The road to hell

[Harbinger]

out in the quad

:: As the core took a break in the quad, waiting on their guys to join them, Alison primped in her compact. The breeze caused some of her blue/black hair to blow in her face and as she brushed it away, she looked at the reflection of her colbalt blue eyes in the mirror of the compact::

:: Even as Delilah and Cass were talking, Alison seemed lost in her reflection. They would assume she was just being vain[ as if any of them were NOT? ]...but for her it was something far different.::

::Blinking her eyes once....twice...::

::FLASH!::

<< haunting black and white images flash across Alison's mind from recent memory.>>

<< A depressed Effy in the shower. Alison screaming "PLUG IT UP!" while Delilah throws a tampon at the girl and Alison begins throwing pads. >>

<< Cass leading the girls in the "plug it up" chant>>

<< Effy sliding down the wall, looking so pitiful & curling up into a ball on the shower floor.>>

<< Alison screaming/laughing. "PLUG IT UP!">>

:: Back to the present. Alison's eyes HATE what they see. A girl who did something TERRIBLE...and for no good reason!::

:: The boys arrive. Cass immediately shouts out the details, prompting Delilah to tell her to quiet down. Connor joins Delilah and Nicolas sits down with Alison, squeezing her close as she snaps her compact shut and returns his embrace & now sits close to him. He asks what it was that she said during the incident...::

"Plug it up."

:: Alison said matter of factly::


Delilah "offered" her a tampon. I opened the cabinet with the feminine products and we gave Effy a crash course in the facts of life by throwing tampons, pads & napkins & chanting "Plug it up"....well Cass was the one who put it to a rhythm anyways....

:: She smirked a bit, in spite of herself. Even now as she recounted her involvement in it...she despised herself. Nicolas FELT her body tighten up with tension as she said this.::

I wonder if that mother of her's know just how much of a disservice she does her by being the way she is...

:: Alison said with an almost SYMPATHETIC tone...causing Cass and Delilah to stare at her disbelief, which in turn made her look at them with slight irritation.::

WHAT!?

I mean really! I just cant imagine living with a parent like that. I can't imagine living a LIFE like that. I'd either run away....or

“We’d all be better off if she did die.”

:: SHE was going to say DIE. Alison often wondered if Effy DID want to die. She wondered HOW Effy could continue to live as she did...and of course she was now suffering from growing GUILT knowing SHE only added to Effy's misery and torture.::

I get a HEADACHE just thinking about her!

:: Alison said with visible agitation as she shifted a bit and Nicolas wrapped his arms around her to try to comfort her.::

:: To the others, this seemed more a "typical" response for Alison, who was the most aloof of the core when it came to Effy.::


:: They all had the same class for the last one of the day, which helped make it go by quick due to the giggling, gossiping, note passing, naught jokes and other sources of amusement they made for themselves.::

::Connor asked Delilah if the two of them were going out tonight. Nicolas and Alison had their "study date" planned. They'd do a LITTLE studying and ALOT of making out.::

:: For now though, Alison was glad that they were moving away from the topic of Effy and that Nicolas was there with her. She could enjoy her friends now, as long as she pushed the images of Effy and feelings of GUILT out of her mind. ::

 

[Delilah Trelaven]

“We’d all be better off if she did die.”

All this talk of Effy was putting Delilah in a bad mood. She crossed her arms and pouted.

“Well I wish she would get on with it already, save us all the AGGRAVATION.”

“So, we going out tonight?”

“If I feel like it.”

She squirmed out of his grasp. She didn’t like him getting so possessive.

Next thing you'll tell me she is still a virgin.

“Like you, you mean?”

Delilah tilted her head and gave Nicolas a fake smile, then changed her expression to one of mock surprise.

“Oh, I’m sorry Ali, wasn’t I supposed to say anything?”

She laughed, and playing hit Nicolas on the arm.

“You know I’m only kidding.”

She sighed.

“I can’t IMAGINE anyone wanting to sleep with Effy…even on a BET.”

I wonder if that mother of her's know just how much of a disservice she does her by being the way she is...

Delilah’s eyes widen and she just STARED at Alison. What was she TALKING about?!

I get a HEADACHE just thinking about her!

“Oh well,”

She took a sip of her diet soda.

“Too bad for you Nic.”

 

[Rampage]

“Like you, you mean?”

Delilah tilted her head and gave Nicolas a fake smile, then changed her expression to one of mock surprise.

“Oh, I’m sorry Ali, wasn’t I supposed to say anything?”

She laughed, and playing hit Nicolas on the arm.

“You know I’m only kidding.”

Nicolas was too busy laughing at the thought. He had taken care of such childish things long ago.

But he could tell that Ali was a little out of sorts. She declared a headache.

“Oh well,”

She took a sip of her diet soda.

“Too bad for you Nic.”

Don't worry, I'll manage. But I appreciate you worrying so much about MY needs. It's TOUCHING.

Nic winks playfully at Delilah and then texts Alison. He often did this when HE wanted to talk to HER but other people were about.

You OK Al? We'll talk after next period.

He was a joker, and often had jokes for anything. But he had a soft spot for Ali and that, rather than a lot of the other stuff people talked about, was why they were good together. They got ready for next class. Later on, he would make sure she was good, and then SHE'D make sure HE was good :garrick:

 

[Ruby]

:: Cass stretched out and closed her eyes, not talking. Which was UNUSUAL for her, but sometimes, when Delilah and Alison got all "couple-y" with Nic and Connor, it made her feel SLIGHTLY left out. ::

Five's a crowd...

:: She opened her eyes and jumped up. ::

"I'm going to get ready for class. See you guys in there."

:: She took off towards the doors, chucking her latte cup in the trash on the way in. ::

 

[Bishop]

Delilah was getting squirmy. Damn, she could be so hot and cold. But she was worth it. When you’re dating the most beautiful and popular girl in school, you take what you can get.

“I can’t IMAGINE anyone wanting to sleep with Effy…even on a BET.”

“Hmmm…”

Connor made like he was thinking about it.

“Nah, I don’t think I would. Religious freak might be catching.”

He clutched his chest in mock torment.

“Oh wait – I think I’ve got it! Oh no! Help!”

He pretended to have a seizure and fall into Delilah’s lap. He looked up at her and smiled.

“Want to help me speak in tongues?”

He grinned playfully.

 

[Seer]

Class ends early for 3

<< Alison and Cass laugh at Connor's dramatics even as Delilah groans.>>

<< As Cass announces she's heading off to the last class of the day, Alison echoes her, catching the text from Nicolas & replying that she'll fill him in this evening during their study date.>>

<< Soon they all find their way to their last class of the day, English Lit, taught by a rather high strung, middle aged man who is prone to berating any one in the class for what he perceives as a lack of attention or grasping of the material presented. Of course this makes him a prime target for the antics of Connor and Nicolas, which in turn draws giggles and laughs from the rest of the class. Cass, meanwhile, facilitates all sorts of "extra curricular" conversations in the class through the old art of passing notes. In today's world of texting, it becomes something of a game to see who can get what passed without getting caught. Naughty pictures, dirty jokes, and occassionaly juicy gossip all flow>>

<< Today though, things will not end as they normally do and after school plans will be delayed for three people in particular.>>

<< The first indication of this comes in the form of a large male arriving at the door to the class & entering. Officer Michael Armstrong, in uniform, looking rather grim in the face.>>

<< He quietly speaks to the teacher, who in turn announces...>>

Delilah Trelevan, Cassandra Johnson, Alison Marble...you're to leave class now and go with Officer Armstrong immediately.

<< some whispers and noises of curiosity and surprise can be heard as the three girls are called out by name and directed to leave with Officer Armstrong, who hardly looks in the mood to be trifled with.>>

<< Nicolas looks at Alison, who appears to be just as surprised as he is...but suddenly, she realizes what this might be about.>>

<< Once the three girls are in the hallway, Alison is the first to ask...>>

So...Officer Armstrong...what's this about??

 

[Delilah Trelaven]

Delilah Trelevan, Cassandra Johnson, Alison Marble...you're to leave class now and go with Officer Armstrong immediately.

Delilah scoffs.

“Are you mental? I’m not going ANYWHERE with that guy.”

She stays in her seat, refusing to budge, before adding petulantly:

“You can call my father if you like.”

There was no way she was going to let that little bitch girl pin this on HER. It wasn’t Delilah’s fault the girl was a head case.

“I know my rights.”

 

[Arsenal]

“Are you mental? I’m not going ANYWHERE with that guy.”

She stays in her seat, refusing to budge, before adding petulantly:

“You can call my father if you like.”

There was no way she was going to let that little bitch girl pin this on HER. It wasn’t Delilah’s fault the girl was a head case.

“I know my rights.”

Mike's stare was withering as he froze, looked at Delilah, lifted an eyebrow, dropped it and then spoke.

Dr. Victoria has ALREADY been in touch with your FATHER and were it not for that conversation I would be snatching you out of there in these.

Mike spins open and closed a pair of handcuffs that he seemed to pull from nowhere before putting them back with a loud click. Sure he had everyone's attention, he spoke again.

Now, you have 30 seconds to comply with my direction or you WILL leave here in cuffs for disturbing the peace and interfering with a police officer. Your choice.

 

[Delilah Trelaven]

Delilah stood up slowly, her eyes narrow and shooting icicles at Mike.

As she brushed past him into the hallway, she looked him square in the eye.

"I'd like to see you try, Minimum Wage. I'd have your badge so fast your HEAD would spin."

Delilah walked over to where Alison stood, and turned on her heel back towards Mike. She crossed her arms over her chest.

So...Officer Armstrong...what's this about??

"Can we get this over with? I'm trying to LEARN, here."

 

[Arsenal]

Mike smiled as she threatened his job. The folly of children who have yet to know about job markets or unions. He allowed her her ridiculous walk over to her friends.

"Can we get this over with? I'm trying to LEARN, here."

Nope. You're on MY time now, SUSPECT Trelevan. Keep it moving gym-ward. I lead, you follow. I can tell Alison already has a clue, maybe the walk will jog YOUR memory. Let's go.

With a nod the group moves to the gymnasium...

 

[Ruby]

Hallway

Nope. You're on MY time now, SUSPECT Trelevan. Keep it moving gym-ward. I lead, you follow. I can tell Alison already has a clue, maybe the walk will jog YOUR memory. Let's go.

:: During all this, Cass kept quiet. But now, she spoke up. ::

*icily*: "EXCUSE ME?! We know EXACTLY where the gym is. We don't need a police escort..."

:: Her eyes narrowed at him. She knew that he worked closely with Dr. Victoria going over plans and such for whatever reason. ::

*coolly*: "Unless you're trying to impress a certain SOMEONE? Or maybe being with three gorgeous girls up your ego factor? Whatever the reason..."

:: She strode right past Armstrong, intending to go to the gym. ::

*coolly*: "We can find our OWN way to the gym..."

Jackass.

:: She started walking towards the gymnasium. She didn't understand why she needed to be escorted there when she was willing to go ALL ON HER OWN. ::

 

[Delilah Trelaven]

Nope. You're on MY time now, SUSPECT Trelevan. Keep it moving gym-ward. I lead, you follow. I can tell Alison already has a clue, maybe the walk will jog YOUR memory. Let's go.

"Are you serious?"

Delilah turns to Cass.

"Is he serious?"

As if this FLATFOOT could do anything to HER! Maybe stupid kids are scared by tactics like this, but SHE certainly wasn't. And she seriously doubted he had spoken to her father - that was clearly a bold-faced lie. If he had, the MAYOR would already have bumped him down to desk-duty.

But she shuffled after Alison anyway.

"Whatever you say...I hope you like writing traffic tickets."

 

[Harbinger]

Facing the music

:: Alison wasn't afraid. She simply wanted officer armstrong to confirm what was coming. Her headache was increasing in its intensity as the images of Effy's sad face continued to dominate her mind's eye. She knew she was WRONG. They ALL were & if they had to answer for what they'd done...so be it.::

:: Even as Delilah and Cass attempted to defy Michael, their voices faded off from Alison's hearing as her mind spun with emotion.::

:: the GUILT was making her headache worse.::

:: She walked along, holding her books to her chest as if to shield her heart that was beating more rapidly::

:: Finally, her attention returned to her immediate surroundings as Delilah and Cass asked her why she had been so uncharacteristically silent::

My headache...

:: Alison said coldly. She LOOKED uncomfortable. ::

 

[Seer]

and so

<< Michael Armstrong leads the trio to the gym, where they find the other girls who had been involved in the lockeroom incident also present.>>

<< Once inside the large gym, Michael shut the doors behind him.>>

<< Dr. Karen Victoria was in attendance and so was Miss Kelly. Michael soon joined Dr. Victoria where she was standing while Miss Kelly stepped forward.>>

<< She had changed her outfit from earlier, after a discreet text from Michael & now had a clipboard in hand with some documents. She looked upon the girls like a bird of prey.>>

<<FLASH!>>

<< Dr. Victoria on the phone with an irate Mr. Trelevan>>

<< It is not the first time these two have crossed swords. Unlike other members of the staff or other people in general, Dr. Victoria is NOT intimidated by Delilah's father and often battles him to a standstill. She is a thorn in his side and SHE loathes and despises him. She clearly blames him for his daughter's lack of tact, grace, restraint & empathy toward others & life in general.>>

Dr. Victoria: That's right, Mr. Trelevan. I have recommended the girls in this incident for an immediate 3 day suspension and refusal of their prom tickets. No....I really am NOT concerned with how much money you've invested in this district or which school board members you golf with. I am the principal here and I will handle the matters of this school as I see fit!

<< 1 hour later. Dr. Victoria is on a conference call with the school board, who has been contacted by Mr. Trelevan with regards to Dr. Victoria's plan of disciplinary action toward Delilah. The school board has an urgent conference with Dr. Victoria and puts pressure for her to consider a "less severe" punishment. After Dr. Victoria verbally shreds the board for their lack of care and empathy for the REAL VICTIM in this situation, she manages to achieve the goal of complying with their request but making SURE that punishment is given.>>

<< and now, that moment is at hand. The line will be drawn.>>

 

[Silver Swan]

Laying down the law

[ the girls had been gathered near the bleachers, chattering amongst themselves while Miss Kelly, Dr. Victoria and Office Armstrong were talking in their own group.]

[ It was time to get this show on the road.]

[ Stepping away from the doctor and officer, Sharon moves across the floor toward the girls, blowing her whistle for attention and then taking roll.]

[ After everyone answers, Sharon stands facing them]

Alright, line up.

[ they are slow and reluctant to respond. Sharon's eyes widen with displeasure]

Move it!

ON YOUR FEET RIGHT NOW!

TWO LINES FACE FORWARD!

[ The sharp tone and raised voice causes the girls to obey rather quickly with the exception of Cass, Delilah and Alison]

Face the FRONT, Denise.

[ She commands as she draws near Cass, Delilah and Alison]

Alison, get up there!

[ she points. Alison loudly exhales and walks past]

you too, Cassandra...

[ Cass quickly moves past Miss Kelly. Cass always excelled in Miss Kelly's classes with her athletic ability and was generally a good student. She was a popular girl & the class president. It deeply disappointed Sharon how Cass had so easily joined in the curelty toward Effy.]

[ As Alison and Cass obeyed, Delilah loudly pops a bubble with the gum she's chewing]

and spit out that gum, Delilah.

Where will I put it, Miss Kelly?

[ The girl asks with a deliberately child like, almost taunting tone. Miss Kelly is not impressed. She moves in close and deliberately invades Delilah's "personal space"]

You can CHOKE ON IT for all I care just GET IT OUT OF YOUR MOUTH!

[ She replies with force, staring Delilah down with her silver eyes until Delilah finally complies]

Now GET in line.

[ She walked among the two lines of girls now facing forward and silent. Passing back along the front line, she stops again at Cassandra, who seemed to be in rare form about this situation]

Wipe that smirk off your face, Cassandra.

[Sharon commands, standing directly in front of Cass with an unwavering stare. Cass gulps and does as she's told. Sharon finally turns and walks away from the two lines before turning back to face them.]

Okay.

[ She'd been empowered by Dr. Victoria to handle the discipline, since it happened in her class. She informed Karen upfront just what she intended to do and now it was about to start. She walks along the front line.]

Now i want you ALL to know you did a really shitty thing today, a REALLY SHITTY thing!


[ A stiffled laugh is heard amongst the tense silence. Cassandra. AGAIN. Sharon stops and faces her. Finally Cass gets herself together and bows her head.]


Did you ever stop to think that Effy Stone has feelings?

Do any of you EVER stop to think?!

No....I don't suppose you do.

[ Turning away and walking back a few steps before turning to face them all again]

Especially not now when you've got things like the PROM on your mind right? Your dates and all that right?

[ Drawing near the front line again]

So...Delilah. I guess you can take your pick. Who's the lucky guy?

[ She smirks as she waits for the girl to answer]

Connor...

I'm sorry...I didn't hear you. Who?

CONNOR....

I'm sorry...

[Sharon said in an almost mocking tone]

could you speak up!?

CONNOR ST. JAMES!!!

Well isn't HE the lucky one.

[Sharon scoffs as she moves on to Alison]

And what about you, Alison?

Nicolas King

Awww....how sweet!

[ She mocks as she walks away and turns to face them all again]

Now MY idea for this little stunt you pulled today, was 3 days suspension and refusal of your prom tickets.

[ She watches them all as gasps, moans and whispered protests emerge from the line up]

OH yes. That'd get you live wouldnt it?

And you'd all DESERVE IT!

I don't think ANY OF YOU has ANY IDEA just how NASTY what you did to Effy REALLY WAS!

[ the hushed protests stop as Sharon bellows and berates them once more]

Dr. Victoria agreed with my suggestion.

However...upon review from the school board...it's been decided...that you will have one week's detention instead.

[ Sighs and murmurs of relief among the girls can be heard. Sharon turns her back to the girls and looks up at the ceiling, before looking over to Dr. Victoria and Michael]

Still....there's just one little catch.

[ She says with a smirk creeping over her face again as she turns back to the girls]

It's to be MY detention.

[ at least ONE "oh shit" can be heard whispered from a girl in the line up]

And that means....50 minutes, every day, starting today, after school, on the athletic field.

I'm not coming.

[ Sharon, still smirking, COUNTED on Delilah saying this. She immediately walks right up to Delilah and Cass]

That's up to you, Delilah.

[ Looking down the line at the rest of the girls]

That's up to ALL of you.

Per Dr. Victoria, & approval from the school board, PUNISHMENT for skipping detention, is immediate 3 days suspension...and REFUSAL OF YOUR PROM TICKETS.

Any questions?

[ hushed pouts and protests are heard but no questions]

Good. Now CHANGE UP and report to the athletic field!

[ The girls start to file away to the locker room. Sharon walks over to Dr. Victoria and Michael. Alison finally, slowly turns on her heel and walks off to the locker room, rubbing her forehead, leaving Cass, who tries urge Delilah to come along]

 

[Harbinger]

in the gym

:: Alison exhaled as she joined the front line alongside Cass and Delilah.::

:: Dr. Victoria was there. The woman was as fearsome as she was so well put together. She tolerated NO foolishness. If she was there, then it was just as Alison suspected. They were being confronted for what they did to Effy.::

:: Miss Kelly began to berate them and call them out for how nasty they'd been.::

:: Alison shifted her colbalt to blue eyes toward Cass for a moment then to Delilah. Cass seemed to get a clue but Delilah was still seemingly unaffected thus far.::

:: True Effy was weird, hard to understand and even infuriating in some ways...but she was a human being. She was constantly abused, humiliated and bullied and so many times Alison COULD have stood up and stopped it, she didn't. Worse, she often participated in it. She was wrong and the headache she had now as from the GUILT she felt.::

:: Instead of doing what she knew in her heart was the right thing BEFORE, she let herself get caught up in the moment, the "luxury" of being one of the beautiful girls who got to torment the odd girl out.::

:: Now she was being held accountable for it.::

:: As her mind churned over Sharon's words, Sharon got her attention as she asked her about her intended prom date. She didnt even have to think about it. Of course Nicolas would take her. She wouldnt go with anyone else.::

:: She turned her head to look at Cass and Delilah, then to Dr. Victoria and Officer Armstrong when Miss Kelly announced that they were to be suspended for 3 days and be banned from the prom.::

Oh...wow...

[ She said to Cass and Delilah in pained disbelief, even as they expressed their shock over it]

OH yes. That'd get you live wouldnt it?

And you'd all DESERVE IT!

I don't think ANY OF YOU has ANY IDEA just how NASTY what you did Effy REALLY WAS!

[the hushed protests stop as Sharon bellows and berates them once more]

....yes. I do. It was a STUPID, UNKIND thing to do.

::Alison thought::

:: Instead they were to have 1 week's detention. Everyday. Starting today. Afterschool. Not QUITE as bad, but still harsh, especially if Miss Kelly was the one administering the detention.::

:: Finally they were dismissed to the lockeroom. Alison felt like she could have turned to stone under the withering glare of Miss Kelly.::

:: She was hesitant at first...but she decided this was her penance and turned on her heel to go to the lockeroom, not waiting on Cass or Delilah. She bowed her head, rubbing her head.::

I'm SORRY!

:: she wanted this headache gone. she wanted to make things right with Effy. she wanted all this to be over.::

 

[Delilah Trelaven]

Miss Kelly had a HUGE stick up her ass. Delilah was surprised she could even walk. The fact that they were even here was absolutely ridiculous, and she’d be sure to speak to her father about it. They had no business doing this to HER. Just because some little bitch needed to grow a thicker skin. That was the problem with the world these days: every stupid little dork out there who JUST WASN’T AS GOOD and wished they were one of the ULTRAS like her – ultra beautiful, ultra popular, ultra rich – expected to be treated like they were. When they just needed to accept reality.

Kelly was pretending she was some kind of drill sergeant. Delilah leaned over to Cass.

“I bet she gets off seeing girls in gym clothes. Pervert.”

and spit out that gum, Delilah.

“Where will I put it, Miss Kelly?”

Straight up your ass?

You can CHOKE ON IT for all I care just GET IT OUT OF YOUR MOUTH!

Delilah turned her head and forcefully spit the gum across the gym. Normally she would never spit, but the occasion definitely called for it. She smiled sweetly at Ms. Kelly.

Now i want you ALL to know you did a really shitty thing today, a REALLY SHITTY thing!

Delilah rolled her eyes.

“Please,” she said under her breath.

So...Delilah. I guess you can take your pick. Who's the lucky guy?

Delilah pursed her lips, staring Ms. Kelly down through narrowed eyes before responding.

“Connor.”

I'm sorry...I didn't hear you. Who?

God, she must be hard of hearing.

“CONNOR.”

I'm sorry... could you speak up!?

Delilah cupped her hands around her moth and shouted, pretending she was talking to an old deaf person.

“CONNOR ST. JAMES!!!”

And then under her breath:

“For Chrissake…”

Well isn't HE the lucky one.

“Damn right.”

She held her head high. Some two bit gym teacher wasn’t going to get the best of HER. Some people were meant to rule, and Delilah was the Queen Bee here.

But Ms. Kelly had moved on to Alison. But Delilah knew Ali could take it. Though she didn’t look so good. Hopefully she wasn’t getting sick – what a nightmare, this close to prom. Though, if it made her drop a few pounds it might be worth it. And Alison could always use to lose 5 pounds.

Now MY idea for this little stunt you pulled today, was 3 days suspension and refusal of your prom tickets.

“That is bullshit! My father will NEVER stand for that!”

However...upon review from the school board...it's been decided...that you will have one week's detention instead.

She turned to Cass and smiled conspiratorially.

“See? Told you so.”

And that means....50 minutes, every day, starting today, after school, on the athletic field.

This time she spoke directly to Ms. Kelly.

“Hell no – we don’t have to do that. I’m not coming.”

Per Dr. Victoria, & approval from the school board, PUNISHMENT for skipping detention, is immediate 3 days suspension...and REFUSAL OF YOUR PROM TICKETS. Now CHANGE UP and report to the athletic field!

Delilah shot daggers at Ms. Kelly as she walked away. She turned to the group of girls. Alison had already started walking to the locker room, and Cass was following.

“They can’t do that. SHE can’t get away with this! If we all just stick together they can’t make us.”

 

[Ruby]

Gym

:: Cass was slightly put out when Armstrong managed to corral them all into the gym. ::

Jerk. Why the hell does HE care so much anyway? Aren't there some murders or burglaries for him to investigate?

:: She wandered to some of the girls from gym class and began to talk with them, chattering about nothing in particular. Some of them had guessed what was up and they were surprised to see her there. But Cass only looked at this like a challenge...and she wasn't going to fail at this...even if she thought all this kerfuffle over Effie was pure bullshit. ::

Alright, line up.

:: Cass sighed and got up slowly, stretching. She seen that others were just as slow too. ::

Move it!

ON YOUR FEET RIGHT NOW!

TWO LINES FACE FORWARD!

:: Cass just stood there stretching. If Miss Kelly wanted them to run laps, she wanted to make sure she in tip top shape. ::

You too, Cassandra...

:: Cass immediately quickened her pace and got into formation. She couldn’t help but smirk at the exchange between Miss Kelly and Delilah regarding Delilah’s gum. That all went away when she was in Miss Kelly’s crosshairs once more. ::

Wipe that smirk off your face, Cassandra.

:: Cass gulped and bowed her head. ::

I WILL get through this, I WILL get through this, I WILL get through this…

Okay. Now I want you ALL to know you did a really shitty thing today,
a REALLY SHITTY thing!

:: Cass tried to stifle her laugh but it slipped out. ::

A teacher just swore in front of us!

:: Miss Kelly glared at her and she got herself together and bowed her head again. Miss Kelly started in about how terrible they treated Effie and all that. Blah, blah, blah. Cass only half-listened, but her ears perked when she heard what Kelly said NEXT. ::

Now MY idea for this little stunt you pulled today, was 3 days suspension and refusal of your prom tickets.

:: Cass gritted her teeth. ::

OH yes. That'd get you live wouldn’t it? And you'd all DESERVE IT! I don't think ANY OF YOU has ANY IDEA just how NASTY what you did to Effy REALLY WAS! Dr. Victoria agreed with my suggestion. However...upon review from the school board...it's been decided...that you will have one week's detention instead.

:: Cass breathed a sigh of relief. ::

Still....there's just one little catch. It's to be MY detention. And that means....50 minutes, every day, starting today, after school, on the athletic field.

:: Delilah told Cass that she wasn’t coming…which Miss Kelly overheard. ::

That's up to you, Delilah. That's up to ALL of you. Per Dr. Victoria, & approval from the school board, PUNISHMENT for skipping detention, is immediate 3 days suspension...and REFUSAL OF YOUR PROM TICKETS. Any questions?

:: There were no questions. A few protests, yes, but no questions. ::

Good. Now CHANGE UP and report to the athletic field!

:: The girls started to head towards the locker rooms to change. Alison was with them. She looked…terrible for some reason. But Cass focused on Delilah. ::

*whispers*: “Come on, let’s go. There’s no use fighting this. We all know what a NAZI Kelly can be when it comes to punishment.”

:: She headed towards the locker rooms. She resolved to not let this get under her skin; to not let EFFIE get under her skin. Yeah, maybe they did treat Effie unfairly, but it was CLEARLY Effie’s own fault. They had TRIED to get Effie to join in, but Effie seemed to relish being the school’s – and town’s – social pariah. ::