As the first light of dawn painted the sky in hues of pink, orange, and purple, the world stirred from its slumber. The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers and the gentle chirping of birds. Dew glistened on the grass like diamonds, and leaves rustled in the morning breeze. The sun's rays cast a golden glow over the tranquil landscape.
Olive had already bathed and dressed in her uniform, while Lucas, having also bathed, was still getting ready. Despite their silence, Olive's eyes revealed her anger, contrasting with Lucas's indifferent expression, which only seemed to fuel her frustration.
Knock..knock..knock..
"Who's there?" Lucas asked, turning his attention to the door.
"George Lucas and Arthur Williams are both summoned to the principal's office right away," the voice replied from outside the room, causing Olive and Lucas to exchange puzzled glances.
"Why are we being summoned?" Lucas inquired, his eyebrows raised in curiosity.
The room fell silent.
"Did he just leave the message and go like that?" What the heck! Lucas asked, his voice filled with anger. He then turned to Olive and said, "Let's go find out what the principal wants."
Without a word, Olive got up from her bed, walked to the door, and left, slamming it shut behind her, leaving Lucas stunned.
"What exactly is wrong with him?!" Lucas exclaimed, his anger evident. "How could he just leave like that?"
Olive walked down the hallway and arrived at the principal's office. She knocked on the door, and upon hearing the principal's invitation to enter, she went inside.
As she was about to close the door, a strong hand stopped it. Looking up, she saw Lucas, out of breath from running all the way from the dorm to the principal's office.
As Olive and Lucas entered, they were confronted by the stern gaze of Miss Aimee seated in her chair.
"Good morning, ma'am," Olive greeted nervously, sensing Miss Aimee's anger.
"What's so good about the morning?" Miss Aimee thundered, causing Olive to tremble.
Lucas, leaning against the office wall, remained unfazed by Miss Aimee's demeanor.
"Why do you call us over ma'am?" Lucas inquired, his tone serious.
"Have you forgotten about the CCTV camera in your room?" Miss Aimee questioned, causing Olive and Lucas to react with surprise and frustration.
"Miss Aimee. The kiss was a mistake. I'm not interested in boys." Lucas said, trying to explain himself.
"Just be quiet, Lucas. You're the one who initiated the kiss with Arthur in your bed. Even though you didn't go further, the kiss could have led to something more. What if Arthur hadn't stopped you?" Miss Aimee said, her tone serious as she kept her eyes on the two students in front of her.
"We apologize, ma'am." Olive said, her voice filled with sincerity as she looked at Miss Aimee.
"We didn't go all the way. So why is it such a big deal? We"re not even allowed to kiss in school." Lucas said, smirking.
"It does matter, Lucas. And guess who saw the video? Your mother. She wanted to check on how her son was doing in the school dorm, so she requested the CCTV footage of your dorm room and that's when we discovered the kiss." Miss Aimee responded, causing Lucas to feel a wave of shock and fear.
"Mom?! Oh no! I'm in trouble." Lucas exclaimed, looking defeated.
"You're the heir of Belmont High, and your mother expects you to continue the family legacy by producing an heir to take over. Instead, you've chosen to be in a relationship with another guy." Miss Aimee stated sternly, shaking her head in disappointment.
"I'm not gay, and I have no intention of falling in love. I'd rather stay single forever than be with this jerk." Lucas snapped, clearly annoyed.
"I'll also remain single than end up with him!" Olive chimed in, her voice filled with anger.
"Well, you two were the ones being all lovey-dovey in the dorm, and now you've been caught." Miss Aimee scolded, her expression serious. "And you, I specifically told you to stay out of trouble, yet here you are, getting yourself into more trouble." She directed her gaze at Olive, who looked remorseful.
"I'm sorry, ma'am. I promise it won't happen again." Olive apologized, her tone sincere.
Miss Aimee had warned her about the George family and the potential consequences for her scholarship.
"Why can't I understand what you're both saying? Why are you speaking in riddles? And Miss Aimee, I've already told you that I'm not gay, so please be mindful of your words." Lucas said, his tone serious.
"And why do you care about what Miss Aimee and I are saying, you jerk? If you hadn't kissed me last night, I wouldn't be in this mess." Olive replied, her nostrils flaring, her eyes red as she glared at Lucas.
"Just be quiet. We're both in trouble, not just you. If you hadn't brought up the debate topic last night, I wouldn't have had to kiss you to silence you." Lucas said, his voice tinged with anger.
"You're gay, so stop denying it. I was foolish to believe otherwise." Olive shook her head in disbelief.
"You..." Lucas started to say but was interrupted by Miss Aimee.
"Quiet! Save your arguments for later. Your punishment is waiting for you outside." Miss Aimee said, surprising Lucas.
"You're going to punish me?" Lucas asked, smirking. "Like seriously?"
"Yes, you can't avoid it this time. Your mom requested that you and your partner be punished together. So, get going!" Miss Aimee said firmly.
"What kind of punishment is it?" Lucas inquired with a smirk.
"You'll find out soon enough. Now, leave my office!" Miss Aimee ordered while Olive nodded and headed towards the door, with Lucas following and closing it loudly behind him.
As Olive and Lucas left the principal office, their gaze fell on Mr. James and a line of cleaning materials neatly arranged when they arrived.
"Good morning, Mr. James," Olive greeted, looking puzzled at the materials on the floor.
"I'm glad you're both here. Your punishment is to clean the school compound and take out the trash bin outside the school premises. Hurry up and get to work now!" Mr. James said, still smiling, which only angered Lucas.
"You've got to be kidding, Mr. James. I'm not a janitor, so why should I clean a whole school compound?" Lucas said, arms crossed and a scowl on his face, kicking the cleaning materials and scattering them.
"Don't be stupid. Stop with the questions and complaints and start working," Olive replied, picking up some materials and heading towards the school exit. "Pick up the rest and meet me outside. I don't plan on spending all day cleaning." She added before leaving the school building, leaving Lucas stunned.
"Did he really just imply that I'm stupid? How disrespectful!" Lucas exclaimed, his body filled with anger.
"The sooner you start your punishment, the sooner you'll be done. And if you don't complete your work on time, you won't even be allowed inside the school, let alone sleep in your dorm. The choice is yours now," Mr. James stated before entering the principal's office.
"What on earth?!" Lucas shouted as he gathered the remaining cleaning materials and left the school building.