Chapter 100: Chapter 100 The Video Wait, that reminds me! I should ask her about— "Hey Curry have you seen Courtney?" She stops pinching Maverick to glance at me. "No, why do you ask?"
"I want to thank her for helping me out yesterday, remember?"
"Oh. Brooke, right."
"Are you sure it was actually her?" Maverick says with furrowed eyebrows and a meme-worthy look of confusion. "Because shit still sounds unbelievable to me."
"It is true." Curry defends. "Why do you think she is not at school today? Her parents and Brooke’s are like family friends. Her Dad probably found out and got mad at her for it."
"Oh." That was the only thing I could say. "Sounds heroic. But I still don’t believe that she would do that. She is not the type of person to put herself out there to help, unless. . ."
I tilt my head, asking. "Unless what?"
He holds up a finger and has that ’I just got a bright idea’ look on his face. "I think I get the real reason. . ." He started. "Maybe she hates Brooke because of Calyx. She probably likes him." Curry seems both repulsed and offended by the idea. "No she doesn’t. I would have know." She refutes Maverick’s statement. He should’ve taken a hint and back down on the explanation but he doesn’t. He continues to rubs it right in her wounds. "Can you think of another possible reason? I’m telling you, she does like him."
"Quit it already! He is not the only guy in the universe! I hate hearing his name!" She says in a raised voice. Well, that makes two of us. She also hates hearing Calyx’s name. "I have to go to practice now. See you guys after." She says as she leaves. I cast a knowing look at Maverick. He immediately gets it. "What?" He asks innocently. "Someone needs to snap those stupid feelings out of her. I should help her get rid of her one-sided love."
"That was insensitive."
"Cruel sense is what makes insensitive. It is not that bad if you actually look at it. Especially in her case."
I near the principal’s office with dreadful anticipation. My heart is drumming so loud like it wants to come out of my chest. My palms are getting clammy. My chest growing tight and heavy. My stomach too. I had been in history class until I was called out by someone—a man whom I recognize as part of the school’s disciplinary committee. He called me out of class, saying I’m wanted at the principal’s office. Before that, I was getting collective strange glances and snickering’s that I feel was directed at me. What I’m being called for, I don’t think it’s good. God it better not be. . . . . Please.
My frantic heartbeat increases when I enter into the office. My legs have grown cold and heavy under me. I’m forcing them to move. Three other familiar faces—Disciplinary committee members are here. Their presence solidifies my fear. The reason I’m summoned is not for good. "Please seat down." Says the principal grimly, gesturing to one of the seats in front of him. I sit down, trying with little luck to suppress a gnawing and biting anxiety. "Gweneth Iris Calloway." He calls my full name, glancing between me and a filebook in front of him that looks like a yearbook or students name log. "Is that correct?"
"Y. . . Yes." I shakily respond. He closes the book and slowly takes off his glasses. Placing his interlaced fingers on top the desk. "You students are aware that the school has strict laws as well as strict punishment protocols in place for immoral acts?" Why is he saying that? I stay silent not knowing what to say. Or if I should speak at all. Silence seems the most appropriate for the situation. I swallow a lump in my throat under the straight, unblinking gaze of five people. "We came across a video of you that was posted anonymously on the school’s website."
"A video?"
"Yes. A very nasty and unholy one. Let me show it to you. I think I have it right here on my computer." My soul leaves me the minute he turns his monitor so I could see. My lips parts. I want to speak, but I can’t form the words. I’m too shocked by what is playing on the computer. It is like everything ceased to exist. My mind dies and slowly returns to take in the unsightly scene.
A clip all too familiar.
The video Calyx threatened to upload. I put both my hands over my mouth in disbelief. This can’t be happening. No this isn’t happening!
The principal presses stop on the video. "I’m going to stop right there because the contents are too offensively provocative for me or anyone to look out. Much less be acted out. This is you, isn’t it?"
I shake my head sideways frantically. "No. No it isn’t! It’s all fake!" I say between heavy breaths. "I know who did this! It was him, Calyx Lamont! He made this video and constantly used it to threaten me!" I explain between heavy breaths. None of them seems to believe it. "Listen young lady, slander and lying is a criminal offense. Please refrain from making false accusations." The only woman amongst them tells me. "It’s not a lie! And I’m not slandering anyone! What I’m saying is true."
"Like she just said, lying is not going to help this situation." Says the principal. "Listen to yourself. You are making groundless accusations. Why would he do this? He is a dedicated student and not the type to get involved in things like this. Let’s focus on the main thing; You. Answer my question clearly, is this you or not?"
"No it’s not! I am not lying! I’m telling the truth, I swear! He did this! He has been bullying me!" I cry.
"You know kid, we really want to help you get out of this. But you’re not doing yourself any good by lying. Do you have evidence to support your claim? If not, do not drag his name into the mud with you."
"It is true! You can ask my friends! They are aware of it!"
"The only truth here is that you are the one in this video.
You filmed and recorded it yourself and then sent it to several people.
It got leaked and managed to end up here on the school’s website.
This is what we are here to deal on. Everything else is irrelevant. So you better start speaking the truth, young lady."