Heterodox (BOOK 2)

Chapter 25

~Vesper~

"VESPER DUSK, PLEASE COME TO THE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY. VESPER DUSK, PLEASE COME TO THE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY."

This is the second time the intercom has summoned me. It is loud and annoying; like all intercoms are. I can hear it just fine.

I stride into Art class much to Ms King's amazement.

"Vesper?" Ms King scans me worriedly. It's nice to see an adult care about me for once. I haven't had that for a long time. "Why are you here?"

"I have class now, don't I?"

Students peak at the top or side of their canvases and sculptures, hoping to see the criminal of the hour and her agenda. Don't they have projects to focus on?

"Yes- yes that's true. But didn't you hear the intercom? They want you right no-." She halts suddenly and pushes her glasses up her nose. Her eyes widen in alarm. "What happened to your neck?!"

My neck? Geez, I bruise easy!

Frantically I try to pull up my collar but I remember sweaters don't have collars to conceal your bruised neck. Then I reach for my hair to wrap around my neck but I forgot they were up in space buns.

Sighing heavily and feeling like a ridiculous banana, I just walk straight past her desk and head to my spot at the back of the class and close to the window. Another sigh when I realize I need a pallet. I walk back to Ms King's desk, facing her tiredly and ignoring the following eyes from the rest of the class.

"May I have a pallet, please?" I gulp. "Mine's broken."

"Vesper, I know how important it is to get this project done but the office-" She's interrupted by the blaring intercom. This time, instead of the secretary, it's the voice of authoritative force herself; laced in anger and irritation.

"VESPER DUSK COME TO THE OFFICE NOW. IF YOU DO NOT COME IN THE NEXT MINUTE, I AM SENDING THE SECURITY."

The students behind me 'ooh' and start whispering among themselves. Ms King starts to nibble on her pinkie's nail; a nervous habit she never grew out of. "Vesper. You heard her. You don't want to get her angry. You should go."

"I'm tired, Miss." I stare at her pleadingly. "I need to do art now. Please."

"But they are calling you, Vesper!"

"Can't we ignore them? That's what I've been doing."

"Vesper. You can't ignore your problems forever."

"I'm not ignoring them forever. I'm postponing them."

She cocks her head and watches me quizzically. "What happened Vesper? Why don't you want to go?"

I look away and glance at the small rubbish bin in the corner filled with crumpled kite paper and running over.

You're supposed to show up looking like trash. Act your role!

My eyes squeeze shut just as the security officer shows up. I do nothing when he tugs at my arm, leading me down the hall. As I said before; I'm tired. I'm tired of fighting.

***

"What is the meaning of this Vesper?" The authoritative force begins before I even get half of my body through the door. She is visibly shaking, her tight bun loose, and her eyes looking murderous. "Why can't you just come to school and not start trouble? Why are you wasting your potential like this? Do you have any idea what you've done? Lance and Lorraine are right now in the nurse's office and waiting for the ambulance.  Lorraine has a broken nose and a twisted ankle. and you're lucky Lance didn't get any serious injuries. When Lorraine's father hears about this he's going to sue you, he'll sue the school! You, Missy, are facing suspension and even worse expulsion. You're a genius for crying out loud! How can you be so stupid?"