“Well, I think it’s only right to make a good first impression,” he said.
There was no way I was going to be able to fight this. I can tell other kids were looking at me with curious glances as well. I grimaced, but followed my dad’s words and went over to where Principal Kirtman was.
The office he was in was super big for someone who just sat in it all day. it was a huge, sleek office that felt so different from the regal nature of the school. I noticed a redhead sitting at her desk, with glasses and a smile on her face. The atmosphere of the place felt different. Instead of it being a staid, boring office, it felt relaxed.
Was it because of this woman? Or was it the look I saw her give my dad the moment we walked in?
“So this is your infamous daughter, isn’t it John?” the principal said.
“I’m not infamous,” I said.
“On the contrary, you are. Some of us have heard of your little spectacle. When John told me that he had a daughter, I thought he was joking. But, it seems, that wasn’t the case,” she said to me.
“Yeah well, this old man keeps hovering all over me, and it’s annoying,” I said to the principal.
“Jules—”
“John, I’ll take care of this,” Principal Kirtman said.
“Alright.”
“Anyways, Jules, we’re happy to have you here. While a month has passed already, I’m very excited to have you here in our school,” she said.
“Yeah well, it’s not like I had a choice. Party pooper over here made me come,” I said.
My dad looked at me with an affronted look, but then, Principal Kirtman spoke.
“Jules, you should be careful about your words. You should know that you’re lucky to have a dad like john. He’s strong, caring, and wants to do what’s best for you. He enrolled you here to get an education, something apparently your mother didn’t provide. I had to make a lot of exceptions to have you here,” Principal Kirtman replied.
“Whatever.”
“Don’t just blow this off Jules. We want you to get an education here. Your dad is a wonderful man, and has served the school as a security guard. I’m happy to have him on the team,” she said.
I looked over at my dad, who smiled at her. If I didn’t know any better, I would say she was purposefully making those quips. I caught them stealing glances at one another, but nothing more than my dad just being friendly. The subject changed shortly after once I heard my dad cough.
“Anyways, thank you Lara for doing this. It’s very appreciated. I hope my daughter can fit right into this school,” he said.
“You’re welcome john. You’re quite a reliable part of the team, so I’m happy to assist you,” the principal said.
That’s when I picked up on it. The look she gave my dad, the tone of voice I noticed both her and my dad use. My dad has never addressed a woman like he did just now.
That’s when I realized it: they were involved.
That also explained why this lady thought I was the wayward daughter. She probably knew my mom as some washed-up singer who doesn’t know how to take care of her kid if it bit her in the backside.
“Anyways, I need to make a call before we continue this,” she said.
“In the middle of introducing a new student to the school? Sounds super professional,” I muttered.
“It’s about you,” she said coldly.
I sat in the chair, hearing her turn on the microphone system. Why was she such a bitch? Is it because my mom fucked this guy almost 18 years ago, and now I’m here to tell the tale? Who knows. But I heard the squeak over the PA, and the sound of Principal Kirtman’s voice.
“Will Josephine Johnson please come to Principal Kirtman’s office? I repeat, will Josephine Johnson please come to the principal’s office,” she said into the mic.
After a few minutes, a girl with tanned skin, dark brown hair, and big hazel eyes appeared. She was slightly curvy, but her perfect pressed uniform hid most of it. I could tell already this girl was such a straightedge. Probably wouldn’t be able to get away with jack shit. Principal Kirtman beamed as the quiet girl came over.
“There you are. Josephine, this is Jules. Jules, this is Josephine, your new roommate. Could you show her around the school?” the principal asked.
I locked eyes with the dark-haired woman. Great. I was now under the watchful eye of one of those prissy girls in school. I felt like she was a total busybody, at least that’s what the vibe she gave off was. But, when she spoke, I was immediately shocked by her words.
“Sure! Hey there Jules, I’m Josephine, but you can call me JJ,” she said.
“Hi,” I said, nodding to her.
She extended her hand, and I grimaced. I took it, not really into all of the handshake bullshit, but after a moment, she pulled back.
“Anyways, Principal Kirtman told me about you. Ready to check out the campus?” she said.
“Sure I guess,” I said.
Josephine walked out, and already I was regretting all of this. I looked around the spacious campus, feeling out of place. Josephine had a smile on her face. She was so nice, and I wondered who I managed to please to get this lucky.
“Your name is Jules, correct? What prompted you to come here?” she asked.
“Well my dad for starters. He kinda…forced me to come here,” I explained.
“I see. Well, I’m glad to have you,” she said.
“Least one of us is glad to have me here. This was not what I was thinking would happen to me because of my wayward mom,” I said.
“Well, if you need anything, I’m here. And don’t worry, if you need to confide about hardass Principal Kirtman, let me know,” she said.
Wait, so she wasn’t just kissing the principal’s ass? I looked at her, and she beamed.
“Trust me, we all know she’s a total harass, and
