Inspiration 20

http://goo.gl/1eLv66

"Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when at first we practice to deceive." Is it ever all right to lie? Consider your answer. What is that lie spares human life? What if that lie serves to capture a villain? But, what if that lie with all its good intentions has unforeseen ramifications? What if it comes back to bite you in the butt?

2

Center/Center-Mid

Dr. Larkin Sloan Reynolds, the principal at Eau Boueuse High School, really hated when a student transferred so late in the school year, but her predecessor, Dr. Rona Fairchild, had taught her never to show her misgivings. Yet, something struck her as a bit strange about this boy. He looked nothing like the man who was enrolling him. He must look like his mother who, according to his records, is deceased. His father's an offshore rigger.

It was true that Eau Boueuse had a great many students come and go because of the offshore work. The boy's grades were average, and he had had a number of disciplinary infractions. He did play basketball, so sports denial was something she could hold over his head.

"Well, Scott, I see you've already taken the ACT and received a decent score. Do you plan to take the SAT?"

"Yes, ma'am. I thought, maybe, this summer."

"Good. You were on the basketball team at your last school. We'll talk to Coach Duquesne. I'm sure we could use a good player, but you'll have to prove over this last nine weeks you aren't a problem. However, I'm looking at these office referrals." She pushed the folder toward the young man. "If you fight here, you go to jail overnight or a whole weekend if it falls on a Friday, followed by alternative school for a second altercation. There is no three-strike rule here regarding violence."

The boy cut his eyes toward his father.

Larkin went on, "If you're flagrantly disrespectful to faculty, staff, or classmates, you will be in ISS…"

"What's that?" the father interrupted.

"In-school suspension."

"Detention," the boy muttered.

"That's right," Larkin affirmed. "Or suspended, depending on the severity or person you disrespect. If you get suspended, you will not be playing basketball—period. Do you understand?"

"Yes, ma'am." He scowled. "This place is pretty strict."

"I run a tight ship." She closed the file. "In addition, I don't like the skinned head from a healthy student. I have a few of those running around here. They aren't making a fashion statement. They're trouble. I just haven't caught them yet." She pressed her lips into a thin line. "Give me time. However, there's no rule about the way you wear your hair as long as you're clean and well-groomed." Her tight lips curved into a smile. "I also have a few fellows who like their hair half-way down their backs. That's a personal choice." She addressed the father. "Mr. Ball, who's your contact when you're away?"

"Ain't got one. It's just me and the boy. If he gets into trouble while I'm working, tan his hide. I ain't sure you can do it yourself as little as you are, but I bet one of your coaches could. Then"—His right hand slapped his left—"I'll smack him when I get back."

Larkin frowned. It sounded as if this kid might have had a rough home life. She glanced over the boy's file once more. "I think we have everything. Let me take you to Mrs. LaFontaine, the counselor, to get your schedule. Sorry she was out when you first got here, but she had a doctor's appointment. She's usually responsible for enrolling new students. She'll set you up with a mentor student to get you acclimated."

Standing, she led the way out. "My door is always open for students or parents. Welcome aboard."

As the trio walked toward the counselor's office, a redhead ran up. She looked just like the principal, except she had big blue eyes.

Larkin asked, "Cherie, what do you need?"

"Lydia and I are going for ice cream after soccer practice. I just wanted to tell you."

"Who's driving you?"

"Justin."

Larkin sighed. "We will eat at seven. Justin is not invited. Cherie, let me introduce a new student. This is Scott Ball and his father, Mr. Frank Ball. Scott's a junior and will probably be playing basketball next year." She held out an open palm toward Cherie. "Gentlemen, as you may have surmised, this is my daughter, Cherie. She's a sophomore and plays center mid-field on the soccer team, the same position I played many years ago."

"Nice to meet you," said Cherie. "I gotta hurry. If I'm late for practice, I get laps."

Scott Ball watched an obvious firecracker blaze out of the building while Dr. Reynolds opened the counselor's door. Dr. Reynolds introduced the counselor, a pretty, dark-haired, blue-eyed pregnant lady. Courtney LaFontaine took charge of the new student and had him ready to go the next morning in no time.

Scott left with his father. He commented, "Well, one thing is for certain. Eau Boueuse breeds some pretty women, even the principal."

"Stay focused," snapped Frank. "Don't even look at the women."

Cover by Christopher Chambers.

The trouble waiting to happen as I see them: Cherie & Scott (with hair)