Chapter Eight

When Rory got to school the next morning, she saw Carson on her way to class and smiled at him. She'd just settled into her seat and pulled out her books when the teacher called her over. “Ms. Pryce wants to see you,” she was told. Rory grabbed her stuff and walked out of the classroom to the faculty wing. Ms. Pryce was the headmistress and Dalen's mother. Rory had heard over the last few days that she was pretty much estranged from her son but still on amicable terms with Shuler Hudson. People seemed to think she was Dalen’s girlfriend and eagerly offered unwanted information about him.

Rory sat and waited to be called back as butterflies flitted around in her stomach. She watched the receptionist answer phones and direct people. Finally, he looked up after getting off the phone. “She’s ready to see you,” he told her and Rory went behind the desk to a hallway. Ms. Pryce's office was the last on the left, and she knocked before going in.

Ms. Pryce turned out to be in her late thirties with blonde hair and light blue eyes, rimmed with dark blue. She was dressed in a tailored brown suit and sitting behind her desk. It was impossible to guess her exact height but she was obviously taller than average. She was attractive but unsmiling. “Aurora,” she greeted politely. “Have a seat please.”

Rory sank into a well-padded armchair in a cheery shade of yellow. She figured it must be part of Ms. Pryce's strategy. Get the student settled in comfortably and cheered up by the bright colors then move in for the attack. Ms. Pryce offered tea and Rory declined. “How are you settling in here?”

Biting her lip, Rory shrugged. “Okay,” she said shortly and shifted in the armchair. It was just a bit too soft and comfy for her tastes.

Ms. Pryce quirked an eyebrow at her response. “I've been looking at your record from Los Angeles. As and Bs, good attendance and punctuality. You were never disciplined and never once cut class. So, I'm forced to ask myself why you would suddenly start skipping your classes when you get to Breckridge Academy. Are they not challenging enough? Do they not keep you stimulated? Do you already know so much after twelve years of public education you don't need to attend to pass? Somehow, that doesn't sound right to me. So, I'd like you to explain why you only went to two of your classes yesterday.”

Rory groaned with dismay. All the other problems in her life weren't enough? She had to get caught skipping too? “I took a friend to the hospital,” she answered truthfully. “Your son broke his nose.”

Surprisingly Ms. Pryce nodded. “I know. But if you recall Mr. Winslow threw the first punch. Dalen was defending himself. As much as I'd like to suspend him for the week, I gave Mr. Winslow I can't under school policy. I appreciate you were concerned about your friend and looking out for his welfare. I've heard rumors they were fighting because of you. Still, you did cut classes and I have to suspend you one day for every class you didn't attend. That's five days’ suspension, beginning today. You won't be allowed to make up your homework but I suggest you spend the week studying.”

Rory's mouth gaped open. “That’s not fair, Ms. Pryce,” she protested. “If I fall behind, I won't graduate. I have three tests next Monday. Will I be able to make those up?”

“Yes,” Ms. Pryce responded. “You only lose credit for your homework. I tried to call your parents but there was no answer at the house. I'm going to send you home today and mail out the suspension slip. You'll need it signed to be readmitted next Tuesday.” She peered intently at Rory. “I'm trusting you to be up front with your parents.”

Sickly, Rory stood up, grabbing her books from the corner of the desk where she'd set them. “This really sucks, Ms. Pryce. I was taking my friend to the hospital, not gallivanting around. I can't believe I'm being suspended. It's no surprise Dalen isn't though, is it? He seems to have free reign to do whatever he wants,” she complained bitterly.

Rory had her hand on the knob when Ms. Pryce called out to her. “May I offer some advice?” Rory shrugged. “It's never good to have two boyfriends. Make up your mind and stick with your choice. You can avoid such incidences in future.”

Snorting, Rory answered, “I have decided, but I can't get Dalen to accept my answer. I don't want anything to do with him but he won't leave me alone.” Clutching the books, Rory pleaded. “You’re his mother, Ms. Pryce. Can't you make him understand?”

Looking sad, Ms. Pryce said, “I have very little influence with him these days, Aurora. His father has seen to that. I do wish you luck with...everything,” she added lamely and busied herself with a stack of paperwork.

Feeling deflated, Rory trudged from the office and to her locker. She stuffed all her books into her backpack and headed for the parking lot.

Carson was leaning against her car with a crooked grin. “I thought they'd get you too,” he commented. “How long?”

“Five days,” she answered miserably. “What about you?”

“Seven,” he responded. “One day for every class I missed. Ms. Pryce had a heart and dropped the discipline action for fighting.”

“Do you need a ride?” Rory offered.

“I was hoping you would say that,” he answered and hopped in after she unlocked the doors. Rory climbed into the driver's seat and headed for Carson's house.

“How's your nose?” she asked. It looked more swollen today.

“Hurts like a bitch,” he answered wryly. “I didn't take any pain medication because I was afraid I couldn't concentrate. I guess that won't be a problem now,” he joked. When Rory pulled into his driveway, he invited her up.

Feeling reckless, Rory got out of the car. No one would be home at her house until Ricky arrived around four. Her parents didn't know about the suspension yet and this could be her last day of freedom for awhile. The first thing Carson did was go to the nightstand and shake out a tablet. He washed it down with a glass of water sitting by the bottle then sat on the bed. “Have a seat,” he offered.

Rory perched on the edge of the mattress, unsure what she was doing with Carson alone in his apartment. “I'm sorry you've gotten dragged into this mess,” she told him sadly, thinking about Dalen's warning.

“I put myself in the middle,” Carson reminded her. “I couldn't wait to try out the rescuing hero bit on the first helpless maiden I met,” he joked. Rory giggled and shook her head. “Would you like something to drink? There's juice, soda, beer, and wine.”

“Yes,” Rory answered. Carson looked so comfortable she didn't have the heart to make him move. “I'll serve myself,” she said and stood up. She opened the fridge and took out sodas for both of them. Then she returned to the bed. “I have to tell you something, Carson.” Rory launched into details from yesterday with Dalen, making sure Carson knew his job and his mother's had been threatened. “I told Dalen it wouldn't work. Then as serious as could be, he said the next time you got in his way, he would kill you.” She shivered, remembering the look on his face and the tone of his voice. “I know he meant it, Carson.”

Looking a little uneasy, Carson clenched his fists. “He's totally nuts, Rory.”

“I know,” she agreed. “I've been doing some thinking,” she told Carson, taking a deep breath. “I don't think you should hang out with me anymore. I couldn't bear it if he hurt you because of me Carson—any more than he already has. If he killed you—” She shuddered, setting her drink on the nightstand.

“I'm not going to be bullied by him,” Carson said firmly. “No matter who his father is, or how much money he has, or how insane he is.”

“I don't think he's insane,” Rory pondered. “I think he's just spoiled and used to getting what he wants. I bet he's never once faced the consequences of his actions, so he continues to use people and throw them away. He's never been denied anything, so when I tell him no it doesn't penetrate. He thinks I'm playing a game with him or something.”

“You're probably right,” Carson agreed drowsily. His medication was kicking in, and he leaned back against the bed. “But I'm not going to stop being your friend,” he added around a huge yawn.

“I appreciate it, Carson, but I still think you're in danger.” Rory shook her head. “If you do stay friends with me, watch your back.” She realized Carson was asleep. Rory tucked the covers around him and let herself out, making sure she locked the door behind her. Then she got in her car and drove home. Maria seemed surprised to see her, but didn't ask any questions. She always faded into the background, seeming determined to remain an employee to the family, not a friend.

Rory went upstairs after grabbing a snack and cracked open her books, trying to follow along with where they'd be in class. After a while her own late, nearly sleepless, night caught up with her, and she crawled into bed. Her eyes closed immediately, and she fell asleep.