“But this isn’t even during school hours.”
“This is an extra-curricular activity. That means that these are school hours.”
“You can’t do this.”
“I already have.”
She shakes her head, her eyes brimming with rage.
“You’re no longer allowed to be on school grounds. So you’ll have to go and stand behind the gate over there until your father is done.”
“You can’t seriously do this.”
“I do not tolerate threats or offensive behaviour.”
“Have you thought about what my dad will say about this?”
“I’ll say she made the right choice.” Niall’s voice arrives from behind us. “And that it’s best if you do what she says and leave the school.” He hands her the car keys. “Go and wait for me in the car. As long as the car park doesn’t count as part of the school grounds.”
“She can wait in the car.”
Skylar snatches the keys incredulously; she still hasn’t fully come to terms with the seriousness of her actions.
“And make sure I find you waiting in that car once I’m done,” he tells her, his tone hard, laced with disappointment. “Or I can assure you that the consequences will be much, much worse.”
“I can’t believe it.”
“Just breathe. Try to relax.”
“Did I really just speak to her like that?”
“You should be more worried about whatshedid, Niall.”
“I know, you’re right. But…did you hear me?”
I roll my eyes.
“I was so…firm. Strict. Oh, my God. I sounded like my dad when he used to try and keep me in line.”
“I don’t know if that’s a good comparison to make.”
He shakes his head and runs his hands through his hair. He looks at me. “I’m sorry about what she said to you. She’s not pissed off with you, she’s pissed off with me.”
“I’m not sure. Maybe whatever is going on between us is impacting her more than we think.”
He smiles a little. “Whatever’s going on between us?”
“You know what I mean. Don’t start focusing on the unimportant stuff.”
“It’s not unimportant to me,” he says, serious.
“Please.”
“Okay,” he sighs. “What should I do?”
“Do I really need to tell you?”
“You’re the one who suspended her.”
