Chapter 4: A Spider Crawling

The door finally opened and the slovenly man walked in, “You’re in my chair.”

I pointed at the uncomfortable looking wooden chairs, “There are two free.”

“Move.”

“Fine.” I stood and he had to step back out the door to let me get to the other side of the desk. I sat in the uncomfortable wooden chair. McVickers slid over and sat down in the chair. He was at least 120 pounds overweight, balding with those tiny wisps of hair above the ears, and his skin looked sallow.

I had to fight a bout of nausea as I watched the sweat slide from his forehead to his chin and drip down, “You know why you’re here?”

“Decorating tips? I’d recommend more comfortable chairs and maybe some fairy lights.”

“There was a locker search today. Several students were expelled.”

“You’re upset that my locker was empty? I keep my books at home.”

“One of the students that was expelled claimed you and your friends set them up.” Another drip of sweat fell from his chin and hit the desk.

“Okay? I’m not a psychiatrist. I’m just a kid.”

“Is there any truth to the allegations?”

“You’re kidding right?”

“Was any of the contraband found yours?”

“I doubt it, but you haven’t told me what it was, so I really wouldn’t know.”

“Do you routinely bring contraband into the school?”

“How do you define contraband?”

“Anything not allowed by the rules.”

“Then yes. Would you like some?”

I couldn’t help smiling as his eyes widened, “You’re offering me contraband?”

“Sure.” I pulled a packet of Strawberry Splash Bubblicious out of my pocket and offered him the first piece, “I know it isn’t a snickers, but I like it.”

“That isn’t funny.”

Yeah, it is.

“I think I have some juicy fruit in my bag?”

“Have you brought any contraband besides bubble gum into the school?”

“I mean, probably; but I can’t think of anything specific. You really should have a list of things not allowed.”

“Hand me your backpack.”

“No.”

“I’m going to search it for contraband.”

“No, you’re not.”

“I’ll take it by force if I have to.”

“You’ll have a heart attack trying.”

“Just give me the bag.”

“If you look through the bag, am I free to go?”

“That’s fine. Just hand me the bag.”

I picked up my pack and set it on his desk. I’d removed the items that would normally be there that would be concerning; Monica’s prep vibe, the lube bottles, and condoms. I normally carried a bit of cash, but I was essentially destitute after this latest endeavor. The bag was virtually empty. It had my discman, a few CDs, three books, my school binder, a few pens, and a couple of notebooks.

He opened it and pulled every single item out of it slowly. Eventually, he put it all back in a rush and handed it back to me, “So? I’m good?”

“That’s fine.”

“Thanks, McSnickers.” I stood and walked out into the hallway as ‘It’s McVickers!” echoed behind me.

I was dumb enough to think that our problems with the Dragons were over. I was wrong, but I did get a couple months reprieve.

Four hours later:

I was relaxing in Amanda’s bed. Her room in the duplex was non-descript. The walls were a shade of peach and most of the furniture looked like it had come with the place. The exception was a very prominent make-up table with a huge mirror and the bed itself which was heavy with an oak headboard that had long spiraling columns between the base and the top rail.

“So, why did you and your friends get into trouble?”

“Oh, they accused us of planting the shit on the dragons that got them expelled.”

She laughed, “Oh, good. I was worried you were misusing that stuff I signed off for the cheerleaders.”

“Don’t worry about that. Jill will approach you when she needs a check signed. Honestly, I was just surprised they’d picked out the right people. Turned out somebody accused us, but I didn’t think they’d figure out who was involved.”

Her voice raised an octave, “Wait? You did it!?”

I turned towards her, “Yeah, of course.”

“You can’t do that? It’s wrong!”

“You should wash my jizz out of your hair before trying to lecture me on moral issues. That being said, they were bullies. They were selling drugs. They probably killed that girl. I just made sure they got caught.”

I watched her face change emotions several times as she contemplated my position. Apparently, she chose to ignore it, “Are you staying for another round?”

“Can’t. I have to have dinner with my mother.”

I made my excuses and walked the couple of miles back to Robert’s house. My mother served quiche. It was surprisingly decent. I snagged a slice for my lunch the next day.

Robert approached me as I was heading downstairs, “You’re not really talking during these. You only talk when we ask you a question and even then, it’s like you’re trying to tell us as little as possible.”

What are you expecting? My life story? A song and dance number?

“I’m keeping up my end of the deal.”

“You should at least try to make small talk.”

“That wasn’t our deal. The deal was I eat with you two once a week. I’ve done that. You want me to be the life of the party we’d have to make a different deal.”

“Please. It would make your mother happy.”

Hurting your cause.

“I’ll think about it.”

I headed downstairs and went about my routine. Normally, I’d be expecting Alex; but Sarah hadn’t taken kindly to the day’s events and she was sleeping at home for once. School had also been cancelled for tomorrow after the ‘stress of the day.’

Later that night:

I was on my nightly walk when I noticed Lis’ window was open. I had a wicked idea. I stepped onto her white car and from there scrambled onto the garage and then up to the open window. I managed to make it inside. I had been in the room before, though not with Lis sleeping. I glanced at the bed and saw her, almost angelic. The comforter slowly rising and falling. I moved closer to the bed and removed it. She slept in the nude, which didn’t surprise me much. With a minimal amount of negotiation with her unresponsive legs I was able to gain access for my fingers.