Toxic: A Sociopath Novel

Chapter 19

School was hectic. Every hallway,every bathroom, and every classroom wasfull of students interrogating me. That's theonly downfall about small towns; wordspreads around like a wildfire. I was inTheatre when class got interrupted by anoffice call."LeighAnn to the principal's officeplease." I tried not to lock eyes with anyoneas they let out their "o's" as I exited theroom.The office included both Mr. Henryand Dr. How, the principal. They lookedmore livid then I have ever seen them."LeighAnn, what's going on?" Dr.How asked. I explained to him whathappened with Lyn and the matchestruthfully. His response made my cheekshot. "We lost Lyn as a student and almostas a human on Earth. It makes my school look bad that students are capable of such athing. You will write her an apology letterand present it in front of the whole school.After that, whatever happens between youtwo is to stay off the premises of my school.""What about her? She humiliated mein my own school!""Watch the attitude LeighAnn, I'llexpel you. I have received no reports aboutLyn Griffin causing any mischief to mystudents, but have had several teachersreport to me that Lyn has been gettingharassed by her classmates, both in and outof school , and somehow they always leadback to you. You've got one hour to comeup with an apology and then I will see youon stage." Mr. Henry led me into an isolatedcomputer lab, where he sat with me until Ifinished my note, which took forty-fiveminutes.Mr. Henry walked me to the backstage door of the auditorium, and led meinside to the podium. I felt my stomach drop when I looked at the crowd and saw drop when I looked at the crowd and sawall of my classmates. Lyn was front andcenter. Dr. How and Mr. Henry stood oneither side of me. I cleared my throat in themic to capture everyone's attention. Alleyes were on me, and it was Showtime."We are all here today, because Ihave sinned, and I hope that after this, youall and The Man Above, will forgive me.Lincoln County High School has gained afew new students this year, ChristopherGriffin and his sister, Lyn. That being said, Ihave some confessions to make." I lookeddirectly at Lyn. "Lyn, It was I who copied myown paper and got you failing grade inEnglish, and for that, I am sorry. I also knowthat you care immensely about your motherand for spreading any rumors that sayotherwise, I am sorry. I still showed up atyour birthday when I wasn't invited and I'msorry. I guess, I do the things I do to youbecause I'm jealous. I even stole a boy fromyou just so you couldn't have him. Now, I have a confession for the rest of you. Lynnever burned me, I harmed myself andframed her for it..." I waited for all thegasping to come to an end before finishing."I'm sorry, for all of it, for all of thispain I've stowed upon Lyn, for puttingmyself above everyone else, for causingthis." I knew every word I spoke was justwasted spit because I didn't mean them.Lyn deserved everything, but deep down inme, I knew this was the right thing to do.I got applauded as I produced faketears and rushed off the stage. I feltrelieved to be done, but I have also neverbeen so embarrassed in my life! I hope thatthis creates a bond for us two for the sakeof Christopher, and that the rest of theschool will forget about the mistake I made,Lord knows my life would be ruined. I triedavoiding everyone in the hallways."Great speech." I looked up slightly tosee Lyn's smiling face. "Can we gosomewhere and talk?" She asked. "Lyn, I'm at school, I can't just leave.""Well, you gave your speech duringadvisement which is the last thirty minutesof the school day." Damn, she's right. Ishrugged, but agreed, my anxiety runninghigh. I was scared for my life right now,afraid she might murder me. Hell, now Ikind of hope she does. I am the biggestloser in Lincoln County.I followed her out to the soccer fieldwhere we sat on the bleachers and watchedChristopher's practice."I appreciate what you did. I know itmust've taken a lot of courage." I wanted tospit on her, but I bit my tongue andattempted my best fake smile."Don't mention it; I'm glad we canput all of this behind us." I bit my lip hopingshe wouldn't catch my sarcasm."I'm sorry for posting that video.""Why'd you do it?" I asked violently."I couldn't take it anymore!" Sheyelled, causing the others on the bleachers to look at us. She waited for them to turnaway before continuing in a softer tone. Shewas playing with her fingers. "I didn't movehere by choice. It was my family's choice.We came here looking for a fresh start. Ididn't even have to do anything for theentire Lincoln student body to create theirown version of me; one I didn't even knowexisted. I reached my breaking point. Itwasn't fair to me, so they needed to see thetruth. I can't go anywhere in this townwithout somebody calling me a skank bitch.Students, teachers, parents, and people Idon't even know. Do you know how shittythat makes me feel?""That doesn't mean you had toexpose me.""Expose you," she chuckled a little. "Ikept my mouth shut on so many things. Ieven took three weeks of detention just soyou wouldn't get in trouble. I'm sorry youthought I was so dumb and would neverfigure you out." "Yeah, you should be sorry. I justgave an apology speech in front ofeverybody and you're still ungrateful, notonce did you even say you forgave me." Lyngot up."I do forgive you LeighAnn, but theworld doesn't revolve around you and if youwant to be a part of my family, you'lleventually realize that, in due timeLeighAnn, in due time." She walked away.