The Cost Of Deceit

Chapter 4

The principal's office was kept a little cold. Probably to accommodate the many animals around the thing. Francine sat quietly as she listened to Principal Miller acknowledge her accolades. The room was dimly lit, which she'd later find out would be a norm for that office. She wondered if Principal Miller performed the taxidermy himself, or if he bought it at some god-awful store.

"Ms. Riperton, your academic performance at Westview High makes us glad to have you at Eastview. And may I add, your performance in science is especially astonishing." Principal Miller complimented. His smile seemed so warm, it was hard to imagine him hunting and stuffing little animals.

"Thank you, Principal Miller." Francine smiled, trying to avoid eye contact with the stuffed squirrel that sat on his desk. "It's a pleasure to be attending this semester."

"I know it must be particularly difficult for you to have switched schools in the middle of your senior year. You don't know anyone, and I feel that everyone in this situation is adjusting. While I wasn't exactly for the desegregation act, I will say I am happy to have you here." Principal Miller told Francine. That comment rubbed Francine the wrong way, and despite her introverted air it was clear she was insulted by that comment.

"Don't take it the wrong way, I simply think that whites and blacks going to school together may cause, well, a ruckus. And so in a perfect world, I'd have all of the kids in this batch graduate before desegregating their classes. As you can see, that is not the case. You are here and attending this school now. You're already rubbing shoulders with our more, how should I put it, conventional students. And so I have a proposition." Principal Miller told Francine.

Francine still was at a loss for words.

"Do you know what a proposition is?" Principal Miller asked, filling the silent room.

"Yes, I do." Francine answered shortly.

"Oh. Blunt, are you?" Principal Miller laughed. "Well, I suggest you join our Science Club."

"Science Club?" Francine became slightly distracted by the moose head that hovered over Principal Miller's desk.

"You are brilliant. Your grades show this. I'm sure you'll make a great addition to our team." Principal Miller told her. There was a Science Club at Westview, but unlike the Eastview club they didn't compete. No one in the surrounding towns wanted to compete against colored kids.

"I'm not sure if I should join, Principal Miller." Francine finally was able to remove her eyes from the moose. "I've never competed in such a thing before."

"I know at your colored school there was no such thing. That's why I think this will be a great opportunity." Principal Miller pressed. "Let me be honest, they need all the help they can get."

"I guess I can consider it." Francine told him.

"Great, so you'll join it." Principal Miller stood up from his desk. Francine stood up as well, wondering how he got to the conclusion she'd join. "I'll be sure to add you to the roster."

"But Principal—" Francine was left in the hallway. It was silent as she stood out there. The only thing Francine could focus on was her shortness of breath. The anxiety and stress of being thrown into such a club caused her anguish.

Francine didn't know that a few feet away, Elmer stood there watching her.

He was amazed by her. The way she styled her hair, the way the color of her shirt complimented her dark skin, the way she walked in small, delicate steps. Could it be that she made him nervous? It was surely unusual of him. He wondered why he thought twice before trying to speak to her. What were these nerves that he hadn't felt since he was a young boy with braces?