Page 21 of Something Rad
“You won’t be in detention with them.”
I blink hard. “You’re not punishing me?” I ask.
Principal Whileyman laughs. “I didn’t say that. How much of a punishment is time after school locked up with all your lackeys and sheep?”
“You mean…my friends?”
Principal Whileyman ignores my question, handing me the yellow slip. “You’re on library aid duty after school, Mr. Summers. One month.”
My jaw nearly hits the floor. “Amonth? Sir–”
“You said it yourself, Mr. Summers. You did the crime. Time to do the time.”
“But, sir–”
“If it was any other student, they’d be getting suspended and a bill sent to their parents from the school district. Go home and thank your lucky stars for your privilege, kid.”
I stare at Principal Whileyman for a long moment before dropping my gaze to the paper in my hands.
“You’ll check in with the librarian Monday afternoon for your first shift.”
I fold the paper, slipping it into my pocket. “Okay then. May I leave, sir?”
“Please,” Principal Whileyman says, motioning for the door.
I move to exit his office but pause in the doorway when he speaks again.
“Was it worth it, kid?”
My lips pull up at the corners. I look back at the old man, removing my sunglasses from my shirt collar and slipping them on my face. “I guess we’ll find out.”
And so we will.
Denise had mentioned earlier last week that she’d be out of town all weekend and through Monday for her older sister’s wedding in Hawaii, so I haven’t been able to see or speak to her since the pep rally.
But it doesn't matter.
I know I won her over. I saw it in her eyes. Those big, blue, beautiful eyes. I know everybody loves blue eyes, but it’s for a reason. Every time I see hers, I just wanna dive right in and swim the bottom of their depths until I drown. Those eyes are everything. And they were wide and shining just for me on Friday.
Yes, I already know I’ve won her back.
I don’t think anyone could say no to a man who serenades them. Much less in front of the whole school.
No, Denise will know by now that she made a mistake. I’m sure she’s come to her senses and that she spent the whole plane ride to Hawaii daydreaming about just how perfect we are together.
Yeah, she’ll be over her obsession with the future and focus on the now.
The nowwith me.
And I’ll do everything in my power to show her what a great time it can be.
After walking right past it on accident twice, I finally find the door to the library, pushing it open. I stick my head in, scanning the room. It’s an absolute ghost town, just as I expected.
Well, this should be fun.
I take a few steps inside the room, glancing behind me at the clock over the door. It reads 3:46 p.m. One hour and fourteen minutes until freedom.
You got this, Summers.
