Zenon's Game Chapter 290

"Hey guys," our comp gov teacher Mr Laghari interrupted our conversation, jogging up to us with a clipboard in his hand, "Sorry to interrupt what looks like an incredibly tense and passionate discussion but you two are needed in the principal's office."

I blinked the tears back and was surprised to see the world around us. I had been so consumed in our conversation.

The look Zenon gave him was something close to murderous.

Mr Laghari raised his clipboard and adjusted his tie almost like he was preparing to defend himself, "I'm very sorry to disturb you both, but a serious situation has been brought to our attention and you two are in serious trouble."

"She didn't do anything," Zenon said.

"Well, that will be up to the Principal to decide. Your parents have been called in and, in the worst case, you may be facing expulsion."

My mind is a sludge puddle of emotions. Guilt for what I've made Zenon go through. Fear of the punishment that was waiting for us. And sadness for the argument we just had.

I would do anything to reverse time and undo this terrible day.

I grew up on the idea that a trusting, loyal relationship does not exist in real life. I haven't seen a single one work. But I want us to. I would love for us to be different.

I don't know how stable relationships work and maybe that's obvious from the way I've acted. I've been insecure because... I've never been secure before. I don't have a stable history of relationships to build off of. Has he?

I guess I have wounds I didn't even know I had. I try to think that my parents leaving me doesn't affect me... I try to think that being cheated on or teased and mocked at school doesn't affect me...

But it does.

It's hard to grow together. No one is perfect and, in a relationship, you start to see those imperfections. What we do, affects each other.

Zenon's happiness is so important to me. Even though we were fighting a few minutes before, the idea that he could get expelled terrified me. He had so much more to lose. I'd rather take the fall.

I was starting to hate these hallways. Ever since I met Zenon, I've wanted to run away from all of this with him. And I hate my urge to run – because I want to be the type of person that faces my own problems head on.

Like he does.

Zenon calls it out, while I hide. I deflect and I don't recognize when I'm wrong. I lean on his strength. He's always so capable, so certain that everything will work out in the end. I admired that. Maybe I even envied that.

But now I understood that, sometimes, even he needs someone to lean on.

And I haven't been there for him in the same way he's been there for me. It's hard for me to realize that even strong people have their weak moments.

Was I too late?

I looked over at Zenon, wanting to wrap my arms around him, to shelter the sensitive side that he'd shown me. But that side of him was gone.

His expression was cold as he talked to the teacher who was escorting us to the principal's office.

"I told you Mr Albert, that she has to come," Mr Laghari looked frustrated, "No amount of threatening or convincing me is going to work."

"I haven't gotten to the threatening part yet," Zenon said.

"Yet?" the teacher snapped, "Zenon this isn't the time for your backhanded comments. You and your girlfriend are in a boat load of trouble and the Principal will decide what happens."

Zenon exhaled an audible sigh, "Just let her go. She has nothing to do with this."

I warmed at that. Even though we were in a fight, Zenon was still defending me.

"She does," Mr Laghari said, "And like I said, I don't make the rules, so stop trying to kill the messenger."

"Who else am I going to kill then?" Zenon replied with a smirk.

That little-

Did he learn nothing from our conversation?!

But hearing Mr Laghari say that we were in a boat load of trouble really sank in. Pun intended.

My mind went from freaking out over my future with Zenon to freaking out over our futures, period. Zenon's college offer and my 'not-now-but-hopefully-one-day' college offer...

Breathe, Candace, breathe

Was it because they caught me drinking at school? Or was it about what Zenon did to Kaden? Both?

I've never been to the principal's office before.

I've never been suspended before.

This is not part of the plan. I don't have much of a plan, but if I did, this wouldn't be it.

We stopped outside the door to the reception area. It was becoming all too real now and my thoughts went into overdrive. Where do I go if I get expelled?

When Mr Laghari stopped, I stopped. Like a robot, my hands were clasped firmly by my side. I didn't move an inch. If I stand really still maybe I can blend in with the wallpaper.

"Candace," Zenon whispered behind me, "Breathe."

He called me Candace.

I wish I could hold onto him and feel the comfort of his presence behind me. I'm not sure if he wanted me to do that anymore.

"Right," I exhaled. How hard can it be to breathe?

I've been doing it my whole life

Mr Laghari walked into the room first. There was a busy reception desk and chairs by the wall, where students sat to await their fate. There were offices on the other side. I saw the vice principal's office, the school therapist's and the largest door at the end had the word "Principal" on it.

Maybe I can plead insanity?