TWENTY EIGHT: Jay's removal

Lia's P.O.V

Mr. Brunner the janitor gave me a crooked toothed smile, and I tried to smile back, embarrassed, but it must have came out looking like a grimace. My mom's lips pressed together in a tight line, and she dismissed Mr. Brunner, holding the sheet of paper they were previously discussing. My mom slowly folded the paper and tucked it in her coat pocket. She spoke carefully, as though afraid to give me news. "I did not expel Mr. Oakley."

I brightened, and interrupted her," Oh, really? But where-"

"Silence!"

My mom was in deep frowning," I am appalled at your behavior. Jay, in fact, is not at this school anymore."

She forced on as I started to accuse her, and she spoke louder," I did not expel nor suspend the young man. I didn't even speak to him. I merely spoke with some of his counselors, and they gave me a form to fill out."

She bit her lip, and held out a paper to me," It was his choice."

I looked at the form, my expression slowly changing to horror

Stepping Stones

A Place for Hope

For returning/advanced students

Name_ Jay Oakley Age_17 Gender_Male

Reason for returning to this counseling school_ I don't fit it in with the other high standard students Date of Birth_ 10/28/96 Parent signature_ Brad Oakley Current Principal Signature_

I stopped reading and looked up, with tears in my eyes. "You signed this?"

I whispered," And your happy about it?"

My mom looked almost ashamed. Almost. "Well, another Stepping Stone kid gone am I right? Oh c'mon," She said after seeing my eyes spill over with tears," At least I didn't have to expel this one, and he didn't get Marcie pregnant like the other one. The females at our school are safe now!"

I began to shake with fury," They were safe before. Mom! Can't you hear me?"

I pleaded, tears streaming down my face," Jay is not a threat to us! He was never a threat to us. He showed me how to live! He made my life better than it had ever been!"

My mom's face was bright red, and she shouted abruptly," He made you into a common slut!"

I stopped, gasping, and even my tears slid to a stop. I felt as though I was slapped across the face. My mom looked as though she almost regretted saying it, as my face morphed into a look of utter hurt.

"I love him."

I whispered. And turned and ran out of the office, hearing my mother call pleadingly behind me. It was too late for her. I need to go to Jay, and tell him the truth.

I need to tell him that I loved him no matter what.

"Are you sure the gas is filled enough for a trip there and back?"

I asked Livvy nervously, and she nodded sadly. I was surrounded by my friends, Steph held my arm, tears glistening on the corners of her eyes, Dannie with her head in her hands. They were there for me. " Okay-" I spoke up stiffly," I will be back, but I need to make this trip on my own. I'll keep safe, and if my mom asks..." I swallowed," Tell her she was wrong about him, and I went to set him free."

That did it. Stephanie wailed with tears, and hugged me tightly. I tried to steady my voice," Steph it's okay."

My throat wobbled with unshed tears as I stroked her hair," I'll be back. I love you guys."

Dannie and Livvy came over and we group hugged for a moment. "I love you to."

They murmured back, Stephanie still sniffling. I took a deep breath, and stepped into the old truck, keys jingling. I gave an awkward wave, which made a smile break Dannie's glum face, and she saluted me," See you back home soon girlfriend."

I grinned, and after Olivia and Stephanie said their goodbyes, I started the car.

I got a boyfriend to find.