Page 27 of Jesse and the Ice Princess
"Chem." He shrugged. "But we were only watching a video."
"Jesse." He sighed. "Was Miss—" he looked down at his notes "—Morrison distracting you?"
She jerked her head up. If anything, it was the other way around, but of course, the golden boy could do no wrong. She opened her mouth to speak, but Jesse got there before her.
"It was my fault." He leaned forward in his seat. "Principal Morgan, you know me. When have I ever caused trouble just to cause trouble? I'm sorry for the disruption. It won't happen again."
The man couldn't buy that, could he? Charlotte watched Principal Morgan get sucked into Jesse's charm just as her mother had. Just like everyone else in this school.
It shouldn't have made her angry, but for some reason it did. "Stop." Both men turned to look at her. Finally. She gripped the arms of the chair. "I am just as culpable as Jesse." Yeah, culpable. They could suck on her SAT word. She wasn't going to let Principal Morgan fall at Jesse's feet, ignoring her presence.
"Miss—"
"Morrison. My name is Charlotte Morrison. You know that, sir."
"Morrison." He considered her for a moment before recognition sparked in his eyes. "You're Keith Morrison's daughter, our wonderful hockey coach?"
"No." She leaned forward. "I'm Charlotte Morrison, the decorated skater suffering through the inane hockey obsession in this school. Keith is my dad, yeah, but I'm so much more than his daughter." She sat back and crossed her arms over her chest. "Are you going to punish me for interrupting class or are we done here?" She didn't know where the words came from. It didn't sound like her, but for a moment, she felt some of the power she suspected Jesse did.
Because she'd stood up for herself for once.
Jesse's lips twitched, but he kept a smile from forming as he coughed. "That's right, Principal. Charlie, here, is an um... decorated skater." He clamped his lips shut as if holding in a laugh.
Principal Morgan steepled his fingers. "I'm sorry, Charlotte. I didn't mean to disregard you."
"Then next time, don't. It's really not that hard." The words were out before she could call them back. Would the real Charlotte Morrison please stand up? At least before she got herself in serious trouble.
"That attitude won't do in this office." He narrowed his eyes as a lock of black hair fell into his face. "I am not inclined to punish those who speak out of turn in class unless it becomes a recurring theme."
"But, sir, are you really going to let her speak to you like that?" Jesse said with feigned innocence.
Charlotte wanted to kick him, but that would have been too obvious.
Principal Morgan, once again hanging on Jesse's words, pursed his lips. "We believe in respect in this school, Miss Morrison. Jesse is right. I cannot let your outburst here go without consequences."
Charlotte shrank in on herself, her momentary courage vanished when she heard the word ‘consequence.’
"One detention should do." He opened his drawer to pull out a detention slip.
"Sir, please." She had to stop him. If she had after school detention, she'd have to get her mom to sign the slip.
"Principal Morgan." Jesse sent her a smile. Was that supposed to be comforting? He was the reason she was in this mess. "What if there's an alternative that will punish Charlotte and also help the school?"
He stopped writing and looked up. "I'm listening, young man."
"She can help the hockey team beat Venice."
Interest sparked in his eyes. "Is that so?"
"I want her to work with us. Just for a practice. She wasn't lying when she claimed to be a good figure skater. I've never seen anyone move on the ice like Charlotte."
Charlotte warmed at the compliment, but she pushed the feeling away in favor of irritation. He'd orchestrated her punishment to get what he wanted.
"You really think she can help the team?" The principal tapped his chin.
"I do."
He thought for a moment longer. "Okay, Charlotte. After school tomorrow, report to the rink for practice. It is up to Coach Morrison if he wants you to work with his team, but I will put you at his disposal." He slid the detention slip across the desk.
