Broken (The Outsiders Series) Read Free Page A

achievement, and test scores line the shelf. Principal Wiggins sits behind his desk. He has glasses, short hair, and a large nose. His eyes are kind, but they also make me think of someone that doesn’t know what’s really going on. However, his tan suit makes him look powerful enough. And it does fit nicely. Which means he has money to spend. I’m not sure if he’ll like me.
    “Ah, Mr. Daniels, I suppose you heard the conversation between Ms. Clare and me?” He leans forward and continues before I can answer. “Don’t speak a word of it. ” He leans back again and gestures for me to join him. He holds his hand out for my schedule and looks at it before continuing. “Your schedule seems fine, Mr. Daniels. However, note that we have a strict dress code at Mason County. We do not allow ripped jeans.”
    “Yes, sir. I understand.”
    “Now I know it’s the fashion but you just can’t wear those around here. They are not professional or presentable, and they distract. Do you understand me? And” he adds before I can answer – a second time – “we do not allow bubble gum, cell phones or music devices. Lastly, we only accept academic excellence, Mr. Daniels.”
    I nod again.
    Principal Wiggins leans forward. “I’ve kicked students out before, Mr. Daniels. Warn your parents that if you cause me any trouble, I will do it again. And I won’t hesitate to keep this school a caring and safe environment for all of my students. Do you understand me, Mr. Daniels? No shenanigans here.”
    I press my lips together to keep from smiling and manage another nod in his direction. He accepts it and stands up with a clap of his hands.
    “Thank you for speaking with me, Principal Wiggins. Have a nice afternoon,” I say as I step out of his office. He replies with a grumble, probably because he’s focused on those steroids now. When I make it back out to where the first woman sits, I stop. “Can you tell me what class I should go to?” I ask.
    The woman looks up from her paperwork. She glances at the time and then looks at a schedule in front of her. “You will be headed toward your second class, Carter. The bell will ring in a few moments so you will have time to find your way around before the bustle of the crowd.”
    I thank her and walk outside with my schedule and map. I look at it, reading it and memorizing it, before I toss it into the trashcan nearest me. I don’t need to look like someone that doesn’t know where they’re going. They will know I’m new anyway. First, I’ve got on my ripped jeans. Second, they have never seen me before. No need to make it worse by carrying around a map of the school.
    I turn left and head toward the science building as the bell rings. Students push their way out of their classes and rush into the hallway. A lot of the guys are wearing collared shirts and loafers. The girls all wear dresses or skirts. This place really is professional. And as I continue moving down the hallway, I look at the tanned legs and high heels that walk in front of me. Aren’t they freezing? I guess I shouldn’t care, because I get to look at them all now – all year round.
    Next thing I notice are the books. There are no backpacks or messenger bags. And kids are pushing to get to their lockers so that they can trade books and notebooks. Some are even grabbing goggles. I guess I’ll have to rent a locker at some point. No one wants to carry goggles around all day, and since I’m taking Chemistry, I’m sure I’ll have some goggles.
    “You lost?” purrs a voice behind me. I turn to see a short girl. She has pink hair that is flat against her head, and matching pink lipstick. She smiles up at me and presses her arms together so that I can look down her shirt. Stupid whore.
    “I think I can find my way,” I say before looking away. I lift my foo t to take a step, but she clears her throat to speak once more. So I turn around and wait.
    She smiles again and this time I see that her eyes are an