Chapter 12 School Altercation
8 years ago
Sade
I was surprised to be requested to come to the principal’s office, but being the “good student” that I pretend to be, of course I go. When I get there, the secretary gives me a rather odd look, and nods for me to go into his office. I still knock and wait for him to bid me enter.
As I open the door I find Rain, Zoey, and Zoey’s “boyfriend” all seated in front of the desk. What I notice immediately, and what I have to work extra hard at containing my rage over is the state Rain is in. Her uniform shirt is ripped, she has blood on the side of her forehead, and she has a busted lip and a bit of blood smeared under that as well.
“Ah yes, young master Russo. Thank you for coming. I have been informed that any issues regarding your sisters should be made known to you, and that you would be responsible for informing your father. Earlier today, Zoey and Travis were seen taunting and bullying Rain. When Travis slammed her into her locker and attempted to assault her, Rain fought him, and your sister Zoey attempted to help Travis by hitting Rain. Rain again fought back. Since this was a clear case of self defense no disciplinary action will be taken against Rain. However, Zoey will be spending the week after the Christmas holidays suspended. Travis will also be suspended and not allowed to attend back until one week after the break. I wished to have you see Miss Rain home, as I am sure she is not feeling well, and that would be the most acceptable. Also, as you will be escorting her I will turn your sister Zoey over to you as well, as her suspension will commence immediately. Please relay my sincere apologies to your father and step mother, and assure them that nothing of this sort will be permitted within this school.” I was in an absolute rage, but I had to contain it.
“Yes, of course, thank you principal Beckford, I so appreciate your candor and your discretion. I shall speak to my father this evening and I will take the girls home. It should only take a few moments for our driver to arrive. I will of course be sure and express to my father the professionalism with which you handled the situation. As step sisters sometimes it is hard to share attention where you never were required to before, this shall be handled immediately.” He smiled, stood up and shook my hand.
I went into the hallway and called Paul our driver, and he immediately left to come and collect the three of us. I waited as both Rain and Zoey were escorted to the office to wait with me, and I saw Travis slyly watching both Zoey and Rain. I had a feeling that not only was Travis doing what he had done today, and previous instances of bullying at her instruction, but I think he actually liked Rain. So, he would definitely be taken care of one way or another. I was angry that I had allowed Zoey to go so long with her treatment of Rain, that would also be taken care of immediately.
It was a quiet trip home, and I knew Rain was both upset at the whole situation, not just at school, but at home, and the fact she couldn't go to her mother for help. She would not think to go to me for help, and I did hope that I was eventually able to change that. Tomorrow was the last day of school before the 2 weeks we would be out for Christmas and New Years. I think Rain had also been exceedingly sad to know that her mother would not be returning to celebrate Christmas with us. She had managed to come for the day last year, this year, she chose not to make the effort.
When we got to the house both girls simply retreated to their rooms Zoey in an angry huff, and Rain probably in pain and very sad. I would stay home with her tomorrow as she should not go to school after today, no doubt other students witnessed what happened and didn’t help. I would also be addressing that as soon as we returned from the holidays with everyone. No one would ever lay a hand on her again without realizing the consequences of doing so. Travis would find out soon enough just what I was capable of when I was not hiding that predator within so diligently.
I called our family physician to come and just check up on Rain. With blood on the side of her forehead that indicated a possible head wound. Though most likely not serious, I would never be willing to take a risk with her. He immediately informed me that he would be on his way. When he got here I led him to her room and lightly knocked on the door. She opened it with red rimmed eyes.
“Rain, this is Dr. Malcom, and he is going to check you just to make sure that your head wound isn’t’ serious.” She seemed startled but as he was standing behind me she nodded and opened her door.
He performed a brief exam and told her there were no signs of a concussion, to just take tylenol and use an ice pack if necessary. She thanked him and he departed, “I’m sorry all of this happened Rain. I will speak with Zoey and make sure this never happens again.”
“Thanks Sade, it’s not really your responsibility though.” I nodded.
“Yes, I am aware of that, however, it does not lessen the extent to which I am sorry about her behavior toward you. Also, I know that you are sad because of the phone call from your mother. Again, I am sorry that she has hurt you with her actions. I will be extremely happy to spend the holidays with you, and as we have never had any type of traditions, perhaps you can share any that you have had with me.” I was surprised that I actually managed to get a small smile from that.
“Okay, I might just take you up on that Sade. Right now though, I think I want to take a shower and take something for my headache.” I nodded and left her alone.
Now, it was time to take care of my sister.