Ronnie drummed her fingers impatiently on the principal's desk, not at all happy about the reason she was here. Â Someone had given her up, and when she found out who, she had every intention of making their life (online and offline) a living Hell. Â He fingers stopped moving when the office door opened and her Tony, still in his police uniform, walked into the room and gave her a disappointed look. Â She looked down at her feet, the first hint of guilt for her actions seeping through.
He closed the door as the principal cleared his voice and finally spoke, âMs. Brennan, are you aware of why Iâve asked your father here today?"
She sighed harshly. Â Because someone in the computer science club was a douche, thatâs why. Â But she didnât say that. Â Instead she responded as they expected her to, anything to get this over with. Â âBecause I hacked into the schoolâs computer system."
âAnd...?â the principal prompted.
âAnd?â Â Now she was stumped. Â All the teen had done was program all of the schoolâs fancy LCD screens to play Bad-CRCâs âAll Your Base Are Belong To Usâ. Â It was a harmless prank...a joke to make people laugh. Â âUmm...because it was a bad thing to do?â Â Ronnie was fishing now, not sure what she was supposed to say.
âVeronica...â That was Tony, a hint of warning in his voice.
The principal sighed. Â âTypically, Ms. Brennan what youâve done would be punishable with expulsion...â
âWhat?!â Â Her head jerked up at that, actual fear on her face. Â âBut I...!"
The teenâs protest was cut short when Tony put a hand on her arm. Â âLet him finish, Ronnie."
With a grimace, she nodded, crossing her arms over her chest. Â Oh, yeah - whoever had done this to her was going down!
The principal continued. Â âHowever, having discussed some things with your father, and considering your outstanding educational record, the school has decided to make an exception."
âMeaning what, exactly?â Â She asked, looking suspiciously between the two men. Â There was a catch - there had to be a catch.
It was Tony who spoke. Â âYouâre going to start tutoring one of the other students.â Â Ronnie desperately wanted to interrupt, but held her tongue. Â âAnd since youâll need some free time for your new duties; youâll be ceasing any and all extracurricular activities.â Â This time she did open her mouth to protest, but she was stopped short by a wave of Tonyâs hand. Â âYouâre also grounded until further notice. Â The only time you'll be allowed to leave the house is for tutoring sessions. Â Is that understood?"
The teen nodded, as angry tears began to form in her eyes. Â Itâs not like sheâd been stealing test answers or changing grades, for crying out loud!
âGood,â the principal interjected, with a smug bob of his head. Â âNow, Ms. Brennan, I have a few more things to discuss with your father. Â The young man youâll be assisting should be waiting just outside. Â Why not go and say hello?"
Standing silently, Ronnie made her way back out of the office and into the reception area, eyes immediately scanning the room. Â Her brows shot up when she realized her new âchargeâ was sitting close enough to the door that heâd probably heard everything. Â When their eyes met, she tried not to glare at him. Â After all, it wasnât his fault she was in this mess. Â So, she tried to be polite, holding out her hand to him. Â âNameâs Veronica.â Â She shrugged slightly. Â âOr Ronnie...whatever. Â So, I guess weâre stuck together, huh?â Â Suddenly she realized no one had said exactly what kind of tutoring she was supposed to be doing. Â âUm, not to be rude, but what exactly is it you need help with, anyway?â Â Ronnieâs grades were generally good across the board, although she excelled in both History and Math. Â The only class that consistently gave her trouble was art.
