School Scene II

Office, Waiting Area.
 
Jessica, Tarin, Dray, seated together.

Enter Aron.

Girls swamp him. Dray stands up, scowling at him.

"Don't be mad at Lily, Daddy." Jessica begs.

Aron (surprised). "What happened with Lily? I'm here for Abby."

Dray (eyes narrow). "Why?"

Enter Abby, eyes on the carpet.

Principal Santos, a man, behind Abby. Sternly. "Mr. Morgan, your daughter can collect her books and then you may take her home. She will be allowed to return to school in a week's time, but bear in mind now that she has been caught on a paraphernalia charge, there will be no second warning. A possession charge, and she will be suspended for a year. Anything further, and she will be expelled."

"What happened?" Drew demanded.

Katie emerges behind her, and Aron catches his breath sharply. "She was smoking weed and I reported her!" Triumphantly.

Aron, quietly. "Is that true, Abby?"

Abby looks down at her clenched hands.

 "It's none of your business if it is true," Dray snaps, stepping between them. "You're not her dad. Why didn't Mom come?"

Aron. Calmly. "Your mom is at work, so I offered to come. Abby, let's go get your books."

Enter Lily.

Aron sighs. "What happened?"

Lily scowls at the floor.

Aron. Firmly. "Lily."

Lily. Mutters. "Fight."

Counselor April, standing beside Lily. "It sounds like it was in defense of her little sisters. Unfortunately, according to school policy, any and all fights are punished with a three day suspension."

Aron sighs again, then tips his head towards the door. "Go get your books, Lily. Abby, you too. Dray, do you have a class you should be in right now?"

Dray. Hostile. "Don't tell my sister what to do. And leave me alone."

Aron ignores his tone and his hostility. "We'll talk tonight, Dray. In the meantime, you can go back to class. April, I'll be taking Jess and Tarin home for the day, as well." Detaches Jess' clinging hand gently so he can take the blue slips Counselor April is holding out. 

Dray. "Well, I'm not staying then. I'm going home with my sister"--

Aron. "Katie's staying"--

Dray. Snarls. Steps away from Katie. "She's not my sister."

Aron. Sharply. "Dray!"

Katie's face twists with anger. "Oh, I'm not your sister, Dray, but the pothead is?" She snaps, but tears are filling her eyes. "Fine, take her side. You always do."

Dray, so angry he spits as he talks. "You probably lied about the pot, Katie, because we all know you're a conniving bitch."

"Fuck you, Dray!" Katie pushes past the twins. "Fuck you!"

Katie slams the door behind her.

Aron, politely, but his tone cold. "I'm sorry, April, but it looks like I'll be taking Dray home, as well. When you find Katie, will you ask her to wait in the nurse's office? I'll be back for her once I take these five home."

Counselor April nods mechanically, slightly shocked at the outburst and overwhelmed by so many children and so much drama in one family.

Dray. Nervously. Takes a few steps toward the door. "On second thought, maybe I should just go back to class."

Aron. Sharply. "Unless you want to be grounded for the next month, William Dray, I strongly suggest that you get your books right now and meet us in the parking lot in"-- looks at watch--"no later than three minutes."

Aron turns on his heel and exits, leading the four girls. Drew, looking a little pale, follows and hurries off towards his locker, looking nervous and not quite as cocky as before.