“Son!”
“We don’t bully,” Miles said, repeating himself.
“If they don’t bully, don’t put them in the same league as some of your other kids,” Lash said. “In fact, let’s not pretend here. I donate a lot of money to this school.” He leaned forward. “I accepted this suspension as a healthy teaching opportunity, but let’s cut the shit. A couple of girls got into Tabitha’s face. She defended herself. The next time she defends herself, this will not swing your way. Understood? Our kids are entitled to an education. You can spew your little rules and laws, but let’s face it, I bet the first chance you get, a hot little piece of ass comes in here, you’d be all over it, so don’t even think of trying to test me or my family. Every single kid, even those little fuckers you just had in and tried to scare their parents, they are my family. They are my responsibility, and if you want to go down that path, bring it. You will not punish them without coming to me first.”
“You don’t seem to know how this works.”
“I know how this works. I was a kid and now I’m a fucking adult. I know the hypocrisy dripping from you and I don’t like it. Next time you got a problem, you call me. Don’t ever make this kind of decision without me.” Lash slammed his hand against the table. “I think that is all that needs to be said.”
They got to their feet and left the principal’s office.
“Remember what I said,” Tiny said. He kissed her head and ruffled Miles’s hair, who backed away, groaning.
“I’m not six anymore.”
“You’ll always be my baby,” Tiny said.
“Dad, stop. It’s gross.”
Lash whistled. “Be good. That threat, it was a real one, but I can still only protect you so far.”
“Got it,” they all said in unison.
“Simon, I enrolled you for the time being. I’ve also pulled some strings. The teachers know you’re a year ahead but I arranged for you to be in classes with these guys,” Lash said. “Your shit is at the main reception. You will all be picked up at the end of the day.”
Their parents left and they stood there staring at each other.
“Looks like I’m in school with you guys,” Simon said.
“I’ll help him,” Tabitha said. “Catch you all at lunch.”
Daisy pulled her close, kissing her cheek.
They all left, heading toward their first class of the day, while she went to the main reception with Simon. The woman at the counter was so nervous. Her hand shook as she passed over his schedule, which was set out in a two-week set of classes. They took a seat and she pulled her schedule out of her back pocket.
“We’ve got a couple of classes together. I can’t believe he managed to arrange that.”
“I have biology now.”
“I’ll walk you to class,” she said. Standing up, she took his hand and they walked side by side toward his biology class. “Daisy’s in here, so she’ll help you to your next class.”
“When do I see you again?” he asked.
“At lunch.”
“Are you still my girl?”
“Simon, I will always be your girl, even when you piss me off.” She went onto her toes and kissed him. “See you at lunch.”
****
“And we just sit here?” Simon asked.
“It’s what we do,” Miles said. “Don’t worry, Tabs will be here before you know it.”
The first part of his day had been uneventful. From Daisy, he ended up in a class with Anthony, from there, Miles, and now lunch.
He always had this ideology of school with Tabby. Where he’d get to be in every single class. Of course he knew it would never happen as he was one year older than her. He was actually due to graduate in a few months. It was kind of corny, but he’d also love to carry her books. The kind of shit he saw in movies. Only, he hadn’t seen her since this morning and he did want to make it up to her.
He’d pissed her off and that hadn’t been his intention, far from it.
The Dogs’ leader wasn’t there, which, to him, meant Luke was in the same class as Tabby. He didn’t like that.
“So you’re the elusive Simon,” Constance said.
“Yep, that’s me.”
“I didn’t think you were real,” John said.
The Skulls had people like his Dean and Eddie. Thinking about his boys always made him a little sad. He’d left them and he knew he was going to have to call them soon. They’d been blowing up his phone so he’d turned it off. His dad and mom had also been trying to reach him and he hadn’t wanted to speak to them.
Neither had arrived in Fort Wills so far, so at least they were giving him space. It was what he needed, even though since his argument with Tabby, he’d been more focused on making it right with her than dealing with the revelation about his parents.
“I’m very real. Have been for a lot of years.” He took a bite out of his burger and relaxed as Tabby and Daisy walked into the room. They were hand in hand, and he spotted Luke checking out Tabby’s ass.
He tensed up.
“Don’t,” Anthony said.
Glaring at his friend, he didn’t like being told no.
“You’re not my boss,” Simon said.
“I am while you’re at this school. Don’t. Not today.”
“And you would just let anyone stare at Daisy’s ass?”
Anthony finally turned his gaze to Simon’s. “Look around you. Does it look like anyone is willing to look at her ass?”
Simon stared at him. Anthony’s face was blank, as if they were talking about the weather.
“You’re either implying that you only see Daisy’s potential, or you’ve scared every single date she might have so the only person she has is you.”
Anthony’s face didn’t change.
Simon shook his head. “I can’t do that.”
“True, but making a scene isn’t the answer.”
“Did you have your coffee this morning?” Miles asked. “You’re using big words. Ouch.” Miles winced and rubbed at his leg.
Tabitha and Daisy came over, as did Markus and Rachel.
She leaned over the table. “How was your first morning?” she asked.
He kissed her back, trying not to look in the direction of Luke or the Dogs. He’d upset her last time, and it wasn’t his intention to do it again. Even with Luke following them, Tabby hadn’t looked back or even acknowledged his existence. He couldn’t imagine having a crush on someone and them not returning it, let alone even showing any sign it was there. How long had Luke been that way?
“Earth to Simon. Hello?” she asked, giggling. She waved a hand in front of his face.
“It was good. Anthony is thrilling company.”
“I bet, there’s just something about the silent treatment that is so hot,” Tabby asked. “Right, Daisy?”
Anthony lifted his head and Daisy went bright red.
“The pizza is good.”
“It is, huh?” Tabby asked. “So is everyone fight-free so far? No sign of causing any trouble?”
“We’re all clear,” Rachel and Markus said.