For the first time all week, I leave school feeling lighter. The almost-civil exchange between me and Jaxon shifted my thinking. If I can continue to play to his softer side, things might not be so bad.

Days Left Until Summer Break: 177

Jaxon

Mission: Take Raegan Down is under way.

I might’ve had the Hershey squirts all day yesterday, but today is a new day. The ball’s in my court now. Literally and figuratively speaking.

I tack the sign-up sheet to the bulletin board in the main office and stand back to admire the next phase of my plan.

Beth sits on the edge of her desk and raises an eyebrow. “That the sign-up for the game next month?”

“It is. Are you interested in playing?”

She shakes her head with force. “That’s a brute sport.”

“Ah, come on. It’s all in good fun. It’s for charity.”

“Every year, that’s what the principals say. And every year, someone leaves on a stretcher.”

I return to my office so she can’t see my smirk. I know exactly what happens at the game each year, and I’m looking forward to it.

Two minutes later, Raegan and her posse enter the main office right on schedule. I sit back and wait for it.

Showtime in three …

Two …

One.

Raegan marches into my office without knocking. She’s in another dress today, this one a crimson red—matching the current color of her cheeks.

“Good Morning, Ms. Donahue.”

Her hand flies up to stop the pleasantries. “You cannot sign me up for a voluntary sporting event.”

I rock back in my chair, twirling a pen with my fingers. “As your principal, I can do whatever I want.”

She balls her fists at her sides. “You can’t treat me this way. I didn’t do anything wrong.”

I shrug, knowing my calm demeanor is only stoking her anger. “I’m calling on your school spirit.”

“And I’m calling bullshit.”

“You can put a stop to this, you know.”

She steps forward and places her palms on my desk, speaking through gritted teeth. “I didn’t steal that fucking ring.”

I lean in, resting my weight on my elbows. “Then I guess you’re playing in that fucking game.”

A strangled noise escapes her throat as she leaves in a fury of blond hair and clacking heels.

I must be a special brand of fucked up, because I watch Raegan’s ass bounce away until she’s out of sight, totally unfazed by the fact that I just forced a woman into playing dodgeball.

I’ve been out of my office for most of the day. There must be a full moon coming tonight because the kids in this school are feral. I’ve had to sign off on six conduct reports and three incident reports.