AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Sir, I’m sorry that I—”
“Don’t speak.” His eyes are glacial. “Don’t you dare speak. I was scared shitless that they were moments away from telling me they found you severely injured ordead.”
“Of course, by the time I get through with you today, you might wish that was your fate.”
I swallow, and the hairs on my neck rise one by one.
“There are three offenses at this academy that are worthy of immediate expulsion,” he says. “Plagiarism, sexual misconduct, and going AWOL. Are you aware of that, Miss Edwards?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Are you aware that the legal drinking age in this country is twenty-one, and you’re still a fucking minor?”
His harsh tone rocks me to my core.
All I can do is nod.
“If you weren’t at the top of your class with exemplary marks, and your parents weren’t who they are, you would be packing your things and applying at the nearest public school. Because for what it’s worth, none of those things mean shit to me at this moment.”
He leans forward, his gaze still cold.
“In addition to being onpermanentsocial probation, you will polish every Harkness table on this campus, shining them so damn well that their wood tops will look like mirrors.” He pauses before dropping more pain. “You will clean every administrator’s office during the early morning hours on every Saturday and Sunday; you are banned from attending the upcoming college festivals; you are also banned from any on-campus senior events, and your new curfew is six o’clock sharp until further notice. Are we clear?”
“Yes, Mr. Peterson.” I feel tears pricking my eyes. “I would like to sincerely apologize for what I did this weekend.”
“Save it.” He holds up his hand. “The best apology is changed behavior. You can start that change by weighing the consequences and repercussions of your actions before you do something else foolish.”
“Sir, please, let me—”
“I don’t want to hear it.” He cuts me off. “We’re done here.”
I stand to my feet and head toward the door.
“Aren’t you forgetting something, Miss Edwards?”
“No, sir.” I look over my shoulder. “I don’t think so.”
“Yes, you are.” He points to a janitorial cart in the corner. “Today is Sunday. You can start cleaning my office now.”
5
Subject: Disciplinary Update #5
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Edwards,
This is a notice regarding your daughter,Genevieve Edwards, and her current status at Phillips Exeter Academy.
Despite her stellar academic achievements, her disciplinary issues have continued.
This past weekend, she violated one of our most critical rules in the student code of conduct. This requires an in-person meeting with you before this semester ends, along with a phone call that I will make this week.
Given your celebrity status, I understand you are extremely busy, and I assure you I will make none of her misbehavior (or punishment) public.
As two of our top donors and distinguished alumni, you surely understand how beneficial an education at our esteemed academy is to your daughter.
Please make her aware of this at your earliest convenience.
I look forward to speaking with you.
