As Nicole walked to class, the usual litany of students needing to report to the office rang out over the loudspeaker.
"Would Mondrae Bellamy, Steph Vernon, and Ash Miller please report to the front office?"
Ash walked to the front office, despondent. She knew what this was going to be about.
She approached the reception desk. "Hi, I'm Ash Miller?"
"Good morning," the office secretary beamed, setting down his cup of coffee. "The principal wanted to see you." With other students in line, Ash waited in a chair. Moments later, an older woman in a suit stepped out. It was Principal Heath Randall.
"Ash Miller?"
"Good morning, Dr. Randall."
"Come with me, ma'am," she replied as the two walked into her office. Beside the frame holding her education degrees, the walls also had shelves of books and a few personal mementos. She sat down at her desk, with Ash facing her. "I suspect you know why you are here."
"I imagine I do, Dr. Randall."
"We've all seen the video at this point. It went around fast. It made Valley Lake High School look bad."
"I just...I exploded. On Friday, I was humiliated at a restaurant on a date when a few college girls stole Jade from me. And then I missed a potential game-winner last night. It just was too much." As Ash spoke, she noticed how hollow she felt saying it. The volcano had erupted. It had no more magma in it.
"Yes, it was. You need to learn to control your anger. Coach Williams told me that she had named Nicole captain in your stead. And we've deemed that this merits a three-day suspension from school."
Ash expected as much, but the news still stung. She stared at Dr. Randall, processing what this meant.
"I want you to go back home. We'll notify your parents and teachers and you'll get your assignments mailed to you. Obviously, this means you'll miss Senior Night, but..."
"I understand, Principal."
"I also suggest you take some anger management classes. I have a few referrals I can send along. But for now, go home. Think a bit and get ready to come back on Monday with the right attitude."
"Thank you. I'll see you then."
Ash looked around and left the school, trying to piece together what to do next.
