Scars Part 10

 “Violence is something we simply do not tolerate at Jefferson, Miss Wheeler.” Principal Harrison’s voice was filled with warning and his eyes with disbelief. Connie’s father and Mr. Harrison had attended school together and belonged to the same fraternity. The principal was properly shocked that his goddaughter could produce such a black eye as the one before him, even by accident.

 Tim Carey was nursing his eye with a disdainful look at Connie and he kept muttering about chicks and their overreacting. Connie’s godfather stared at her very harshly. Still, she was not sorry.

  Alice’s blue notebook had been returned to her and Tim was punished for his behavior. If she had to do a little community service or detention to make up for it Connie didn’t mind. She thought of her growing collection of stories and dreams in her backpack and shuddered to think of Tim Carey reading them, and worse would be aloud to the class. But Alice, already a figure that drew ridicule and bullying, the punishment would have been too devastating to imagine.

  Connie sighed, wishing she could explain about the notebook, but knowing she wouldn’t be able to. So she simply nodded and said “Yes sir,” until the principal finally stopped his lecture on violence within the learning place.

A knock on the door surprised all three people in the room. Tim Carey removed his icepack and blinking rapidly. Connie glanced up in shock.

  Alice, whose greatest fear was being noticed, was asking to speak with the principal.