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Dedication: Strawberry_Delight for the amazing cover! Thank you!

Recap:

Finally, sound came back to me. My breathing was heavy and my heart beat was drumming inside my ears. I could hear groaning, coming from Chase and the other person I hit. I blinked, the world slowly coming back into to focus.

Round eyes stared at me. People had backed away, some having actually ran from the classroom.

I felt the colour drain from my face as I laid at the person who was clutching their face on the ground.

I just punched a teacher.

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I expected it. I prepared myself for this result.

However, it doesn't mean that it wasn't still a shock to see my principal's mouth curve, forming the word 'expelled' as he sent me a pointed stare filled with disappointment.

Dad let out a long sigh, before rubbing his face wearily. I bit my lip, before casting my eyes down to my lap. I was ashamed of myself on so many levels. I acted completely ridiculous. It was one thing to assault my ex-boyfriend's twin brother, but a teacher? That's just crazy.

"I understand," I mumbled as I vaguely listened to the principal's lecture of reasoning behind his decision.

Of course I was expelled. You can't just assault a teacher and then not expect severe punishment.

"Due to your clear criminal record, your age and the fact the Mr McLoud isn't pressing charges, there will be no criminal record attached to your name. However, as it was an assault, this cannot be taken lightly. You will serve 100 hours of community service, take a compulsory Anger Management course, participate in minimum of one counselling sessions per week and have the option of giving a hand-written or verbal apology to Mr McLoud."

"Yes sir," I replied curtly, despite the fact that I had to attend counselling made my stomach churn.

"With that being said, I think we're done here," he dismissed, pursing his lips slightly.

I gave him a slight nod, before peeling myself from the awkward feeling chair that was perched in front of his desk. As I was walking out, I heard dad apologise for my behaviour. Rolling my eyes, I let the door bang shut behind me.

"Hey!" I heard dad call after I made it outside. "Hey, slow down!"

Ignoring him, I continued stalking towards his Ute, a look of death etched onto my face. One, idiotic and completely stupid move on behalf of myself, has cost me my entire future. My plans of going to university based on early acceptance, aka teacher recommendation, is screwed.

One wrong move and now my future is crumbling around me.

"Faith," dad hissed, his fingers latching onto my wrist. He effectively tugged me so that my feet came to a halt. "Stop."

My chest was heaving and my eyes were burning with hot tears. I let out a shaky breath and squeezed my eyes shut.

"Expelled," he said slowly. "My only child, expelled from high school."

I couldn't reply, my throat felt sticky and thick. I knew if I opened my mouth, I would break.

"What the hell are you going to do now, Faith? No university will accept you-"

"Don't you think I fucking know that?" I snapped, whirling around to face him.

That was it. The trigger. Tears began pouring down my face as I stared up at my very disappointed father.

Disappointment. That was the most adequate word to describe me.

"My whole future is ruined. I get it. I'm a complete and utter fuck up. You don't need to stand here and lecture me. I get it, believe me."

"I don't think you do get it," he said sadly, shaking his head. "Otherwise you wouldn't have done this in the first place."

"You know, better than anyone, that my anger has complete control of me."

"It's ruining your life."

"You don't say?" I snapped sarcastically.

"I'm trying hard to sympathise with you, Faith, but you're making it bloody hard," dad ground out, planting his hands on his hips, a deep frown line creasing his forehead.

"Really? All I've heard is judgement and disappointment coming from you."

"Are you angry at me?" he snapped back. "Why are you taking out your foolishness on me?"

"ARGH!" I screamed, throwing my hands up in the air.

Pivoting, I began stomping away from him.

"Faith!" He yelled. "Where are you going?"

Choosing not to reply, I stalked away from him and began my trek home. I heard him curse loudly and then a solid bang, indicating his Ute wore an angry hit from him.

About halfway home, I realised that's the last place I wanted to go. Dad would be there, waiting for me.

With a heavy exhale, I turned and ventured down town. After purchasing a jumbo-sized jar of nutella and snagging a plastic spoon from the front counter, I made my way down to the river bank.

Nestling under a gigantic, chestnut tree that overlooked the water, I leaned back, the rough bark digging into my skin. I let the tears slide down my cheek as I swirled the spoon around in the jar, not having any appetite.

I am so screwed.

"Faith?" a voice asked. "You alright?"

Dragging my eyes from my nutella, I looked up to Jayden. He was wearing a pair of track pants, and a singlet with the famous Nike tick. A band was wrapped around his arm, where his phone was located. He had earphones plugged into his ears, which he tugged out.

"No."

"What's wrong?" he asked breathlessly, sweat dripping down his face.

"I just got expelled."

"Fuck," he said slowly. "What did you do?"

"Punched a teacher," I choked out, more tears spilling down my face.

"Fuck," he repeated, running a hand through his sweat-drenched hair. "That's... Intense."

"Tell me about it."

"I would come and hug you but one, I don't feel like getting punched and two, I'm covered in sweat."

I laughed, but the sound sounded off, even to me. "That's okay."

"You need to get back into Anger Management classes."

"It's a compulsory part of my punishment," I muttered sourly.

"What else?"

"Counselling and community service," I spat.

"That sucks."

"Yep."

"You'll be right, you're tough." he grinned.

"Yeah."

"And if you're beating yourself up about university, don't. Going to university after school isn't the be all, end all. There are so many options out there. And if you are set on going after school, just wait a year or so and apply through taking an exam. Or go as a mature age student."

"I haven't really had a chance to sit down and go through my options yet."

"Alright, well just make sure you do understand that there is a lot of opportunities out there." he explained, sounding like a parent the more he spoke.

"Thanks Father."

He rolled his eyes. "Whatever."

I began rubbing my face.

"Nutella is very unhealthy."

"Shut up."

"Just saying."

I gave him a deadpan stare.

"Okay," he said slowly, retreating backwards. "I'm going to go now. Keep your chin up, Faith. You'll be alright."

"Thanks Jayden."

Throwing two thumbs up at me, he took off at a fast-paced jog. I watched him until he disappeared from sight.

I let myself cry and eat nutella for about an hour or so. I adjusted my position on the tree and winced as I felt my muscles protest.

My phone began vibrating and I reluctantly looked at it, expecting it to be my dad. He had already tried calling and had sent me a few messages.

I didn't expect Xavier's name to be on my screen.

"Hello?" I mumbled, my voice sounding hoarse.

"Hey," he said softly. "How are you?"

I let out a laugh. "How do you think?"

"You punched and tried to strangle my brother. That's pretty messed up."

"I know. He provoked me."

"And then you hit a teacher?"

"Mr McLoud." I sighed.

"Rough."

"Yep."

"Expelled?"

"Yep," I repeated, this time, popping the 'P'.

He sighed. "Ah man."

"I'm really stupid."

"No, you're just controlled by your anger. Which can be managed if you take the necessary classes and training."

"You sound just like Jayden," I muttered.

I immediately regretted my words as soon as they left my lips.

"Jayden," he said. "Is he your... Are you... Are you seeing him?" He eventually spluttered and I pressed my lips together, my eyes drifting close.

"God no."

"Really?"

"Yeah really. We're just friends. I'm not interested in him like that."

"That's good, I'm glad to hear it."

"You are?"

"Of course," he said. "I still love you."

"You're not sleeping with Jasmine, are you?" I blurted, chewing my lip. "Because Chase said-"

"Firstly, why on Earth would you listen to that idiot? And two, I just said that I love you. Of course I'm not seeing, or sleeping with Jasmine. Or anyone. You shouldn't even have to ask that."

"Sorry," I mumbled. "I'm a bit of a mess. I'm not thinking clearly."

"Do you want to do something tonight?"

"I'm probably grounded," I stopped short and let out a laugh. "My dad probably doesn't even know how to ground me. I've never been in trouble before."

"You're so precious," he snickered.

"Oh shut up."

"So that's a no then?"

I let out a breath and rolled my head back, staring up into the leaves. "I'll have to get back to you on that. I'm still pretty pissed at you."

"I know. That's why I wanted to catch up with you - to clear the air."

"Okay, well, I'll report back to you once I get home. Who knows what will be waiting for me."

"Gotcha'."

"I'm going to go now, but thanks for the call."

"Anytime."

"Bye Xavier," I said softly.

"Bye Faith."

I hung up and stared out at the water for a few moments. Hearing his voice again made me feel ten times better. He always had that effect on me.

With a reluctant sigh, I slowly stood and brushed the dirt and leaves from my pants. I began dawdling back home, unsure of what was to come.

Just as I reached my street, my phone began ringing again. It was dad. Ignoring him, I picked up the pace. I was rubbing my face when I reached my driveway. A gasp left my lips as I looked through the cracks of my fingers.

No...

It was never, ever a good thing when that Mercedes was parked in front of my house.

Turning on my heel, ready to flee, I began to bolt. But it was too late.

"Faith Maree Martin," my mother's shrill barked, making the blood inside my veins turn cold. "Get here, this instant."

I hate my life.

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So... Faith's expelled. Did you expect that outcome?

How do you feel about Faith and Xavier's talk? Do you think it's good they're wanting to meet up and clear the air?

And what do you think is going to happen now that her mother is back?

Please comment your thoughts and opinions! I try and read every one of them. :)