oh."

Danielle looked thoughtful. "You said it's a random and strong compulsion?"

Skie nodded. "It's because of an imbalance in my brain. I have low levels of this neurotransmitter called serotonin, and it gives me urges to steal that take over my whole brain and that are incredibly difficult to ignore."

Danielle looked mildly impressed. "Wow, how did you know all that?" 

"I had it explained to me at my last school...when I was expelled..."

Hannah raised her eyebrows. "I thought you transferred?"

Skie sighed. "I lied to you. It was embarrassing to tell the truth and I didn't want you to hate me right off the bat. I'm really sorry."

Hannah was quiet for a minute. 

"It was a mistake."

Skie felt like she had been slapped. Of course Hannah thought it was a mistake being friends with her. She shouldn't be surprised.

"But you can't let that define you."

Skie looked confused. "What?"

Hannah half smiled. "You made a mistake by stealing that money. And you've made mistakes before. But that doesn't define who you are. You are more than the choices you make."

"She's right." Danielle chimed in. "It's something in your brain, you aren't trying to hurt people."

"But, but I don't understand! I'm a bad person, I-"

"No, Skie, you aren't. You're an amazing person and friend. And no, I'm not happy you lied to us, but I understand why you did. I probably would have too." Hannah smiled wider now.

Skie felt herself start to cry all over again. 

"I love you guys."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Skie stood when she heard the tapping on her door and opened it to find Izzy. There were a few seconds of very awkward silence. 

"Izzy...I'm sorry." 

To Skie's surprise, Izzy grabbed her in a hug. 

"I forgive you."

"Really?" 

Izzy laughed. "I mean, of course! You're my friends, isn't that what friends do?"

Skie pulled away, grabbed five $20 bills from under her pillow, and, blushing, handed them to Izzy. In return, Izzy handed her an envelope. 

"What is this?" Skie said, confused.

"I don't know. It's from Hazel."

Skie felt her blood run cold. She sat at her desk and quickly opened the letter.

Skylar,

Firstly, I hope you're doing alright and that you are not being too hard on yourself. Please remember that you are an amazing person and this doesn't change that. Secondly, it is my duty to inform you that your punishment will take place today at 3pm sharp in the discipline room. Please come on time in full uniform. In addition, you will be suspended until next Monday. Sorry, kiddo, this is the lowest punishment I could push for. I'd recommend packing beforehand as your parents will come to pick you up at 4:30. You do have permission to miss your afternoon classes, however you must return the money to both Isabelle and Ms. Wheaton. I'd recommend you do that during 6th hour as she doesn't have a class at that time. 

I'll see you at 3.

Hazel

"Skie, what is it?" Danielle asked.

"It's just saying I've been suspended for two days and, uh, I have to see Hazel at 3."

Hannah winced in sympathy. "Good luck, Skie."

"Yeah, I'm going to need it."

TBC...

Wow these authors notes have gotten very repetitive, eh?