“Hey there girlie.” Ashley said sliding into the desk next to Danielle.

“One moment please, I’ll connect you.” Danielle said pressing the extension and hanging up the phone.

“Hi.” She said to Ashley.

“Busy today?” Ashley asked.

“Seems the flu is going around. Mrs. Hart just gave me a detailed description of…”

“Stop right there.”

Danielle and Ashley both had a study hall second period so they volunteered to work in the main office sorting mail and answering phone calls, from people willing to tell you their life story.

“How about I sort and you stay on the phones?” Ashley suggested.

“Are you telling me you don’t want to hear about the color of…” Danielle started.

“That’s exactly what I’m saying.” Ashley interrupted.

“I figured as much. So anything interesting happen this morning?” Danielle asked.

“They should really tell Mr. Johnson to have his issues of Maxim delivered to his house.” Ashley said holding up a magazine with a half naked picture of Christina Aguilera on the cover. “Nah, today’s been rather quiet. How about you?”

“I had a run-in with the martyr.” Danielle said using Ashley’s personal nickname for Amy.

“Oh lord. Why should we feel bad for her today?”

“I don’t know…she stubbed her toe or something.”

“I wouldn’t put it past her.”

“Ah-hum.” A voice said.

Danielle looked up startled. “Sorry. Can I help you?”

“I have a 9:15 appointment with the principal.” Dr. Abbott said.

“Hello Dr. Abbott.” Ashley said.

“Ashley. How are your parents?” he asked sitting down.

“Fine. I’ll tell them you asked.” She said.

Moments later Bright Abbott walked into the office. He silently sat down next to his father.

“I’ll let the principal know you’re here.” Danielle said picking up the phone.

“Thank you.” Dr. Abbott said.

Danielle dialed the extension and told the principal his appointment had arrived.

“You can go back there.” She told them hanging up the phone.

Dr. Abbott nodded and he and Bright made their way towards the office never once making eye contact.

After the pair was out of earshot Danielle turned to Ashley.

“What’s that all about?” she asked.

Ashley shrugged. “I try to know as little about the Abbotts as possible.”

***

“I assume you know why we’re here today.” The principal said to the father and son that sat before him.

“I’m almost afraid to ask.” Dr. Abbott replied.

“On Friday a false fire alarm was pulled, your son was the culprit.” He said.

Dr. Abbott shook his head.

“This is a very serious offense added on to a pile of other offenses.” The principal continued.

“So how long is the suspension going to be for?” Dr. Abbott asked.

“Normally we would give the student a week suspension, but I don’t think that would help in this situation.” He said.

“Then what do you suggest?” Dr. Abbott asked.

“We have a group of students who volunteer for the after school program at the Everwood Community Center. We think Bright will benefit by volunteering at the center every afternoon.” He replied.

“That sounds like a fine idea. Bright?” Dr. Abbott asked.

“Whatever.” He said quietly. “Can I go now?”

“I think we’re done here. You’ll start on Monday.” The principal said.

Dr. Abbott shook hands with the principal and he and Bright made their way out the office. They walked past Danielle and Ashley, Dr. Abbott towards the exit and Bright back to class.

“Do they ever talk to each other?” Danielle asked.

Ashley shrugged. “Like I said.”

“I try to know as little about the Abbotts as possible.” Danielle finished.

The two continued their tasks in the office until the bell rang.

“See you at lunch.” Ashley said as headed to the second floor of the building.

“Bye.” Danielle said walking towards her PE class.