Chapter 23 Principal Bellweather
THE FIFTH ELEMENT 🌊🔥🌪️⛰️☯️
~Cassie's POV ~
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“Wow. How did you do it, Cassie? Damon and Jake? The same time? This is new,” Monique said to me, leaning across the table like I was about to drop state secrets.
“Okay, first of all, I don’t have anything with either one of them. Stacy, stop spreading false news. Damon was just helping me out with something, and Jake practically doesn’t even like me, so stop thinking things up in your minds,” I said to them and focused back on my food. Stabbed a carrot. Hard.
“Really… if Jake doesn’t like you, then how come he can’t stop staring at you,” David said to me and nodded toward Jake’s table. He didn’t whisper.
“What do you mean?” I asked him with a mouthful of food. Classy.
“Don’t look now, but he’s staring at you, or at least our direction. He doesn’t talk to any of us here except Madeline and Madeline isn’t here now so that’s just you left,” David said.
I almost choked on my food and looked up quickly at him. Mistake.
Jake was staring. Caught. His eyes locked with mine for half a second before he looked away fast, said something to his friends. They didn’t look at me. They didn’t laugh. Worse.
What is with him?
“I don’t think he was looking over here or at me for that matter,” I said out loud and shoved another carrot in my mouth. Chewed. Didn’t taste it.
“How can you be sure?” David asked me and I shrugged.
I just know. Or I’m lying to myself. One of the two.
🔥~
After lunch time, I decided to go see Madeline’s mom. Hoping to maybe see Madeline there as well. Check her wrist. Say sorry. Something.
I was passing many closed doors along the corridor. All wood. All brass nameplates. All silent. I guessed they were offices and came across a door that was partly open. Light spilling out in a thin line.
I decided to take a sneak peek. Couldn’t help it.
I saw that dark-haired middle-aged woman who was also in my house.
I’d learned that she was the school principal, Mrs. Bellweather. And also mother of Sage and Damon. Same sharp jaw. Same winter eyes.
She was with Sage and it looked like she was scolding Sage or something. Sage was standing straight, hands at her sides, face blank. Too blank.
I remember getting pushed by a blast of water at my house back at home which I’m now sure came from her. My shoulder still ached thinking about it.
I tried to listen in to their conversation, pressing closer to the doorframe.
“I’m disappointed in you, Sage. Like always. When ever are you going to make me proud? When are you going to grow up and be who you’re meant to be? After everything I’ve taught you! How could you allow a petty girl from the fire clan defeat you in a common friendly duel? Are you that incapable?” the woman said to Sage. No yelling. Worse. Cold. Each word a scalpel.
“There you go again, jumping to conclusions without knowing the whole story. She cheated, okay? That was why she won. She cheated,” Sage said to her. Her voice cracked on cheated.
“That even makes you more incompetent. You allowed a cheating girl to triumph over you, to shame you in front of everyone. It’s a shame to have you as my daughter,” the woman said to her.
Wait, so this woman is Sage’s and Damon’s mother? No warmth. None.
“Of course it’s a shame. It’s not like I was expecting anything more from you, and also your words don’t hurt me anymore. So go ahead and be disappointed, I don’t care!” Sage said to her and lifted her chin.
The woman slapped her across the cheek. Hard. The sound cracked like ice breaking.
I covered my mouth with my hands to stop myself from gasping.
“You are a stubborn and disrespectful child. And you shall serve your punishment for being disrespectful,” the woman said to Sage. Sage didn’t flinch. Didn’t touch her cheek. Just stared.
Sage didn’t utter another word.
“Follow me. Now!” the woman said to her and made her way to the door.
Fortunately, I was quick enough to divert my direction and made it seem like I was just entering the area. I smoothed my face. Acted lost.
I met both Sage and her mom face to face in the doorway.
“Child. I haven’t seen you since you got here. I hope everything is going well for you? And you’re adjusting well?” Mrs. Bellweather asked me when they came close. Her voice switched. Polite. Principal voice. Like she hadn’t just hit her daughter.
“Yeah. Everything is great. Thank you, ma’am,” I said to her awkwardly, hoping they don’t find out I was kinda eavesdropping on them. My heart was in my throat.
“It is good to hear. How are your lectures going with Mr. Ken Griffey? Do you know what your powers are now? What is it?” her mom asked me keenly. Eyes too sharp. Too interested.
I don’t know why I was feeling intimidated by her. She talked so coldly, devoid of any emotions, and it made me shiver even though the hall was warm.
“We haven’t figured that out. Yet. But I’m hoping soon,” I said and gave her an awkward smile and looked over to Sage, who was looking at me. I couldn’t place the look she had on her face but I’m sure she was picturing me suffering or something. Or wishing I’d disappear.
“It better be soon because we don’t have the luxury of time to waste. By the way, where are you off to?” her mom asked me.
“To see Mrs. Stone,” I said to her.
“What for? Are you having any difficulties? You could come to me, if you’re having any issues here,” Sage’s mom said to me. Offer or threat. Couldn’t tell.
I gave her my best fake smile. My cheeks hurt.
“Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind. I should go now… she’s probably waiting for me,” I said to her and gave Sage one last look before leaving them there and continuing to Madeline’s mom’s office.
Both Sage and her mother gave out the same aura of dominance and coldness. Like standing next to a freezer with the door open.
Damon seemed different from them. Warmer, even. Human.
🌊~