Chapter 50

Vice-Principal Zientarski's office hadn't changed in twenty years. The same faded diplomas on the wall, the same wood paneling, the same ugly light fixture, the same smell of Student Fear. Zientarski was known as a fierce disciplinarian, a draconian presence with delusions of grandeur, a real...jerk. This was the first time Steve had met him face-to-face.

"Mr. Norcutt, Ms. Rose. Sit down."

Coach Rivers stood behind them, arms folded across his chest. The aura of intimidation each man gave off caused Steve and Natalie to look at the checkered brown carpet (the same checkered brown carpet that had caught the sweat and tears of so many students over the past twenty years).

"What happened, Coach?"

"I caught these two smoking cigarettes in the courtyard at lunch. Mr. Norcutt was holding the Pepsi can," Coach Rivers took it away from Steve and set it on VP Zientarski's desk, "but I believe Ms. Rose was the one smoking."

"I see," Zientarski tented his fingers. "What do you two have to say for yourselves? Ms. Rose, I believe this will be your third strike, is that correct?"

Before she could answer, before he could even think about it, Steve blurted out "It was all me!"

VP Zientarski raised an eyebrow. Was that a trace of a smile on his face?

"How noble, Mr. Norcutt. But I don't think anyone in here believes you've taken up smoking."

"I just started."

"Really?" Coach Rivers' voice grated behind him. "Then you should be able to smoke a cigarette right now without coughing once, shouldn't you?"

"It's illegal to smoke in school, sir."

Now that WAS a smile on Vice Principal Zientarski's face. But not a good smile, not a smile that anyone would ever want to see. This was the smile of a hyena who had come upon am injured zebra. Steve felt all warmth leave his body.

"Ms. Rose, you may go."