Tara

The next day, Wednesday

“Umm . . . Tara?” Brianna asked

“Hmm?” I glanced up from my taco. 

“Why don’t we sit over there today?” She motioned to the middle table, which was crowded with kids. Incidentally, it was also Theo’s table.

“You can, if you want. I’ve got more important things to do.” I said. 

Brianna raised her eyebrows. “Really? Like what?”

“Going to the principal’s office.” I winked

She giggled nervously. “Uhh . . .”

“Don’t worry. I’m not in trouble . . . yet,” I called as I sauntered off. 

I’d been thinking about Mrs. Robinson’s suggestion to start my own basketball team. And I decided to give it a try. No big deal, right?

Actually, all official clubs and teams had to be approved by the principal. I wasn’t accustomed to giving principals friendly visits. And, since I hadn’t managed to tick off enough teachers with my sass, I had no clue where the principal’s office was. That was about to change.

I casually dumped the taco wrapper into the trash, before ambling towards the teacher on lunch duty. “Hello!” she chirped, double chin jiggling.

Before she could blink, I’d snatched a hall pass from her, and was jogging through the packed lunchroom. “Hey! Get back here!” She yelled, before chasing me. I dodged gaping students clogging the pathways. Then I looped around a long table twice, before heading back to the door. I waited as she lurched towards me.

“You kept up pretty well.” I smiled as I handed back the hall pass. “Why?” She panted. “Just why?” She sucked in a few quick breaths, hands on her knees. “Please report to the principal’s office.”                                                                                                                      I widened my eyes innocently. “I don’t know the way. I’d be delighted if you’d escort me there.”                                                                       She groaned, before motioning another teacher to take her place. After a brisk walk, and a couple turns, we arrived. The lady poked her head into the office and said something before waving me in.                                                                                               A man with a receding hairline and rich maroon skin greeted me. “Good day Tara. What . . .”

I slammed my palms down on his desk. “I have an important proposition.”                                                                                                             The principal blinked and adjusted his wire-framed glasses. “I was under the impression that you had committed an offense.”

“Oh. That.” I swished my hand through the air.

“Then you deny that you grabbed a hall pass, ran around a busy lunchroom, and  . . . returned it to the teacher?” 

“No.”

The principal tilted his head. “Why did you?”

“It was just a ploy to get to your office.” I said blandly. 

His shoulders began to shake. Then his beard. He leaned his head back and roared with laughter. “Well, I never!” 

“Sir, can we get back to my proposition?” I grinned. 

“Certainly. After you answer one more question.” He chuckled. “Why didn’t you just ask someone to take you to my office?”

“This was ‘funner’ way.” 

“Next time, you will not disrupt the peace.” He chortled.

“Next time, I won’t need to, since I know where your office is,” I smirked. 

“I see.” He removed his glasses and wiped his eyes. 

“Anyway, I wanted to know if I could start a girls basketball team.”

“Tell you what, find six interested girls, teach them what you know, and get back to me.”

“Thanks,” I grinned and turned to leave.

“Oh and, please refrain from attempting any more stunts!” He called after me.

“I’ll try.” I tossed over my shoulder.