10 Reasons Not to Fall in Love

Hide-and-Seek

            "Mr. Richardson, I am sorely disappointed with the actions you took today. You have tainted the school's image and maimed our reputation, young man. Moreover, I could send you to the police for this!"

            "Daddy," Annie reasoned on Vincent's behalf. The currently frenzied teenager was being pinned down on the office floor by Rick, demanding that he to be let go. Annie had to talk over the shouting as best as she could. "Liz's dad showed up. And he said all these horrible things to her and-"

            "-AND SHE'S MISSING! WE HAVE NO IDEA WHERE SHE IS, AND IT'S ALREADY BEEN AN HOUR!" Vincent shouted, struggling to get free. "STOP WASTING TIME AND FIND HER!"

            The principal, Annie's father, watched pitilessly as Rick cuffed his little brother over the head. Mr. Lockwood remained indifferent, even bored.

            "Ah yes; Miss Blackburn. Don't worry, she's going to get a punishment as well, so don't worry."

            "Don't worry?" Vincent repeated, his voice rising.

            "That aside," the principal sighed wearily, pretending not to hear the string of profanities that followed, "I need you to tell me what possessed you to attack that gentleman."

            "He's not a gentleman, and I don't have time for this!" Vincent spat back. "Look, you can interrogate me later, but go find Liz first! You don't have any idea what-"

            "NO," the principal interrupted, his gray eyes sparking with annoyance as he raised his voice. "I'd say that you know what's going on the least right now. I guess you don't know why I was forced to pull you and your fellow classmates out of class to have this talk with you, and it appears that your older brother can't even calm you down.

"That man on his way back home with bruises and cuts everywhere right now isn't just Miss Blackburn's father. Kevin Shay is the CEO of Hedding Realtors, and you've just assaulted him in broad day light! He's threatened to sue the school, and if he does, you can bet that I'll have you expelled."

            "That won't be a problem," Rick cut in. "I made it clear that if he threatened anything to do with Liz and her mother, I'd have him out of business by nightfall."

            The principal scowled, but still pressed on. "Fine then! But you will take full responsibility, and I want a clear explanation before I let you go, Mr. Richardson!"

            Andre had to shout over Vincent's angry retorts. "I'll explain for him."

            Andre took a deep breath before recounting the insane events that followed due to Mr. Shay's appearance.

            "Liz got really pale when her father demanded that she move to Florida with him. He honestly looked remorseful and lonely when he mentioned the things they used to do together. The guy even looked soft.

            "'I miss you, Liz,' the man said. 'I miss going to beaches, the movies, having picnics; everything. Life's just not the same without you.'

            "'And what's Mom going to do, huh?' Liz shouted, attracting even more attention from the other students.

            "Mr. Shay's face darkened a little, and he was back to his arrogant self. 'Who, Janice? She's fine with the Richardsons. Janice has always been a boring woman and I was a fool to be drawn in by her looks and mysterious aura. The woman never truly loved me in the first place, just my money.'