Previously.......

Roy shuts the textbook on his desk. A hush falls over the entire classroom. He stands up, towering over Brian. He balls up his fist. Brian rises to meet him eye-to-eye...

> Roy: I can't take it anymore!!! Brian: You gonna hit me? I'd like to see you try.

https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/08/02/16/40/rage-1564031_960_720.jpg_{[pixabay](https://pixabay.com/en/rage-fight-faust-dispute-hand-box-1564031/)}

Roy grabs Brian by the collar and holds up a fist...

> [Roy:]() Want to say that again?

Brian looks shock for a moment... Then he grins and punches Roy in the stomach... He stumbles backwards...

> [Brian:]() Thanks for giving me an easy shot... [Roy:]() Oh, No you don't!!

Students start to crowd around as Roy runs at Brian and hit him in the jaw. Chanting erupts... Ronald pushes his way to the center and... He yell at them to stop...

> [Ronald:]() Stop it both of you!

Both boys freeze and turn to look at him...

> [Ronald:]() You're going to get all of us in trouble! [Mary:]() Um... Actually...

Mary points to the door where Ms. Wilson, the vice principal is standing. Everyone gets quiet...

> [Ms. Wilson:]() What are you doing?

She gestures to Ronald, Roy, and Brian...

> [Ronald:]() Me? But... [Ms. Wilson:]() Come with me. Principal Hughs will know what to do with you. https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2013/07/12/18/52/desk-153899_960_720.png_{[pixabay](https://pixabay.com/en/desk-principal-office-153899/)}

The three of them take their things and follow Ms. Wilson to the principal's office... At the office... Principal Hughs grees them with a warm smile...

> [Principal Hughs:]() Good morning, children! How are you today? [Ms. Wilson:]() Principal Hughs, these three were fighting! [Principal Hughs:]() Oh my goodness! Did you get a boo-boo? I've got some Band-Aids in this drawer. [Ms. Wilson:]() Umm... Principal Hughs? [Principal Hughs:]() Right... Take a seat...

The three of them pulls out chairs and sit down. An awkward silence fills the room as they all wait for Principal Hughs to go on...>/h6> > [Principal Hughs:]() Okay, we're all going to take turns and talk about why you're here. What's your name little boy on the left? [Ronald:]() Uh... Ronald? [Principal Hughs:]() Ronald, could you please tell us why you're here? [Ronald:]() I didn't do anything... [Roy:]() It's true... Brian and I were the ones fighting. Ronald was only trying to stop us... [Brian:]() But we're only here because he got involved. [Ronald:]() No, you're only here because you punched Roy. [Brian:]() Yeah, well, I wouldn't have done it if he hadn't gotten in my face. [Roy:]() I wouldn't have gotten in your face if you hadn't stolen my girlfriend. [Ms. Wilson:]() Silence!! All of you!! [Principal Hughs:]() Yes! You're smart children. I know you can be better than this. Now normally, I would take away your recess for a month, but we're trying a new tactic this year called "Positive reinforcement". The three of you will be required to give back to the school by working with Anna Flores on the Homecoming committee! [Ronald:]() The homecoming committee? That's not so bad. [Roy:]() You say that now. Wait till you see Anna in her final form. It's scary!! [Principal Hughs:]() You'll need some courage, but I know you can do it. After all, you won't be able to overcome your fears unless you face them. [Brian:]() Say what? [Principal Hughs:]() Your first meeting is this afternoon.

The three of them walks slowly back to class...

> [Brian:]() So, Roy, guess what?

Roy keeps his eyes straight pretending he doesn't hear anything...

> [Brian:]() Roy? Earth to Roy! Your best bud Brian is trying to talk to you... [Roy:]() You're not funny Brian... [Brian:]() I'm not trying to be. Look, I know it's kinda weird that my new girlfriend is your ex, but I don't see why we can't handle our jealousy maturely. [Ronald:]() Seriously, Brian? Is Zoe's your girlfriend now? [Brian:]() What, you're surprised? We've been hooking up for three months now. [Roy:]() Three months? [Brian:]() Yeah, started off as a summer fling. I can tell you all about it later. Point is, We can still be bros. How about it? [Roy:]() No way, Brian! [Brian:]() Whatever, your loss!! [Ronald:]() Where are you going? [Brian:]() I'm suddenly not feeling so well. Think it might be best if I take the rest of the day off, ya know?! Bye, losers...

He turns to a corner and disappers...

> [Roy:]() So that's it... Ten years of friendship, just... Over.

Ronald reaches out and give Roy a hug...

> [Roy:]() Thanks for standing up for me, Ronald. Without you, all this would have been so much worse. [Ronald:]() No problem. Are you going to be okay? [Roy:]() Yes, I should have cut Brian out a long time ago. Come on, We should get to class before Ms. Maddox worries. We can talk more during the homecoming committee. [Ronald:]() Alright. https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2013/04/14/22/43/oak-ridge-104060_960_720.jpg_{[pixabay](https://pixabay.com/en/oak-ridge-tennessee-1940s-104060/)}

After school, Ronald head to the gym where the homecoming committee meets. Anna stands at the front, surrounded by a small group of popular girls, plus Roy... Further back, Ronald see a group of kids in dark clothing whispering to each other...

> [Anna:]() Ronald! You're two minutes late... [Ronald:]() Oh... Sorry. I had to make a bathroom stop. [Anna:]() That's no excuse! I was this close to reporting you tardy to Principal Hughs. Pee faster next time...!!

The group in the back snickers...

> [Anna:]() Look, I'll let it go this time because you are new, but don't let this happen again. There are only six weeks until homecoming, and everything's gotta be perfect! Everyone, I'd like you to meet Ronald Penalba and Roy Mitchell, the newest member of the homecoming committee. [Ronald:]() Hey there!! [Anna:]() Roy, why don't you tell us your favorite thing about homecoming.

Roy's face scrunches as if he's trying to suppress a frown...

> [Roy:]() I... Like the football game... Yeah!! [Anna:]() Okay...? Ronald, what about you? [Ronald:]() Homecoming... Is so romantic? [Anna:]() Well, yes, that's true... Though here at Longbeach High, we try to make homecoming fun for everyone, regardless of relationship status. [Frank:]() Oooo... Awkward!!

The kids in the back snickers again... > [Ronald:]() I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-- [Anna:]() Oh, no, that's totally fine. Um, you can take a seat now... [Ronald:]() Okay, yeah...
Ronald find a space at the edge of the front group and sit down...
> [Anna:]() Now, everyone, look around you and tell me what you see... [Koh:]() The room where coach Burke forced me to do that stupid running test. [Anna:]() Wrong! I mean, maybe you're right, but wrong, answer. Anyone else?
Julie slowly raises her hand...
> [Julie:]() A blank canvas? [Anna:]() Exactly... In a few short weeks, this room will be full of happy tigers here to celebrate homecoming. We're here to make sure the night is magical. To that end, I've selected two possible themes for this year's dance for us to vote on. Under the sea, and Happily ever after. [Morgan:]() Ha. That's your idea of magical? Seriously? [Anna:]() Well, I don't see you coming up with any better ideas, Morgan. [Morgan:]() You want one? Fine! How about a 90s retro rave? [Anna:]() Do you think I don't know what happens at raves? We watched a whole video about them in health class! [Morgan:]() Dp you really? Dang! Well, that's karma, I guess. The whole reason I'm here is because, I skipped health too much last year.
Anna crosses her arms and look at the rest of you...
> [Anna:]() Okay, so, looks like we've still got two options. Let's take a vote. [Mike:]() I'm voting for, Retro rave. [Anna:]() If you want to throw away your vote, that's fine with me. Everyone else, please raise your hand when I call out the theme you'd like to vote for.
Ronald look around the room and try to picture each theme, He then voted for Happily Ever After...
> [Anna:]() And the winner is... Happily Ever After!!! [Mike:]() I'm guessing this won't be a deconstruction of the concept..? Point taken. Shiny, happy joyful fun times. Got it!! [Anna:]() Anyway, now that we've got our theme, it's time to get started on creating the decorations. We're going to need a lot of banners, so let's split off into teams, Okay? [Payton:]() Yeah!!!
All the committee members quickly partner up. Ronald look around and see that Roy, Maria, and Frank are left. He decided to work with Roy.
> [Ronald:]() Work with me? [Roy:]() Uh, okay...
Roy looks up and sees Ronald smiling at him...
> [Roy:]() Sorry... Yes, let's work together...
The two of them cut off a length of banner and start mixing the paint. Roy looks lost in thought...
> [Ronald:]() Roy, I know we're here as punishment, but maybe you should ask Anna if you can go home. Take a mental health day, you know?
Roy gestures to the back of the room where Anna and Frank are set up...
> [Roy:]() Looks like she's a bit preoccupied. Besides, you and I are going to make a great banner. Here, take a paintbrush. [Ronald:]() What should we paint? Okay... A dragon!!
Ronald squirt a few colors of paint into the bowl and start painting an intricately detailed dragon...
> [Roy:]() Wow, that's quite a dragon there. [Ronald:]() Thanks, do you want to name it? [Roy:]() Me? [Ronald:]() Sure, name it whatever you want. [Roy:]() Uhmm... How about "BOB"? [Ronald:]() Works for me...
Ronald and Roy work together to finish the banner. Anna looks it over...
https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2015/10/30/18/14/dragon-1014565_960_720.jpg_{[pixabay](https://pixabay.com/en/dragon-fire-flame-banner-fantasy-1014565/)} > [Anna:]() Wow, you're the first ones. done, and this isn't too bad. How about you guys get started on another? [Roy:]() Actually, Anna, I was thinking-- [Anna:]() Don't even think about asking to leave before we're done... [Roy:]() Whoa there!!! Wouldn't dream of it... What I was thinking was that, since Ronald and I are done early, and It's getting little late, maybe we could go on a food run for the group. [Anna:]() I don't know... we really do need you here. [Sydney:]() Aw, come on Anna. Let them go! [Payton:]() Don't you think it would be nice to give them some... Alone time? [Roy:]() Now hang on a second!!! [Julie:]() Besides, we'll work much better if we're not hungry.
Everyone stares at Anna with pleading eyes...
> [Anna:]() Well... Okay. Ronald, Roy, if you want to, you're free to go. Just make it quick.
Roy looks over at Ronald, still slightly embarrassed...
> [Roy:]() So, Ronald, want to go to the diner? [Ronald:]() I'd rather stay here... [Roy:]() You don't want to go? [Ronald:]() Is that okay with you? [Roy:]() Yeah, I guess. We'll probably get done faster now anyway. Come on, let's get started on another poster.
Two hours later...
> [Sydney:]() Is it time to go yet? I've got a test to study for.
Anna glances at her watch...
> [Anna:]() Okay, everyone you're free to go. [Morgan:]() Hallelujah!!! [Anna:]() I'll see you all next week, when we'll, uh... We'll go over how to make attractive banners, I guess. Bye, everyone!! https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2017/08/10/20/06/girl-2627294_960_720.jpg_{[pixabay](https://pixabay.com/en/girl-woman-fashion-clothes-pants-2627294/)}
Ronald walk out to the parking lot and look around for a moment, allowing his eyes to adjust to the sunlight. He sees someone standing by Roy's car... It's Mary... He hurries over to where she's standing...
> [Ronald:]() Hi Mary! What are you doing here? [Mary:]() Ronald! Hey, could you hide a few minutes? Maybe in your car... [Ronald:]() Um... Okay, why?
He hears a voice from behind...
> [Roy:]() See you tomorrow, Ronald, Mary!!! [Mary:]() Wait, Roy! Can I ask you something? [Roy:]() Uh... Sure... [Mary:]() I... um... was like, wondering if you'd maybe want to... You know... um... go out sometime... with... you know... me? [Roy:]() What?
Mary closes her eyes and takes a deep breath...
> [Mary:]() I was wondering if you'd like to go out with me sometime...

Next time on [High School]()...

Mary's worked up the courage to ask Roy out, but is Roy ready to date someone new? How will Ronald react in this situation?
All of these will be answered in the next chapter of [High School](). Stay tuned and have a great day...
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