Chapter 6 THE DEVIL GIVES TWO FUCKS
MERRIELYNN.
I could hear the water running, but the sound seemed like a distant noise somewhere in the background, even though the faucet was just right in front of me.
I had come into the bathroom to wash my face and as I did, my mind wandered to that fateful day. A week ago — the day of the disastrous assembly and the tense meeting that followed.
Staring at my reflection absentmindedly, remembering how uncomfortable I was, sitting side by side with Cormac, facing the headmaster’s stern gaze after everything that happened in the moments before.
I wasn’t just worried about what had happened at the assembly.
Goddess knew I couldn’t get my mind of the situation with Cormac and the incriminating photos.
Those pictures held my future hostage, and if they got out, I wouldn’t only have the headmaster to deal with but the entire school board.
My reputation would be left in tatters and I could as well kiss my scholarship goodbye.
The thought sent a shiver down my spine, and my gaze had instinctively shifted to Cormac, sitting to my left. Of course, he looked utterly unaffected.
Infact, he seemed bored as he watched the headmaster with an air of impatience. As if he was the one being inconvenienced.
My eyes narrowed into a glare, fueled by my frustration. How could he remain so calm, so collected, after destroying my world?
Those photos he threatened me with, still burned in my mind and I just couldn’t wrap my head around how someone could be so cruel yet bask in the depravity of what they’re doing.
He smiled at me while making his threats.
Did he enjoy watching me crumble?
I couldn’t help but wonder how long Cormac had been plotting his revenge and how long he’d known I was responsible for the damage to his car.
Four days of silence, I thought.
Four days of pretending indifference.
Then, he struck. Ruining my Friday in front of the entire school. I recalled the smirk of satisfaction on his face at the assembly and I could just feel my blood boil.
“What happened today was unfortunate” the headmaster’s voice had cut through the silence, getting my attention as it already sounded like a guilty verdict. “It is especially unfortunate,” he continued, “since it happened on the first official assembly for the school year.”
He removed his glasses, his eyes narrowing as he set them on the table. I noticed the subtle flare of his nostrils and I could tell he was highly displeased. Oh goddess, I slightly pleaded, wishing I could just disappear.
I watched the man drop the paper he was holding before pinning Cormac with a look. “Mr. Graves, is there something you’d like to say to that?”
I didn’t know why I held my breath when I heard the question, but I did, waiting for Cormac’s answer. I wasn’t so surprised when Cormac met the headmaster’s gaze without changing his expression and simply said, “No.”
I gasped lightly, wondering if he was going to get away with that. I waited for the headmaster to say something, but he just nodded and clasped his hands in front of his face. That’s it?! I asked myself when the silence dragged on just a little bit longer.
“Very well,” the headmaster finally said. “It’s unfortunate, as I said,” he continued. “And even though no one here is willing to own up—or should I say, take responsibility for their actions—I intend to stay on this matter and issue the necessary penalties.”
I swallowed nervously at those words when I saw that the headmaster’s gaze was now on me. From his tone, I knew I was in trouble, so I broke eye contact and looked down, picking at my fingernails and wondering how bad this could get for me.
“You’re new here, Ms. Forbes, correct?” The sound of my name made me jump and look at the headmaster before nodding, my heart in my throat. Oh no, I thought, when I saw the deepened look of displeasure in his eyes. “I don’t know what kind of friendships or alliances you’ve formed in your time here,” he said. “But I’d advise you to maintain a clean track record.”
He picked up the paper again and then quickly scanned through it before adding, “From what I see here, you were one of the best students in your year, your entire school, actually. I assume you came here to boost your chances of attending a reputable college?”
I could only nod again, hoping my stellar record might help me get out of this situation, but the headmaster’s sudden frown made me realize he was not going to let this slide.
“Unfortunately, I only believe what I see,” he said before clasping his hands again. “And so far,” he continued, “I’m not impressed with what I’ve witnessed.”
My lips parted as I instinctively thought of defending myself, but the headmaster turned his attention to Cormac, and I swallowed my words.
“As for you, Mr. Graves,” he began, “this debacle has your name written all over it.”
Cormac folded his arms across his chest, staring blankly at a spot on the table, looking like he had a thousand better things to do than be in the headmaster’s office. I couldn’t help but compare his current apathy to the eerie satisfaction he displayed when he cornered me earlier. Now, he seemed completely emotionless.
“In this school, I pride myself on setting examples,” the headmaster continued. “And the actions exhibited earlier won’t be tolerated,” he added, his voice rising. “Therefore, you’ll both be punished accordingly.”
I gasped lightly as I thought about the worst-case scenario. Was I about to be suspended? No, I quickly thought against it.
“To instill discipline and hard work—and to help you sympathize with the level of effort put into school events,” the headmaster’s words interrupted my train of thoughts, “you’ll both join the school planning committee and will only be permitted to leave after this year’s auction event in a few months.”
He turned to me, and I instantly froze, my eyes bulging out as I processed our punishment. “Ms. Forbes,” the headmaster called seriously. “Unless this event goes smoothly and without a hitch, I’ll make sure no college letter of recommendation is written on your behalf.”
I literally felt my heart sink, and I felt dazed, wondering how my future was on the brink of collapse over a silly prank. But the headmaster wasn’t finished. He turned to Cormac, his expression stern.
“As for you, Mr. Graves, there’s little I can do to force your compliance, but as much as this may negatively affect us, you are no longer allowed to play football with your teammates.”
I saw how Cormac’s eyes snapped to attention as he slowly straightened in his seat, a frown creasing his forehead as he narrowed his eyes at the headmaster. “What?” he asked incredulously.
The headmaster simply reiterated his decision and encouraged us both to be hands-on with the planning committee activities. He made it clear that this was the only way I could receive a letter of recommendation at the end of the school year and Cormac could return to football.
With that, he dismissed us without allowing further discussion. Cormac quickly stood up, his chair scraping against the floor. But I kept my gaze fixed ahead, avoiding whatever look was plastered on his face. Seeing any form of satisfaction on his face for ruining my life would only fuel my frustration. So I rose to my feet and left the office, seething with rage.
I sighed as my thoughts returned to the present and I turned off the faucet.
As I returned to the room and settled back into bed, my mind wandered back to Cormac’s reaction in the headmaster’s office.
I couldn’t shake the surprise that Cormac had a relatively vulnerable side.
Football, of all things, seemed to genuinely matter to him. I let out a sigh.
I closed my eyes to drift off to sleep, wondering to myself… what else could the devil possibly care about?