CHAPTER 10

He looks angry, really angry.
"Shit," I say out loud, dropping my hold on Tori's shoulder. Principal Hurst narrows his eyes at me further, clearing his throat.
"In the trouble you're in, I wouldn't be cursing Ruby Melvin."
"It's Went — "
"Not now Ruby! Walk with me to my office please."
I nod my head slowly, admitting defeat.
"I just want to start by saying whatever I did, I'm really sorry."
Principal Hurst continues speed walking through the school, heading for his office. I have to skip to keep up with his long strides.
"Did you hear me Patrick?" I ask him. He immediately stops, his shoulders tensing as he whirls around. His face is red with anger and if this was a cartoon, steam would be blowing out of his eyes. I snort in amusement at the image.
"Do not call me Patrick! It's Principal Hurst to you Ruby. I have had enough of your terrible behaviour! Your apology doesn't affect the outcome of this situation anymore Ruby. I have no other choice but to call your parents into school."
I groan out loud, rolling my eyes.
"Why do you have to call my parents?"
"Because Ruby, you're expelled."
I gasp, shaking my head in protest. My parents are going to kill me.
"No wait! I can make this okay!" I yell, shaking my head profusely. Principal Hurst holds up his hand, silencing me.
"You attacked another student and almost attacked several more. You're expelled Ruby, permanently."
I stare at him, my mouth hung open in shock.
"Well, shit. Double shit. Shit shit."
*****
After half a hour of trying to call both of my parents, Mr Hurst sighs deeply. He leans over on his desk, pinching the bridge of his nose. It causes his glasses to slide down his face.
"Your glasses are falling Patri -"
"Ruby."
His voice is strained, jaw clenched slightly.
"Right. Sorry." I mumble, sliding further down in my seat. Patrick sighs deeply again, taking his glasses off and rubbing at his eyes.
"Your parents aren't picking up. You'll have to go home Ruby and I'll be contacting them tomorrow. There'll be a formal meeting held tomorrow afternoon which you'll have to attend with your parents, got it?" He says, avoiding eye contact with me.
"Is there anything I can do to stop you from expelling me? My parents have money, we can pay you half of your annual salary Patrick. Sorry — Mr Hurst."
This time, he does create eye contact with me, looking bewildered.
"Are you — "
"Are you trying to bribe me Ruby?" He asks, his tone shocked.
"You don't have to say yes. Just shrug your shoulders and I'll take that as your answer. If you know what I mean," I say casually, leaning back in my seat. Mr Hurst is silent for a few moments, his eyes flashing with shock. I open my mouth to bargain with him further, possibly offer him three quarters of his salary. He stops me short, breathing deeply.
"Ruby, go home please."
And with that, he points at the door before spinning around in his chair, turning his back on me. As I'm leaving, I swear I can hear him mumble under his breath —
“Unbelievable."