US

Chapter 25

I think Ms Helen got annoyed that we were not in lessons anymore because while me and Stephanie were discussing the plan Chole walked in and told us Ms Helen said that we have to go see Mr Martin. The headteacher. We sat outside his officer complaining about time being wasted. "Instead of sitting here for a good 15 minutes we could be in study discussing the what's right to do and what isn't!"
"OK give me a summary Steph. What shouldn't I do at this party?"
"Act scared."
"Really?"
"Yh." Stephanie got up from her seat and stood in front of me. "Guys like Michael hate it when you act scared."
"I thought people like him feast on fear."
"No. Only when they are killing you." My eyes widened at this statement but Stephanie continued. "If you are trying to leer him into your trance acting scared would just make him suspicious."
"Oh right." This kind of made sense. I guess.
"OK so what should I do?"
"Act flirty." Nope. Why tempt a lion? Wouldn't that make him want to sleep with me.
"Yh sure." I faked smiled. Just then Mr Martin's door opened.

"In my office the both of you now." We both walked in quickly before sitting on the smaller seats in front of Mr Martin's desk. His walls were covered in pictures of him and a little boy I think is his son. Then I saw it. A picture of Luke which said RIP underneath it. I couldn't help but let out a sign of pain. Mental pain.

"Is everything alright Callar?" I nodded as he sat in front of us. Stephanie was looking down at her hands her hair covering her face. "Do you girls know why you are here?" I said no quietly while Stephanie said yes. We both looked at her. "It's because the old bat told on us isn't it."
"Excuse me Stephanie!" Stephanie stood up. "Just admit it! She told on us. You know what I hate? Secrecy! Why are all teachers like this?" Mr Martin stared at her for a while. What is wrong with Stephanie?
"Sit down Stephanie." Mr Martin commanded. Stephanie listened and took her seat. "I understand what you two must be going through. Home can be tough. I understand Stephanie. I know how family can be. I grew up in a touch one too." Mr Martin looked at us making sure we are taking in his words.
Home is tough for Stephanie?
"And you Callar I understand you have been through an awful thing and from what I have heard you are even having to deal with cyber bullying."
"What?" Stephanie asked.
"Who told you?" I asked Mr Martin quietly.
"Officers." He answered calmly.
"What I am trying to say is that I understand you both may not be too happy in school but that doesn't mean skip lessons. Ms Helen has been worried about the two of you and I have too." Stephanie rolled her eyes and I couldn't help but do the same."
"I also understand that the pain you guys must be going through because of Luke's death."
"We never spoke to him." I nodded at Stephanie's statement.
"I see." He said while rubbing his head. "So what can I do to ensure you two are in lessons again."
"Nothing. We will go." Stephanie said while getting up. "I need to pee." She quickly left the office leaving me alone with Sir.
"So how have you been?" Mr Martin asked me.
"I am OK."
"You know you have been very brave and your grades are good but please do go back to lessons and encourage Stephanie to as well." I nodded at his statement.
"I do try to be a good student. I have just been occupied nowadays. I sometimes get too busy for school work."
"You know you can't always please everyone. Just some people with effort and others without even trying." Mr Martin said while looking down at his desk.
"Oh."
"I get that vibe from you. It's like you want to be a hero. I am not saying that you can't be a hero but there is nothing on earth that is worth risking your life for OK." I nodded slowly before asking.
"What if it means saving another life?" Sir gave me a gentle smile before responding.
"I am sure there is a way to keep everyone alive while saving a life." I nod again speechless. Was my investigation that obvious? Even sir was having suspicions and "vibes" about me.
"Here." Mr Martin said pulling out a camera. "I think you and Stephanie have potential. I think you two should make a video of the whole year group." He slides me a piece of paper with everyone in our year group names on it. "Maybe you can go round asking everyone individually to give a last message they would like to leave with the school. It would be easier to start with friends first then others on the register."
"What if we mess it up?"
"That's the good thing about making a video. The damage is never permanent." He said while smiling at me.
"I agree Mr Martin. I agree."

After out little talk of me promising to go back to class and take time to make this video I went back to the study room to see Stephanie sitting with her head on the desk. I tapped her on the shoulder and she sat up. She looked like she had been crying.
"Steph what is wrong?"
"I hate dramatic speeches about accomplishing well." She sniffed while sitting up. Ms Marshall was still in the same position we met her. Typing very fast and barely blinking. "It just reminds me of my sad position."
"Which is?"
"Having every luxury but not having what you want." Stephanie responded.
"What do you want Steph?"
"Victoy." I smiled at her as she looked at me.

"Trust me Steph you are going to get it."

She smiled big her eyes bright with hope.

I knew she would get it.