149 Mrs. Golladay 1 (2/2)
The note made it to our desk.
”A hall pass to the Counselor's office.” Dave read it. He glanced at me. ”Mrs. Golladay's specifically? Do you know where to go?”
I slowly nodded, recalling the front office where Noah told me to if I needed anything. I put on my backpack and stood up.
Kyle handed me the note. ”See ya at practice.”
I nodded and left. I made my way through the halls and into the front office. It wasn't as full as the first time I was there, but it still had a good mix of students and adults. I waited in line and handed my slip of paper once it was my turn. The lady led me around the counter and to a closed office door. She knocked, opened and let me in. Then closed the door behind me. I swallowed my fear. It's okay. Everything's okay. The door isn't locked. I can leave anytime I want.
”Jake Hollander?” A woman sat behind a desk, reading glasses perched on her nose. I nodded slowly. ”If you're Jake Hollander, take a seat. If not, go back to class.”
I debated for a second on whether I should actually sit or if I should just leave. I had a gut feeling that I wasn't going to find this pleasant just from the strict tone of her voice. In the end, I decided to sit across from her on the other side of the desk. No need to get in trouble for not showing up when I'm already here.
She studied me through her frames of eyewear, and watched as I shifted uncomfortably. ”Don't squirm. It's unbecoming for young men like you. Sit straight and firm.”
I flinched, but did what I was told.
She held up some papers. ”I've been getting progress reports from your teachers. Let me start off with this....it's unimpressive and disappointing seeing excellence wasted. On you.” I gulped. ”You don't participate in class. You don't communicate with teachers or classmates. And. Now. I've gotten multiple calls showing concern about why someone like you, has made the varsity baseball team. Care to explain?”
Explain? What? I shook my head slowly.
A loud bang came from her desk as her palm met with the wood, making me jump. ”Speak when spoken to.”
My breathing became more shallow and came out in faster beats. My hands felt clammy and the backpack still on my shoulders, felt heavy. I cleared my throat, trying to find the right words to say.
”Tell me. Why is it, that a kid like you, has made the varsity team? Are the Atkins giving the coach extra money on the side to let you play? Is Zeke Atkins blackmailing him, saying he won't play without his brothers? I find it highly suspicious that a timid, mute, faint-hearted kid like you found courage to join one of the best teams in the county.”
I started to shiver. How is this lady a counselor? My eyes started to blur, my nose tingled, and a lump formed in my throat...I was on the verge of tears. I don't want to be here. Not with this lady. She's too domineering and too much like my mother. I suddenly stood up.
”Where do you think you're going? Sit back down. We're not done discussing how you're receiving undeserved special treatment.” She commanded.
I ignored her and bolted out of there. I swung the door open and ran. Bypassing the adults and students in the office, and then out to the empty halls. Class was still going on, but I couldn't go back. Not where she can find me.