“Rumor,” Brock scolds.
“What? It’s true. I didn’t hit her that hard. There’s no way she needs nose surgery.”
Brock clears his throat and turns to Principal Edwards. “I think we can move on to next steps.”
“Of course.” He takes something from his desk. It’s a sealed envelope with nothing written on it.
Brock takes it and slips it into his suit jacket. I’m guessing it’s a bill. A bribe to allow me to stay at this overpriced, psychotic school. It’s probably enough money to put a down payment on the land they need to build a new school in LA, where they can turn more students into lying, manipulative Kristens who use their power and money to do whatever they want without consequence.
“And for Rumor?” Brock asks reluctantly.
Brock’s usually against me, but in this case, I think he’s on my side. He doesn’t think I need a strict punishment. He might even think I deserve to get off since it’s a first-time offense.
Principal Edwards sets his eyes on me, his hands folded and resting on his desk. “I’d like you to see a counselor.”
“A counselor?” I say like he’s crazy. “No way! I’m not going to counseling for hitting a girl in the nose. That doesn’t even make sense!”
“It does when you consider all you’ve been through.”
“Meaning what?”
“The loss of your mother. Having to move across the country. Start a new school. It’s a lot for someone your age. Perhaps your outburst today was based more on your anger over all you’ve lost than on what Kristen said.”
“No. Trust me. It was definitely Kristen.”
“Sometimes we don’t realize what’s causing our anger.” He glances at Brock. “I think your uncle would agree that counseling would be a wise option, given your circumstances.”
I look at Brock. He just raises his brows, which I assume is his way of saying he agrees. Guess he’s not on my side after all.
“What if I refuse?” I say to Principal Edwards. “What happens then?”
“This isn’t an option. You’ll see the school counselor starting next Monday.” He stands up. “I’m sorry to rush you but I need to go home before for tonight’s game and check on Kristen and her mother.”
I shove my chair back and stand to face him. “I’m not doing this. I don’t need some stupid counselor, or this school. I quit.”
I go to leave, but Brock yanks me back, putting his arm around me. “Rumor and I will discuss this at home. I’m sure we can come to an agreement.”
“I’m sure you will,” Principal Edwards says, picking up his laptop bag and putting it over his shoulder. “I assume you’ll both be at tonight’s game.”
Brock hesitates, then says, “Of course. I always enjoy seeing my son play.”
He wasn’t going to go to the game. He was supposed to go to LA tonight and spend the weekend with Morgan. I was looking forward to having him gone, but now he’ll be stuck here.
“One more thing,” Brock says as we’re leaving.
“Yes?” Principal Edwards says as he locks his office door.
“Would it be possible for Rumor to see a counselor I choose rather than the school counselor?”
“I’m afraid not. We prefer our students see someone who is familiar with the school and her peers. It makes the most sense in these types of cases where a student is taking her anger out at school.”
“I’m not—”
“I understand,” Brock says, interrupting me. “Oh, and I’ll have the check to you on Monday.”
Principal Edwards smiles. “We appreciate your support. Enjoy the game this evening. I’m sure Braden will do us proud, as always.”
Brock and I leave as Principal Edwards remains behind to lock up.
