When the bell goes John walks around the corner. I stand up, ready to go to my next lesson but John waves his arm at me, gesturing for me to sit back down so I do. Completely confused.
I watch as John knocks on Mr Tiz's office door. I hear 'Come in' being shouted. John walks in and closes the door behind him. John and Mr Tiz talk for a few minutes. I can hear muffled words through the door but can't understand what they're saying.
When the voices stop John walks out.
'Follow me' John instructs. He walks to the heavy doors and opens them while I get up and follow. We both step through then John walks beside me.
'I've spoken with Mr Tiz about those girls, his going to arrange for Mr Saint to change the seating plan also if you need time out again you'll be put in secure for the lesson, the head doesn't want students placed outside his office in the future' John explains. I hum in response not really caring.
When we get to the gym John opens the door and we both step through.
Patrick is the coach that comes in for gym now as our last teacher left. There was a massive fight in the class and he got injured in the process. He quit that day.
Patrick turns around at the noise of the door slamming shut. His eyes go to John then me.
'You're late! Grab a ball and join in' he orders. I smile weakly at John then grab a ball and join in.
Dodgeball is not a sport! It's a nightmare. Balls flying wildly! Your body gets hit all over. It's bloody target practice!
I can see John walk over to Dave who's currently in the hall. They start talking quietly. There's now always a security officer in here because of the previous incident. Fights are common in gym.
I throw my ball at Becca, it misses as she dodges. Another girl I've not seen before throws a ball at me. I whip my hands out and catch it. She storms off the court sulking.
I launch the ball I'm holding at Bella. It whacks her in the face. Patrick shouts
'Head shots don't count' I can see John watching.
'Play nicely Hope' I chuckle but don't listen.
Bella grabs the ball then throws it at me, completely missing. I grab the ball she threw then launch it back at her. It hits her lip causing her to cry out in pain. Then she screams at me
'Fuck! You did that on purpose you bitch'
'And? What you going to do about it' I taunt. I need to get this anger out of me. Skipping class did nothing for my irritation.
Bella storms over to me, anger written all over her face. As soon as she gets to me she tries to square up to me. Shoving me.
It's not the best decision she's ever made. I launch my head forward and head-but her. She screams as blood pours out of her nose. She swings a punch at me so I tackle her to the floor and pound my fists into her body relentlessly.
The panic alarm is pressed, the alarm blares loudly, echoing in the gym.
Students drop to the floor as Dave barrels into me. John is now running over.
Security officers barrel through the door and launch themselves on both of us.
John crouches by me as i thrash and scream out in defiance.
'Calm down, i witnessed everything Hope, you're not in trouble, calm, deep breath's for me, that's it, in and out' john coaxes, talking softly.
I can see Bella is pinned to the floor beside me. John carries on coaxing me to calm down. I take deep breaths and stop fighting falling limp on the floor. Waiting.
A few minutes later Mr Tiz steps through the door, his eyes scanning the situation
'What is happening here' he bellows. I watch as John runs over and talks with Mr Tiz.
When they're finished talking Mr Tiz strides over to Bella.
'Get her up' the officers drag Bella up to face him.
'You're new here?' He questions. Bella nods.
'You will learn the ropes here quickly girl! How dare you start a fight in my school! Fighting is not tolerated here!' He screams.
'She threw a ball at me twice sir' she whimpers
'I don't care! You do not lay hands on anyone!'
Mr Tiz takes a step backwards then orders
'Take her to secure'. I watch from the floor as Bella is swiftly removed from the gym hall.
Once the door is slammed Mr Tiz walks over to me and crouches down. He then speaks.
'I've reviewed the CCTV Hope, why did you throw the ball at her face twice?' He questions.
'It was an accident sir, I was aiming for her chest'
'Right well I don't want to be called to you again today! Do you understand' he questions sternly.
'Understood sir' I mumble quietly.
You good to get up?' John asks. I nod so John gestures with his arm to the officers and I'm released. I pull myself up off of the floor.
'You've been warned Hope' Mr Tiz threatens before he strides off.
'The bell will go in a minute, tidy up and leave' Patrick shouts. I grab two balls and put them in the basket then walk out the hall.