The Power Academy

Chapter 20- The Verdict

~Recap~

The question is, do I even want that anymore?

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Kayla's PoV:

Gemma looks at me expecting to respond, with a 'most definitely!' or a 'obviously', but with everything going on I can barely string two thoughts together about what or who I want.

"Gems... I just... you know... I just with everything like... I don't even know how to think at this point, obviously you want answers, but right now I just can't give them too you, everything is happening too fast. I just.. you know I just... I think I just need some time to breathe," walking out of the door I am met with Master Whitehall

"Ah, Kayla, I was just looking for you. Madam Carter would like to speak with you for a moment. Hopefully by the time you two are finished the student council will have decided their verdict," listening to him, I nod my head, following him down the hallway towards Madam Carter's office. After a short knock, he opens the door for me and I see Madam Carter sitting at her desk.

"Thank you Master Whitehall. Please give us a moment," he closes the door behind me and Madam Carter immediately stands to come and hug me, "Kayla I am unbelievably proud of you for what you did today in the trial. I know that what you went through was traumatic and something that will be hard for you to overcome, but I wanted to genuinely say thank you for staying. Your first experience was apalling to say the least, but I am so encouraged at the fact that you decided to remain here. Students like you are the reason that I opened the school, for people who know that this is who they truly are rather than pushing it down in fear. because of you we are actually going to be able to legally investigate what has been going on with Gregory and others like him. I hate to say it but because of funding and investors, there had been no previous ground or claim to investigate without them pulling the funding. However with you standing your ground and fighting, you gave us a chance to protect those who can't protect themselves. I don't know exactly why this is happening yet, but I swear that I will find out what is going on and put an end to it."

Madam Carter and I sit and chat for a few moments, listening to her constantly praise me for my 'bravery' and my 'courage.' Listening to Madam Carter go on about my strength, as annoying as it was, it gave me encouragement. As she talks she goes behind her desk and we sit down. She pulls out a notebook with a roster of students in it

"Now Kayla, there has been no verdict as of yet, but I would like to go ahead and discuss new possible arrangements for you to be partnered with a dominant. Perhaps the boy you hit it off with, Jasper Knight, maybe he would be a good match with you?"

"I am glad you brought that up, Madam Carter, because I actually wanted to ask you something," she closes her notebook and looks at me. Nodding to signal me that she is listening, I take a deep breath, "would it be possible to remain in this school as a single, unclaimed individual? I admit there are people definitely interested in me, and while feelings may or may not be reciprocated, I just... I don't mean any offence in this, please don't take it that way, it's just... I just don't think blindly matching up students is a safe way to participate in this community. Trust is the most important thing, and you have to have that before the dynamic is set."

"Kayla, that is perfectly understandable, honorable even. I have been trying to formulate new ways for this to work, how does it sound maybe for us to sit down one day and discuss ways on how to improve our educational system here?"

"I would like that very much Madam Carter."

"Well then consider it done Kayla, you are now the Power Academy's first single by choice student, I wish you the best of luck my darling," as we were finishing up, Master Whitehall knocks on the door and walks in.

"Ladies, the council has reached a decision," both Madam Carter and I stand up, looking at each other with both nerves and hope. The three of us walk down the hall together but seperate as Madam Carter typically uses another door to ender the auditorium from the stage.

Master Whitehall opened the door for me, and I was greeted by students who were observing the trial standing and clapping for me. I had to laugh momentarily because of how cheesy it was, but the gesture brought me to tears. The smiling and encouraging faces of my fellow classmates encourages me, knowing that no matter what happens, things are going to get better after this moment.

The wait from when I sat down to when the council entered the auditorium felt like an eternity. Slowly, and one by one, the student council walked in and say in their places. Coughing to signal silence, Madam Carter begins, "Council, what is your verdict?"

One of the members stands up and nervously looks around the room, almost too scared to answer her, "We the council, in the trial between Kayla and Gregory, find the Defendant Gregory....."

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A/n,
Thank you for being patient with me, it means the world to me that so many people care so much. Leaving my ex has been destroying me, but I know in the long run it is the healthiest thing for me.

Love you always!
Lizzie