Amber Stone and the Dead Doctor Chapter 2.5
Previously, Aunite Leona and Amber made their way from the nurse's office to Prinipal Fontaine's office. But Amber notices a change in Principal Fontaine's appearance.
The principal falls into fits of coughing and hacks into a tissue. She winces as she gasps for air.
“Janice, is everything alright?” Auntie asks as she crosses her legs and clasps both hands over her top left knee.
I also wonder if she’s alright. She may have come down with a bug. Hopefully, it passes soon. I brush through the room with a sweeping eye; eclectic sculptures and wayward statues enrich the space. On the left side of the office, tall statuaries made of different shapes are stacked on top of each other, as though, if bumped into, can crash the whole sculpture. I’ve been in this room multiple times, and that piece always interests me. Principal Fontaine told me she enjoys adding interesting and unruly pieces to her office because it helps her think deeper, pushes her to be innovative like these artists did when creating their works.
“I’m fine, Leona. It’s been a long day.” Principal Fontaine wobbles toward her desk. She takes a seat and lets out a breath.
With those bony legs, I’m amazed at how she can balance herself in those heels.
“I’m sure it has been.” Auntie clears her throat. She always does this when she has something important to say. “Janice, I can only imagine how tough it is to oversee an entire school. I mean, I can relate to some extent, being the head of research. Managing people, reading reports, spending long days at the hospital. Anyway, what I’m trying to say is I have much admiration.”
Principal Fontaine raises a peculiar eyebrow. She doesn’t seem to buy the bait Auntie is dangling in front of her but not reject it either.
“But you know me, Janice, whenever something bothers me, I have to say it, and I have great concern for Amber. Today’s events. How it will work against Amber. You, me, and Phelix have invested too much for a bunch of hooligans to mess it up,” Auntie says.
“There have been many incidents between the Elite and Median students, and we are dealing with it.” Principal Fontaine gets up. She takes a huge gulp of air and then slips into more uncontrollable coughing. She pours herself a glass of water and gulps it down, very unladylike.
Auntie clears her throat again. “That may have worked on others, but when Amber got attacked, they stepped into dangerous territory, Janice.”
“What do you suggest, Leona?”
“Eliminate the problem.”
“You know I can’t do that.”
“Oh yes, you can.”
“After all the girls’ families have done for this school . . . My hands are tied.”
Auntie chuckles, a mix of disgust and disbelief, like she’s talking to an irrational teenager. “What have they done? What about what I have done? The work I do? The things I’ve had to do? Not even your own circle would think twice about doing. Don’t misplace your loyalties.”
“Loyalties.” Principal Fontaine rises from her seat. “I don’t owe you a thing. I believe you’ve forgotten your place, Leona. You’ve gotten too comfortable.” Principal Fontaine’s fists curl, knuckles pressing against the desk.