As I'm leaving school, I notice a group of girls surrounding Tori and it doesn't exactly look friendly. I frown, standing back as I study the girls.

"Melissa, Kate and co," I mumble, narrowing my eyes at them. Melissa and Kate are twin sisters, both of them equally as popular as the other. Their co is the little group of desperate popular wannabe's that constantly run after them. I notice Melissa and Kate take a threatening step towards Tori, flipping their ashy blonde hair over their shoulders.

I slowly begin to walk towards them, straining to make out their conversation. Tori's face is contorted with anger as she argues back with them, two little pink blotches covering her cheeks.

"Get away from me now before I rip the extensions out of both of your heads!"

Melissa and Kate turn to face each other, letting out a childish giggle in unison. The way they are both in sync so often is creepy.

"Don't worry, we want to get away from you," Melissa smirks, briefly turning towards Kate.

"Wouldn't want to catch your gay germs, that would be the worst." Kate says dramatically, rolling her eyes. I grit my teeth, coming to a decision that I've heard enough. Melissa and Kate spin around as they hear me stomping up to them, fire burning in my eyes.

"What the fuck did you just say to her? Are you seriously being homophobic to my best friend?" I yell at them, narrowing my eyes.

Melissa and Kate's eyes widen in fear and their little group take a step back away from them, shying away.

"We didn't say anything!" Kate yells, holding her hands up defensively. Beside me, Tori let's out a scoff, her hand on her hip.

"Are you seriously going to play the victim card right now?" Tori snaps angrily. I can feel myself growing more impatient and I take another step towards them, wanting to rip off their heads.

"Stay away from her or I swear to god, I will make you regret you were both ever born." I hiss, the adrenaline from slapping Austin was still cursing through my blood.

"What is it with assholes today? Are they purposely trying to turn me crazy?" I ask Tori, my voice raising. Melissa and Kate grab each other's hands before scurrying away, disappearing from sight. Tori raises an eyebrow at me, placing a hand on my bare arm.

"Ruby, calm down."

"Calm down?" I ask her, my heart thumping against my chest.

"I don't think I can calm down. I've just punched Austin because he's a man whore and now my best friend is the victim of homophobia! All in the space of ten minutes! I really don't think I can calm down!" I say, breathing deeply.

"Ruby, you know what your parents said. Breathe deeply, think happy thoughts. Don't blow your top, teachers are watching." Tori says to me firmly, looking into my eyes. I squeeze my eyes shut tightly and force myself to breathe deep, subsiding the anger growing inside of my body.

"Thank you for sticking up for me," Tori says quietly, her eyes dropping to the floor. The urge to punch both of them increases as I see the pain flash across Tori's face. Only for a brief second.

"Next time, you smash both of their heads together, got it?" I say to her, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. She nods quietly before smirking, her usual confident personality shining through once again.

"They both looked so scared once they saw you, its a great benefit having you as my best friend. Now tell my why you punched Austin? Do I need to inflict some pain on him too?"

I open my mouth to reply when a hand is wrapped firmly around the top of my arm, pulling me away from Tori. I snap my head to the right and come face to face with Principal Hurst.

He looks angry, really angry.

"Shit," I say out loud, dropping my hold on Tori's shoulder. Principal Hurst narrows his eyes at me further, clearing his throat.

"In the trouble you're in, I wouldn't be cursing Ruby Melvin."

"It's Went — "

"Not now Ruby! Walk with me to my office please."

I nod my head slowly, admitting defeat.

"I just want to start by saying whatever I did, I'm really sorry."

Principal Hurst continues speed walking through the school, heading for his office. I have to skip to keep up with his long strides.

"Did you hear me Patrick?" I ask him. He immediately stops, his shoulders tensing as he whirls around. His face is red with anger and if this was a cartoon, steam would be blowing out of his eyes. I snort in amusement at the image.

"Do not call me Patrick! It's Principal Hurst to you Ruby. I have had enough of your terrible behaviour! Your apology doesn't affect the outcome of this situation anymore Ruby. I have no other choice but to call your parents into school."

I groan out loud, rolling my eyes.

"Why do you have to call my parents?"

"Because Ruby, you're expelled."

I gasp, shaking my head in protest. My parents are going to kill me.

"No wait! I can make this okay!" I yell, shaking my head profusely. Principal Hurst holds up his hand, silencing me.

"You attacked another student and almost attacked several more. You're expelled Ruby, permanently."

I stare at him, my mouth hung open in shock.

"Well, shit. Double shit. Shit shit."

*****

After half a hour of trying to call both of my parents, Mr Hurst sighs deeply. He leans over on his desk, pinching the bridge of his nose. It causes his glasses to slide down his face.

"Your glasses are falling Patri -"

"Ruby."

His voice is strained, jaw clenched slightly.

"Right. Sorry." I mumble, sliding further down in my seat. Patrick sighs deeply again, taking his glasses off and rubbing at his eyes.

"Your parents aren't picking up. You'll have to go home Ruby and I'll be contacting them tomorrow. There'll be a formal meeting held tomorrow afternoon which you'll have to attend with your parents, got it?" He says, avoiding eye contact with me.

"Is there anything I can do to stop you from expelling me? My parents have money, we can pay you half of your annual salary Patrick. Sorry — Mr Hurst."

This time, he does create eye contact with me, looking bewildered.

"Are you — "

"Are you trying to bribe me Ruby?" He asks, his tone shocked.

"You don't have to say yes. Just shrug your shoulders and I'll take that as your answer. If you know what I mean," I say casually, leaning back in my seat. Mr Hurst is silent for a few moments, his eyes flashing with shock. I open my mouth to bargain with him further, possibly offer him three quarters of his salary. He stops me short, breathing deeply.

"Ruby, go home please."

And with that, he points at the door before spinning around in his chair, turning his back on me. As I'm leaving, I swear I can hear him mumble under his breath —

"Unbelievable."