As Long As We're Together by Brianna Peppins

Author:Brianna Peppins
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Vice Principal Brinkley’s accolades hang on the wall behind the bald, angry man scowling at me and Korey. I’d hurried into his office ten minutes ago, and no matter what we say, he won’t budge. He keeps looking down on Korey like he’s some sort of problem child beyond saving, which makes me want to fling myself over the desk and hit him. But instead I hold an angry grip on the back of Korey’s chair, listening as Vice Principal Brinkley proposes further punishment.

“I didn’t start it,” Korey insists. His words come mumbled through the ice bag he holds against his bottom swollen lip. Other than a cut on his brow and a pounding headache, he’ll be fine. Much better than Hugh McFoy, who’s sporting a black eye, and Justin Branson, whose nose may be broken. They’re still with the nurse.

Vice Principal Brinkley’s arms fly up in exasperation. “Mr. Wilkinson, what would you call throwing the first punch?”

“Defending myself! They tried to jump me!”

“Ms. Newsom said you threw the first two punches. One at Hugh, then one at Justin. If you ask me, then it sounds like the two kids who just got punched in the face are the ones actually defending themselves.” The mustached man leans forward on the desk with stern eyes. “Now, you started the day with detention; it looks like a three-week suspension should follow.”

I inhale sharply as fear settles over me. We were warned that detentions wouldn’t look good on the record when the judge reviewed our case. But a three-week suspension is nothing short of disastrous—Ms. Lusby will be telling each of us to pack a bag by the end of the month. “No, no, no. Wait a second, Mr. Brinkley. You don’t even have the full story here and you’re ready to throw out suspensions?”

“I have the full story,” he says, looking bored, and I feel my anger burning. How can he sound so nonchalant when this decision could lead to our family being ripped apart?

“Korey’s been through a lot, and some boys, who were also in Saturday detention, getting in his face and calling him stupid doesn’t sound innocent—and I mean, what kind of people even do that? Sounds like bullying to me. Isn’t this one of those no-tolerance-for-bullying schools?”

His sharp eyes fly to me. “Yes, and Mr. McFoy and Mr. Branson will be dealt with, but we also have a no-tolerance rule for fighting. I should be expelling your brother—”

My heart skips a beat. “You can’t—”

“And now that I think about it, you aren’t Korey’s legal guardian, and I shouldn’t even be speaking to you about this matter. Where is your sister, Miss Wilkinson?”

“I’m right here,” Ari says, flying into the office and taking a seat beside Korey. “I’m so sorry I’m late, Vice Principal Brinkley. I was at the bank when I got the call.” Her eyes cut at me, and I shrink behind Korey from the severity in her glare. But why are her angry eyes directed at me?

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