"What a mess," I groaned into my hands, still not trusting myself to look up yet. "And it's probably only going to get worse."

What else could I expect from a fun-filled week of Jack?

"What happened to this morning's optimism?" Vain sunk back in his chair, propping his chin upon his uninjured hand

"It got smacked in the face with a giant hand," I growled, angry from just thinking about it.

Jack was going to pay for this if it's the last thing I dooooo!

"A school encouraging students to fight each other for sport?" My Supervisor mused, drawing my attention back to reality. "If what you guys are saying is true..."

The reality where we had just told someone about the odd goings-on here at A'hole high.

Not just any someone, but someone from the Shrink Program.

God, I hope Vain was right about trusting this guy. Otherwise...

"It's best that you don't interfere." Vain stared down at the small Supervisor, red eyes deadly calm. "In this school, the rules of the game are the only ones that matter."

My Supervisor raised an eyebrow up at Vain. "No one is above the Law boy."

Alex actually laughed.

"Trust me, we wouldn't be telling you any of this if we thought there was anything you could do."

My Supervisor smiled reassuringly. "I wouldn't underestimate the Shrink Program if I were you."

"I'm not." Alex glared, the expression far colder than usual. "I just have a feeling you're going to be keeping what you learned today to yourself."

My Supervisor actually looked shocked, pale eyes staring at the tall boy in confusion.

"Is there a reason why I should remain silent." He asked cautiously, not rising to Alex's obvious hostility.

Alex shrugged, but his eyes remained eerily focused on the small man.

"Some people don't attack until attack until they find the head of the snake." His voice lowered with disgust. "Even if it means dangling a few mice."

The scruffy Supervisor had gone incredibly still, all the good humour and relaxed nature absent as he met Alex stare with one of his own.

"Good intentions or not. Something tells me that you're that sort of person Mr Supervisor."

If I wasn't frozen with fear right now, I might have nicely asked Alex not antagonise the man in control of my life right now.

As it was, all I could do was fret silently and hope Mr Supervisor didn't decide I would be better off at the Shrink Program.

"I see." Finally, My Supervisor stood with a sigh. "You certainly have given me a lot to think about..."

"Floid," Alex answered tersely. "Alexander Floid."

Something twitched in my Supervisor's easy smile but was gone before I could make sense of it.

"Hmm. It's a relief to know at least Maddison's friends are reliable." He chuckled, ruffling my curls good-naturedly.

Covering my hair protectively, I gaped at my Supervisor, just downright offended.

"What's that supposed to mean?!"

He smiled down at me, that last little bit of tension easing from his expression as he saw my mortified look.

"You're a nice kid Maddison. I worry that someone might take advantage of you one day. That someone already has."

He bent over to grab up his medical bag, his gaze never leaving mine.

"Thank you for trusting me with the truth Maddison."

His pale eyes held an intelligence that I had never noticed before.... utterly giving me the creeps.

"I think I understand you're circumstances a little better. Don't worry. I'll respect your wish for my silence, for now. But... "

He held up a warning finger. "As much as understand the need to tread lightly here, I am still your supervisor at the Shrink program."

He turned to leave, walking towards the edge of the bed. "Your safety is not something I take lightly. If one thing is obvious, it is that you can not continue to study here in your current state."

I withered, staring at my hands with a growing sense of despair.

As if he was going to let me stay after something like this.

"I'll have them re-evaluate your case. With a good reference from me, we should have you finishing the program within the week. So long as you can demonstrate a better attitude at that point... "

Huh...

I glanced up, to see him looking at me from the edge of the bed.

"... As in... Changed back to normal?" I said, not wanting to get my hopes up.

He raised an amused eyebrow "Did you have something else in mind."

Something else...that's an option?

"Don't tempt her." As if reading my thoughts, Vain buried his tired expression in his hand. "The world isn't ready for Maddison's ideal self..."

No... No, it isn't...

"I see your point. " My Supervisor chuckled as he carelessly stepped off the edge of the bed...

With a slight increase in air pressure, he shifted size mid-fall.

A moment later, the Supervisor stood next to my bed, back to his normal, giant size and looking down at me with a carefree smile.

My jaw promptly fell into my lap. Why can't I do that?!

"I am willing to wait, Maddison." His voice was soft, but the warning was clear. "You obviously want to stay here, and I see no reason to let my own investigations off this school interfere with your life."

He leant forward, meeting my gaze very seriously.

"I am giving you a chance, but if you can't behave and pass the program at the end of the week, I will have no choice. If it is a choice between losing the snake.... or one of the mice. " He flickered a gaze to Alex.

"I won't leave you at this school unable to protect yourself, Maddison. If you find yourself in a dangerous situation, If Jack so much as looks at you, you are to call me right away, and I will have you transferred to the Shrink Program immediately."

Wait... That's even worse than anything Jack could do to me...

My Supervisor sent a glance at Vain, who stiffened at the attention. "Regardless of what any of us want."

Swallowing nervously, I gave him the sincerest nod possible.

My Supervisor straightened, turning on his heel to leave. "Good luck Maddison. All you have to do is stay out of trouble..."

He sent me one last cheerful smile over his shoulder.

"... and I'll do my best to help you."