Anything But Ordinary

Chapter 7: S a m

"What do you mean, we can't go ahead with the club? I don't understand!" I look frantically to Chazz. He returns the look with wide eyes. He doesn't have a clue either. I had met up with Mrs. Armstrong on Friday morning, but she told me to come meet with her on Wednesday morning because we have late start at school. Her face didn't give away anything at the time.

      She sighs, a painful look on her face, "I don't even know why, Samantha. I really wish that I did, for it's not likely the school administration would just decline something like this. I haven't spoken to them face to face, but I sure would love to. Give them a piece of my mind."

      I hold out my hand, "Hold on, Mrs. Armstrong. You haven't even spoken to them? Then how do you know if they have rejected, or vetoed, or whatever it is that they do? I could go sell it to them. I mean, I know they don't want to bring attention to Tallon's death, even though we're building a memorial on school property as we speak..." I sit down on the edge of the desk by the door, "I'm so confused."

      Usually it's not hard to create a club. You come up with an idea, there's a school meeting between the student representatives for each homeroom and it's voted upon. Who would vote against a club for the greater good? I can only imagine how that meeting went down. The senior student body president told the details of the club, and those who would be called out on their bullying voted against it. Simple enough.

      I clench my fist. I've never felt so frustrated in my life over something, except for maybe getting a B- on a test last year. That was humiliating. I thank Mrs. Armstrong for her trouble and she returns it with a resignated "you're welcome."

      Now I know where I stand. Maybe there isn't that much support as I had originally planned. But what if I were to go ahead with the club anyway? Who's to call me out on it if it's for the greater good? What's the worst thing that can happen?

      I walk a little faster now, and with more purpose. Chazz grabs a hold of my hand and slows me down, "I'm sorry that didn't go well and I can tell you're really disappointed, but where are you going? We're going to be late for class."

      Squeezing his hand I reply, "I'm going home. I've go research to do."

      His eyes light up, "Sam, you've never skipped a day of school in your life. You won't make it out the front door. Plus," he pulls out his car keys, "It's my driving day."

      Darn it. I put on my best sad puppy eyes, "Please, Chazz. Come with me! I have some research to do." I repeat. He raises his eyebrows and I add, "Besides, I'm already on top of everything in all of my classes. And you are, too. So there shouldn't be a problem. C'mon! Let's go. I can't waste another minute."

      He sighs and gives me a quick peck on the lips, "Okay, fine. It's a late start Wednesday anyway. We won't be missing out on that much. And I don't think any teachers will miss us for a day." He puts his arm around me and we walk out to the parking lot, passing a few teachers along the way. They don't question us, but that's probably because school hasn't started yet. There's still five more minutes until the first bell rings.

      By the time we pull into my driveway I'm shaking with nerves. I've never skipped a day of school in my life, what if Caren starts a rumor about me? I don't even want to think about that. Luckily, my mom isn't home and my dad is already at work. I won't have to explain anything to them as to why their golden child has skipped school.

      "Alright," I say once we've settled down in the office. I'm swirling around on the office chair waiting for the computer to turn on while Chazz takes the loveseat by the window, chatting up a storm.