Tom trudged into the principals office, Joe following calmly behind him. The receptionist looked up at them, "What do you two need?"
When Tom didn't say anything, Joe stepped in, "We're here to see the principal?"
"Alright," The receptionist looked down at a sheet of paper, "He's in a meeting but he should be done any time now. Why don't you just wait in those two chairs."
Joe and Tom each took a seat, waiting patiently. Tom was practically fuming, glaring at the floor. After five minutes of silence, the principal came out of his office, gesturing them inside. They shuffled inside, each taking seats across from the principal.
"Now, you two got into a fight, I hear?" the principal asked, clearly tired already.
Joe raised his had slightly. The principal turned to him, "Yes, Joe?"
"Um, I just wanted to say that I didn't initiate the fight or try to continue it. I simply avoided all of his punches." Joe added quietly.
The principal seemed to take this into account, "Okay. Tom, is this true?"
Tom, knowing he could be caught in a lie by all the other students watching, had no choice but to tell the truth, "Yes, it's true."
"Alright then. Now you are both aware that fighting is in now way tolerated at this school, correct?" the principal, shuffled around some papers, scribbling on a note.
"Yes," Tom and Joe said simultaneously.
"Okay then, Joe, since you weren't involved in the fight, you will be dismissed. Tom, it's a seven day suspension, we need you to know that this is not in any way tolerated here." the principal handed Tom a slip of paper, "An email will go to your guardian. Have a good day boys."
Joe gave the principal a polite nod, before walking out of the office, Tom following behind him. They were both late to drama, making an awkward entrance as everyone was working with their scene partners.
Mrs. Snyder walked up to them "You guys are late."
"Sorry, we have passes," Joe held up the pass he took from the office, and Mrs. Snyder nodded.
"Alright, Joe, go work with Taylor. Tom, go work with Hailey," Mrs. Snyder said, walking away from them back to her desk. Joe and Tom went opposite ways, Joe walking over to Taylor, who was sitting criss-cross on the floor, reading her script.
"What took you so long!" said Taylor, standing up when she saw him.
Joe shrugged, "Just a little busy."
Taylor furrowed his eyebrows, but didn't pressure him into elaborating. "Okay. Let's get started."
After drama, Joe tried to avoid people, but the news about the fight was growing like wildfire. Thankfully most people told the correct version, about Joe not wanting to be involved, but occasionally he heard the passing voice saying he started the fight.
After school Taylor came up to him before he could get in his car. "Wait there was a fight? You didn't tell me," Taylor crossed her arms.
"Sorry, just so you know, I didn't start it or try to continue it," Joe said defensively.
Taylor nodded, "I thought so. Hey, can I get it?"
"Sure, hop in," Joe unlocked the passenger door for her, and she got in. "Where to?"
Taylor played with a strand of her hair, "Wanna just go to Starbucks? I'm in the mood for some hot chocolate."
"Aren't you always? Let's go," Joe began driving, eventually arriving at Starbucks.

YOU ARE READING
taylor swift + joe alwyn: story of us
Teen FictionTaylor Swift's a senior in high school, and ready for college to start. That's until a certain British boy moves to America, and ends up in her class. Will they slowly fall together, or will both of them fall apart?