Transformation Tragedies [CoRIII]

Chapter 5 - Don't shoot

8.30PM

[The hallway lights at Elmore Jr. High are so dimmed, that it seems like midnight has already arrived, despite the sun only just starting to set. Every parent and parent couple started taking turns in having individual conversations with Principal Brown some minutes ago and, not surprisingly enough, the Watterson couple are one of the first to have their turn. Richard shyly steps into Brown's office with him still not being keen on visiting school, only for Nicole to carefully close the door once she followed her husband inside. How Principal Brown was adjusting and cleaning his glasses earlier, he now sits straight on his desk chair with his hands folded together and two prints in front of him. Nicole's heart starts racing as she fears her sons had gotten into the same shenanigans as a year ago and she tries her best to look neutral, despite her ears lowering out of a sudden. Richard, on the other hand, isn't too worried about the papers at all and keeps staring at his wife from the corner of his eye instead, clearly being more concerned about her.]

Principal Brown: Now, Wattersons, I first of all would like to thank you for once again managing to be on time for the parent gathering.

Nicole: [Nervously chuckles] We tried to keep straying from leaving too late like we used to.

Principal Brown: Hah, I get that. But now to quickly get on topic...

[Brown turns the two papers around and slowly shoves them closer towards Nicole for her to see. But it gets a rather surprised reaction out of her once generically good grades are visible on both prints. Nicole's ears rise to on top of her head again.]

Principal Brown: Not so bad, right?

Nicole: I... Woah... This is something new...

Principal Brown: I was honestly just as surprised as you, but you might as well praise the two boys for it. Now, don't mind me asking out of curiosity, but what did you do to get them so motivated out of a sudden? Gumball even managed to catch a B minus for Literature!

Nicole: Gosh... I- I don't know to be honest. I actually kind of started to let them organize things on their own, as I haven't been really able to constantly monitor them. Maybe they started realizing it by themselves? That they go to school for a reason?

Principal Brown: [Laughs] Well then you might need to ask them yourself. In any way, I'm extremely proud of them, Mrs. Watterson. I hope you are too.

Nicole: Of course I am! I'm still so... baffled... You know what, I need to call them right after this!

[Principal Brown smiles widely at both Nicole and Richard, even though the bunny kept himself respectfully silent all the time. Richard tries his best to think about what possibly could have helped as well, but doesn't manage to come up with anything. Some generic education-related topics form the very next minutes of the Wattersons' conversation, before their time is up and they leave the principal's office again. Once both Nicole and Richard have the door shut behind them, Nicole chuckles out of joy while grabbing her phone. While waiting for Gumball to pick up as she calls, Richard can only smile by her excited whispering.]

Nicole: Our Gummypuss and Guppy completely nailed it!

Gumball: Mom?

[Nicole quickly turns her head away once she hears her older son's voice at the other side of the line and her smile only widens.]

Nicole: Hey honey, guess what?

Gumball: Hmm, what?

Nicole: Why haven't you and Darwin told about those amazing grades you've been getting at school?!