“Out with it!”“Protecting the kids is a priority, and not just the Quayles, all the kids. Inside, from outside, from adults, and from other kids... too. Something’s going on. Something dangerous!” He sighed, then continued, “That passel of dimwits on the school board saddled you with a zero-tolerance rule. That’s bad enough in normal times - useless as tits on a boar hog. Someone being attacked, ganged up on, can’t defend himself - herself.” He added, “can’t even push an attacker away without. Before I turned away Cynthia caught my eye and glared at me, one eyebrow raised. It was obvious what her unspoken message was, 'what did you do, you bastard?'I expected similar treatment from Hayley, but when I looked at her she was ignoring me. Instead, she was watching Kendall intently.We filed out at the end of class. Typically this would be where Kendall and I left the group to go on to our other classes together. Today the girls gathered around Kendall, with Wes and me standing just. "There is no more wine, scotch, pee or shit for you young lady," Benjamin felt stupid saying it but wanted to say something."But you promise to make up after baby is born, dad?" Sharleen sobbed and laughed as she probed a promise from her father. Her father nodded still crying. Both talked and kissed. Sharleen felt her father's tongue lick her nose and face clear of all the mess of tears and her running nose.They were aware of the time. Benjamin took his daughter in to the shower and made her. "Brittney Jean Collins."* * * * * * * * * *Originally, I felt going back to school a waste. I'd maintained the rusewhile gathering my evidence against Dellinger. But that had only beenbecause it would have drawn undue attention otherwise. Now that I was done,I didn't see any need in pretending any longer.However, I had to accept the fact that I couldn't very well tell Brad andHolly that I didn't need an education because I, like, already had one. Two,actually. High school and college, and I.