I left Mr. Davis' office feeling even worse than I did last night. Not physically of course, but he definitely reminded me of the emotional guilt I felt after exchanging words with Mr. Patry. As I said before, I was always a good child. At least to my understanding since I was rarely in trouble with my parents. I'm still not entirely sure as to why I said what I did. I guess I was just so outraged that the one thing that had actually made me feel welcomed here. Pity is not something that I accept willingly, but last night it definitely could have helped my situation.

Sometimes I feel like the Administrators forget my situation; and the situation of everyone else here. There are actually a lot of really nice students here but they have external factors affecting them. Like Sarah, her parents are so wrapped-up in their own lives that they rarely realize they have a teenage daughter. I remember when they brought her here, I was sitting in Mr. Davis' office, not surprisingly being scolded for something that I did, and they barely even looked at her. They didn't even say goodbye when they left. I guess we based our friendship on that similarity.

Before I could even muster up a rehearsed apology I found myself standing at his door. Mr. Jim Patry, that brass-platted box in the center of the door indefinitely served as a harsh reminder that you're here for two reasons; to be reprimanded or to be released.3 Bracing myself and standing tall, I knocked on his door. There was no answer, but I reluctantly knocked again.

"Darn." I whispered to myself.

The apprehension was growing in my stomach as my head began to process the fact that I'd have to try this again hours later. I turned around and started heading back to my room, lunch wasn't for a few hours and I could really use a nap but I know I won't get that lucky.

I skated past the boys corridor and decided to take the long way, hoping the walk would clear my head. No one was around today, which was strange because it wasn't the weekend and it was storming outside. I wonder where everyone is.

Before I could reach the door adjacent to the staircase that would lead me to my room, I was startled by a loud thwack as the door in the opposite corner burst open. It caused me to jump frantically and I found myself pressed against the wall flinching. I turned slowly to see Mr. Patry with Sarah, who looked as if she had swallowed her own tongue. Her parents sent her here to steer her away from smoking but by the looks of Mr. Party's body language I would say she hasn't been persuaded.

"Move along Naomi." He said with his large hand cupped under her upper arm.

Before she was forcibly brought into Room 115, otherwise known here as the penalty box, she shot me an impacting look of sadness. It was called that because you can spend hours and even days in that room. I adverted my eyes from her desperate look, she was internally screaming for help but there was nothing I could do.

"Where's she going?" I heard a shrill voice whisper behind me.

Katie came from the staircase. She was the youngest at the Academy, only eleven years old but she spent so much time on the streets you would never have guessed. Apparently she was sent here because she is 'disrespectful and does not respond to authority in an appropriate manner'. The Administrators curved that real quick and she has turned entirely timid.

"To the penalty box." I answered while turning back the door only to see that it was shut.

"What's that?" She walked by my side.

"The worst room in the Academy: the center of punishments. Has either of the Administrators threatened to use force if you resist a punishment?"

"Yeah. Mr. Davis has." She looked down, reflecting on a frightening memory.

"Yeah, that's where they take you so they can...tie you down if necessary." I glanced at the horrified expression on her face.

"That shouldn't be allowed! Have you ever been..."

"No, but I've heard how really awful it is to be in that situation so it's better to just comply with what they want you to do."

"So you're only sent there if you refuse a punishment?" She picked at her fingernails.

"Or if you've done something horrible, Sarah's in there for smoking."

"One little cigarette gets you in there?!" Her eyebrows turned in with shock.

"I didn't say she was smoking a cigarette." I shot her a witty smirk before moving on.

The Penalty Box was more of a threat for disciplinary reasons, but there have definitely been plenty of students coming in and out of there over the past few months. I do know that if you get three red strikes then you spend at least two days in there, but other than that there wasn't much known about it. Those who have experienced it rarely like to talk about it, and those who haven't let their imaginations run wild.

After suffering the painful reminder that it exists, I decided to return to my room and finish the remaining work I had for this afternoon. I wanted to make sure that I was treading lightly with everything that either Administrators consider necessary so nothing would interfere with my book club meeting tomorrow. If I'm being honest, I read the first chapter of the book so many times that I don't need it for the meeting tomorrow but with my luck I more than likely will not see the book again.

Reading is the only comfort I have left, I mean it's the best escape for any individual. I've always found that books are the only opportunity in today's world where you can experience a thought, an event, and even a different culture without ever actually having to do anything. You can learn lessons from the truths that reign inside of books without facing the fear or the potential harm from them.

_____________________________________________________________

It's been roughly two hours since I saw Sarah's episode with Mr. Patry, he has to be back in his office by now which means I had best get down there so neither he nor Mr. Davis think I am stalling. Fixing myself quickly, I started my way by descending down the staircase and past the boys corridor. I had a whole night and an extra two hours to rehearse and clear my head but somehow I still have no idea what I'm going to say.

I was almost out of the boys corridor when I heard a deep voice, "Hey Naomi."

I turned around and saw Jasper, he was twisting the lock on his mail locker. It took me a minute to snap out of my shock since I hadn't seen him since the incident with Ryan.

"Hey Jasper, I..." I turned around to make sure there was no one behind me. "I never got a chance to thank you for standing up for me. I'm sure it got you in a lot of trouble and I wanted you to know that I really appreciate it."

"Don't worry about it...Ryan's just a jerk." He shrugged his shoulders after realizing that his mailbox was empty.

"Yeah but you really didn't have to..."

"I don't like bullies." He asserted.

I nodded my head and looked up at his perfectly distinguished features. He was the only guy at Braxton that didn't torment the girls. He took a deep breath before taking a step closer and tilting his head down.

"Jasper, you're going to be late for kitchen duty." Mr. Davis interrupted.

He always had the worst timing. Jasper kept his eyes on me but nodded his head and turned to leave. Shifting his attention to me, Mr. Davis placed his hands on his sides and shot me a concerning look.

"Have you spoke to Mr. Patry?"

"No sir, I'm heading over there..."

"Why didn't you do it when you left my office?" He sounded disappointed.

"I did! I went but he wasn't in his office."

"You could have looked for him, he more than likely was in..."

"He was in the penalt...Room 113." I rubbed my shoulder and looked away.

He sighed before motioning me forward. "Go on."

I continued on my journey of self destruction as Mr. Davis turned and walked the opposite. The apprehension inside my chest kept growing with every step and I found it hard to lift my hand when I reached his door.

"Oh, Naomi." He opened before I could knock. "Do you need something?" He glanced at his watch.

"Yes sir, but only if you have time."

He nodded his head and motioned towards his office. I went inside and stood to the left of the door so that I would have the chance to close it before he could take his seat. Carefully examining the mood he was in, I decided to skip the small talk and just blurt everything out.

"I'm sorry about last night. I didn't mean to act inappropriately or selfishly." That didn't come out quite as I expected but it'll have to do for now.

He nodded his head and picked up his pencil, "You were punished for it Naomi, I appreciate your apology but the best way you can redeem yourself is by learning your lesson."

"Okay." I was entirely sure how to respond to that.

"However, another way you could show me that you've learned your lesson is by assisting the cooking crew in the kitchen today. They need someone to take on the tedious part of peeling potatoes."

"...How does that relate to what happened last night?" I hated working in the kitchen, everyone does. Aside from maintenance and gardening, it was the worst chore to be assigned as the kitchen staff was so rude.

"It doesn't, but it would show that you understand that you've transgressed and should be humble in your punishment." He cocked his head.

Of course he would say something like that when I'm trying to apologize. Doesn't that show how humble I am? Then again, Mr. Davis' words suddenly played in my head "...if you want to see your book again."

"Sure thing." I even smiled, internally rolling my eyes though.

"Have a good time then." _____________________________ JASPER'S POV:

I was on dish-duty. They never trusted the students enough to actually do anything, not even prepping vegetables or stirring sauces. I had a cool rag wrapped around my neck because the steam from the dishwasher was so hot that I was sweating in parts where sweat was foreign.

"Here, don't forget these." Manda, the head cook, said as she dropped a stack of pots in front of me.

"Yeah yeah." I mumbled.

The only good thing about dish-duty was I could hide my headphones under my shirt and no one would notice because the racks were blocking my head the entire time. At the end of dinner I have to help put all the dishes away though and that requires me talking to people. I hate talking to people.

"Hey." Naomi peeped her head under the one rack.

"Hey, I didn't know you were in the kitchen tonight." I smiled.

"Yeah I got the golden opportunity when I went to see Mr. Patry."

"Lucky you." We laughed.

"I'm on the potatoes, do you have the peeler back here?" She asked while tying her long hair up.

"Yeah, right here." I reached into the silverware bin and handed it to her.

"Thanks, well I'll see you around. I have potatoes to peel." She glanced behind her before turning and walking away. _______________________ NAOMI'S POV:

I've been peeling potatoes for almost an hour now. How many potatoes do they need to make? There should be a one-potato-per-person rule; I mean there are only 20 people in the building if you include the faculty. Aside from peeling, I had to scrub them with that awful brush, cut off the brown pieces, throw away the peels, and carry them to the sink to fill with water. Jasper offered to help but I didn't want to get him into more trouble.

"Naomi, did you add vinegar to the buckets?" Sherry asked as she came over to micro-mange me.

"No." I looked at the four buckets I had.

"You have to add vinegar! How many times do I have to tell you this?"

"Sorry, I'll do it now." I reached up on the shelf behind me and grabbed the vinegar.

"You best hope those potatoes don't turn purple or I swear I will wake you up at 5 a.m. to redo them." She crossed her arms.

"Okay, I said I'll do it." I spit at her.

"Don't get sassy with me! You're the one who forgot to do it, you're here to help not to flirt with the dishwasher."

I glanced at Jasper, ironically we made eye contact.

"Maybe that's why your parents left you here." She crossed her arms before turning on her heels to walk away.

"Fuck you." I blurted out, really loud.

"Excuse me?" She asked without even turning around.

Without even realizing it, everyone had suddenly stopped their jobs and began starring at the scene.

"Don't you dare talk about me, my life or my situation! You don't know a thing about me. So fuck you."

I felt a hand on my shoulder, and I suddenly noticed that everyone turned their heads and began to go back to work. I could tell by the large size of his hands that it was Mr. Davis. Dammit. I turned my head and looked down, fearing that his eyes would instantly split me in half.

"Go to your room. I'll be there in a few minutes." He put his hands on his sides and turned to Sherry.

"But Mr. Davis I..." I stopped because he looked over his shoulder.

"What did I just say?" He turned towards me.

"To...to go to my room sir." I answered quietly, watching the workers exchange looks.

"Then why are you still standing there?" He snided, speaking slowly to attempt to maintain his composure in front of everyone.

I began panicking, I thought my heart was going to pop out of my chest. Mr. Davis values respect and mostly discretion so I can only imagine what I'm going to face tonight. Even Manda looked worried for me. There was only one thing to do; run to my room and hide somewhere where he can't find me.

I got back to my room and grabbed a granola bar from my desk because I know for sure that I will not be permitted dinner tonight. Under my bed was the only place that I could think of that Mr. Davis wouldn't be able to get me since he was so tall.

I smushed myself back as far as I could, taking solace in the darkness surrounding me. I tried doing some breathing exercises to calm myself down but they weren't helping. They actually made me extremely angry. How could she say that to me? As if she knows anything about my situation, she shouldn't be allowed to make assumptions like that. Respect isn't a one way street, is it?

A couple of minutes had passed which allowed me to gather my thoughts, but my calmness was soon destroyed by my door opening. Emerging closer just across the floor to my bedroom door was Mr. Davis' shoes, he was coming for me. Even though I am sure he will expect me to be sitting on my bed or at my desk, my body was glued to the floor board and I found myself unable to snap out of this state.

"Naomi." He came inside and turned to examine the room. "She's testing my patience today." He mumbled to himself.

I put my hand over my mouth to silence my breathing, but I accidentally applied too much weight on my elbow and the floor squeaked. He stopped for a minute but then got down on his knees and was soon matching me face-to-face.

"What're you doing? Come out here."

Feeling weak, I only shook my head.

"You've already pushed your luck today, I suggest you do not test me any further." He spoke steadily.

"Please, just let me..."

"It is not a request Naomi, come out here. We have some things to discuss." He interrupted.

I could feel the tension and fear closing in on me, I was stuck with the hard decision of remaining here and angering him. I wanted to obey but his presence hindered my ability to do so.

Growing impatient, he said: "Naomi, make no mistake that I will get to you but, just so you know, if I have to..." he paused to make sure I was listening. "I'm going to bare your bottom for a licking."

His threat was spine-chilling enough to make me reevaluate my ingenious idea.

"The choice is yours, but I suggest you hurry up and make it." He lifted himself up from the ground and tapped his foot near the bedpost.

"Okay." I said, hoping to calm him.

I started to crawl out, keeping my eyes away from his impatient expression. By the time I stood up, I was met with a sharp sting from his hand coming down on my bottom. I flinched in fear and whined for a minute.

"Listen closely," he took my wrist before bending down to my height. "it is becoming exceedingly unnecessary how much I have to repeat myself with you; when I give you a command it is to be followed immediately. Now I have been quite understanding lately due to your attempt to navigate yourself through certain difficulties but your grace period is coming to an end. Do you understand?"

"Yes sir." I said quietly.

"The next time I have to repeat myself you'll feel much more than my hand." He threatened.

I nodded my head and wiped my eyes, I wasn't crying but tears were definitely on their way.

"You need to get yourself together right now." He grabbed my shoulders and gave me a squeeze but that only made the tears flow easier.

He stood tall and crossed his arms, "Now what?"

"I just...can't stop disappointing you."

I watched his expression transform entirely, for a moment he looked as if he pitied me. Nevertheless, his jaw clenched after bis sigh before turning around to grab my desk chair and taking a seat. He motioned me forward, I hesitated but I didn't want to stall. Slowly making my way to him, he sat there patiently. He took my shoulders and guided me closer, leaning me against the inside of his left knee.

"Why am I disappointed?"

"Because I'm messing everything up." I sighed on his shoulder as I leaned my head against him.

"I'm not disappointed because you believe you're 'messing everything up.' I'm disappointed because you are acting foolishly, you're a very smart young lady and yet you're actions say otherwise."

"I know but I just..." I turned my head in disgust. "I just get so mad! Sherry...."

"has been taken care of," he finished. "I spoke with some of the other witnesses and she will be dealt with."

"So you're...you're not mad at me?"

He gave me a long, hard look and pursed the corner of his lip. "No, I understand why you did what you did."

There was a surge of happiness in my chest as I was appreciative of the support he showed me.

"Thank you."

"Of course, I'll see you tomorrow honey." He gave me a small hug before releasing me.

"Wait." I said before he made it to the door. "I didn't get my book today...so I guess that means we're cancelling tomorrow?"

He rested his shoulder on the door way, "Cancel? Are you kidding? I've been waiting all week for this."

I couldn't help but smile the largest I have in a while, Mr. Davis had instantly brightened my spirits.