Part 9

Trixie sat in her bedroom, staring unseeingly across the room. She was terrified that even with the threat of a lawsuit, nothing would change.

Even if things continued on, at least someone stood up for what was right, she thought. She doubted things would be different, but felt a little better that those who allowed it to continue would suffer the consequences.

Knock, knock.

Trixie typed on the laptop which said, “Come in.”

She watched as the door opened to reveal her boyfriend, Jim.

She gave him a small smile as he closed the door and approached the bed. He sat down beside her and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. She leaned her head against him.

“Nothing yet?” Jim asked.

Trixie shook her head.

“We should hear something soon,” Jim said. “And then next week you’ll be back in school.”

Trixie sat up and typed on the laptop. “Fun. Wow.”

“You miss going to classes. Admit it.”

“Maybe a little.”

“I wonder if they’ve gone into executive session yet.” Jim mused.

“He said he would call,” Trixie said.

“The school board is probably livid with the lawsuit. They probably don’t know how to respond.”

“Can we talk about something else?”

“Sure,” Jim said. “Do you want to do something tomorrow since we’re off due to the staff development day?”

“We could. What do you have in mind?”

“Well, the weather looks to be nice; maybe go for a ride and a picnic lunch?”

“That does sound like fun,” Trixie said. “But I’d have to check first.”

“No problem. And if that’s not approved, maybe going to a movie would be okay.”

“We’ll have to wait and see what happens.”

Knock, knock.

Trixie looked at Jim and nodded. He said, “Come in.”

The door was pushed open, revealing Peter, who said, “Mr. Richmond is here.”

Trixie nodded. She grabbed the laptop and stood up. She followed Jim and her father down to the first floor.

They entered the living room and saw Drew sitting in the recliner. Trixie looked at him trying to gauge the type of news they were going to get from his expression, but she couldn’t read him.

The young couple sat down on the brick hearth of the fireplace so they could see him and her parents.

“How did it go?” Helen asked once Peter was settled beside her on the couch.

“To say the board was surprised is putting it mildly,” Drew said.

“It wouldn’t be a surprise if they knew what was going on in the schools,” Peter said.

“The board president was shocked that this kind of behavior is going on in the schools,” Drew said. “And even more shocked the teachers did nothing to stop it.”

“The teachers know who was doing it,” Jim said. “They’re just afraid to say something for fear of the mayor coming after them.”

“The mayor will be our focus later. Right now the administration knows this lawsuit could do serious harm to the school district. There are areas that are really developing and lots of new people are moving in. If word gets out that they allow bullying and harassment, then young families will not come and people will move out.”

“So, they have to do something now,” Jim concluded.

“Something will happen,” Drew said. “It may not be obvious to the students right away, but the staff will be alerted that there needs to be more attention to stop this.”

Trixie opened the laptop and started to type. “Nothing will change.”

“It will,” Drew said. “You just need to go about your business as a student. Don’t antagonize people. Be Trixie. If people talk to you, respond.”

“And what do I do when they stab me in the back?” Trixie questioned.

“Those responsible will pay,” Drew said. “If you go about your classes without instigating any stunts, they will be digging their own graves. And if the teachers or staff watch these incidents and do nothing to stop it, they will be charged as accessories.” He looked Trixie in the eye. “Trixie, I have a daughter who is a couple years younger than you. If she was being tormented by classmates, I would tell her the same thing once the legal process is underway. You need to remember what goes around comes around. The people who do these things get it back ten-fold in the end. But we can’t rush it. It has to happen naturally.”

“But will it work in the end?” Trixie asked. “Will she get in trouble for what she’s done without her father bailing her out?”

“She will get caught because she will probably get her friends to do her dirty work,” Drew said. “And as each one gets caught, they will turn on her until she is alone.”

“Would the others testify against her?” Jim asked.

“If they were offered the right deal,” Drew said. “When teenagers are in trouble, their parents will agree to most anything. They know a record of any kind can haunt them for their entire life. Sometimes the kids aren’t happy about it until they are forced to experience the consequences of their actions. If they know how bad the repercussions are, they usually agree on their own.”

“So, when it all starts again, everyone will get into trouble,” Trixie said.

“They will because in your school handbook, which you received the first day of classes, it clearly states that bullying and harassment of another student is prohibited. Since the school hasn’t been enforcing it, they are in trouble for allowing it to continue.”

“I think I get what you’re saying,” Jim said. “The rules are printed and we all got a copy. We know what is expected and should we break one of the rules, we will get punished. And since the district has been lapsing in following this rule, they have to step up and crack down on it now.”

“Exactly,” Drew said. “This will come to an end. I’m certain of it.”

“Whatever happens will be worth it for them to realize this is wrong,” Trixie said.

“And you’re not doing this alone,” Jim said, taking her hand in his. “I’m standing right beside you.”

“I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at your return to school,” Drew said. “And you will be the one everyone will want to talk to because you’ve been out of school for a couple months recovering from the accident. They’ll want to know all about you and may ignore all the stuff that was said beforehand.”

“I do hope so,” Trixie said. “But part of me thinks I’ll be an outcast.”

“You’ll never be an outcast,” Jim said as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “Everyone knows you belong, even if their perception is a little off right now.”

Trixie sighed. “I guess I’ll see what happens on Monday.”

“And I’m just a phone call away if you need anything,” the attorney said.

On Monday morning, Jim picked Trixie up at Crabapple Farm. Dan was sitting in the back seat as they headed toward school. Trixie felt the nerves building the closer they got to their destination.

Jim pulled into the parking lot and found a place. Once the engine was off, Jim looked at her. “You ready?”

Trixie glanced at the building and then back to Jim. She let out a sigh and nodded.

The three of them climbed out and headed for the entrance with the boys flanking her. The uneasy feeling increased with each step she took. She hated this, but knew it needed to be done just so no one else would be treated the way she had been.

Jim held the door open and she stepped inside. Her heart was pounding double time in her chest as she slowly began her trek down to her locker. She was scared to see the metal door, wondering if a new sign had been hung.

Her steps slowed. She felt a hand on her back. Jim said, “Everything is fine. Don’t worry. We’re right here with you.”

Trixie nodded and continued to her locker. When she reached it, she was relieved to see the polished green metal staring back at her. She quickly spun the lock and opened the door.

Jim set her bag inside as she slid her jacket off. She hung it inside before turning to face Dan and Jim.

Dan asked, “You ready?”

Trixie took a deep breath and nodded.

“Then let’s go,” Jim said, closing the locker.

Trixie carried her computer and headed for her homeroom. She stepped inside, glancing back with a small smile to her two dearest friends. They returned the smile before heading off to their homerooms. She moved into the room and to her desk near the window. She slid into her seat and opened the laptop to be ready in case someone did want to talk to her.

As she looked toward the front of the room, her English teacher Mr. Sparks entered. He glanced around the room and his gaze stopped on Trixie. A smile filled his face.

“Trixie! You’re back!”

Silence descended on the room and Trixie could feel everyone looking at her.

Mr. Sparks dropped his books on the desk and made his way toward her. He asked, “How are you doing?”

Trixie quickly typed. “I’m doing all right. Thanks for asking.”

“You have a computer that talks?” Mr. Sparks asked.

“It is a prototype,” Trixie replied. “I am actually testing it because they want feedback from someone who would actually benefit from its use.”

“The voice sounds a lot like yours,” said Becky, one of her classmates.

“It is,” Trixie typed. “That is just one of the unique features.” She went on to explain the system and the people who would be more independent with it. From the corner of her eye, she could see the other students were listening intently.

When she finished, Mr. Sparks said, “I think that the creators are lucky to have you giving it a run.”

“Thanks.”

The bell rang and everyone scrambled to their seats.  Mr. Sparks took attendance and Trixie could see the other students were watching her. She felt a little better, like things were going to be okay.

When the bell rang again, Trixie left the room behind the rest of the students. She headed for the staircase and was surprised to see a lot of the teachers milling about.

The morning was quiet for Trixie. She was able to easily get back into the routine. She was aware that while some students welcomed her back, others kept their distance. Several times she had seen Amelia off to the side talking with Honey and Di. She didn’t purposely look at them, but could feel their eyes following her.

By lunchtime, the uneasiness she felt had eased some. In her head she still needed to be cautious, but it seemed as if things were looking up. Trixie entered the cafeteria and purchased something to eat. She then went to find a place to sit. She stood for a moment seeing where she could find an open place.

“Come on,” a voice said behind her.

She turned slightly to see Jim standing there.

“Dan will be along in a minute,” Jim said.

Jim slipped past her and she followed him through the cafeteria.  They made their way to a small table on the far side of the room. Trixie slid into the chair closest to the wall. She felt more comfortable that way so no one could sneak up behind her.

Jim looked at her and asked, “Were your classes okay this morning?”

Trixie nodded and dug out a pen and notebook to write her answers. She didn’t want to drag out her computer.

“Were your teachers excited to see you?”

Trixie nodded and wrote. “They were also impressed with the computer system I’m using. They thought it was a great tool that a lot of people could use to gain more independence.”

“That is definitely one of the best benefits,” Jim said.

“They also thought someone getting practical use would provide the best feedback about what works and what doesn’t.”

“And your input will not only help the designors, but also give investors the truth,” Jim said.

“I should probably give your dad an update soon.”

“Whenever you’re ready, just let me know and I’ll check his schedule.”

Trixie nodded.

“Jim! There you are!”

They both looked up to see Amelia hurrying toward them. Trixie saw a lot of students had stopped their conversations to watch what was happening.

“We’re sitting over on the other side of the cafeteria,” Amelia said.

“We’re sitting here,” Jim said.

“I guess a change is always good,” Amelia said.

They watched Amelia grab a chair from the table behind them. The person who was about to sit in the chair fell to the floor with a thud. Amelia pulled the chair over and slid it between Trixie and Jim. She sat down and shoved Trixie’s notebook out of her way, making it land in Trixie’s lunch.

“So, Jim, the prom is approaching and I know you want to make sure you have the perfect date so I’ve already been looking at dresses and think I’ve found the perfect one and just need to decide what the color will be since I look great in every color. But I’ll make sure you have plenty of notice so that your tie and cummerbund match my dress. We can’t clash because you’ll be crowned king.”

“Amelia, I need you to stop and listen to me,” Jim said.

“I always listen,” Amelia said. “We always listen to one another. That makes us a perfect couple. And we will have the perfect evening because we’ll be going with Honey and Brian. Everything has been arranged.”

“Amelia, stop,” Jim said with a little force.

“Jim, you need to know these details.”

“I don’t, since I’m not going to prom.”

“Jim, stop playing games,” Amelia said. “We both know you’re going and will be the king. I know you may be saying that to not upset some people who won’t be able to attend, but we’ll have so much fun.”

“Amelia, I can’t go to prom. I have another commitment that day out of town and won’t be able to attend,” Jim said.

“Blow it off,” Amelia said. “This is the prom, the most important night in your high school career.”

“I can’t. This has been set for months and can’t be changed,” Jim said. “You’ll have to find some other senior to take you to prom.”

“Jim, you have to take me to prom.”

“I can’t.”

“You’re lying to me,” Amelia said.

“Fine, don’t believe that I have a final meeting regarding a scholarship for college.”

“You don’t need a scholarship,” Amelia said. “Just use your parents’ money. That’s why it’s there.”

“I want the scholarship because if I get it, then it shows how hard I worked and that my parents’ money didn’t buy it for me.”

“Jim, you don’t have to think that way,” Amelia said. “We don’t have to watch our money.”

 

“That’s not how I was raised” Jim said.

“Sorry I’m late,” Dan said, sitting down at the table. “Mr. Stratton stopped me and asked how Trixie was doing. I told him I was going to see you at lunch and get an update as to how your morning went.”

“That was nice of him to ask,” Jim said and Trixie nodded.

“He even said he might stop by to see you for himself since he hasn’t seen you yet today,” Dan said.

“I’m going to have to go, Jim,” Amelia said. “Cora is waving for me. But we are not done talking about this.”

Amelia got up and hurried to the other side of the cafeteria.

“Thank you,” Jim said with a sigh as he looked at Dan. “She just won’t stop.”

“She definitely has her eyes set on you,” Dan said. “And anyone with a smidgen of brain cells knows that you only have eyes for Trixie.”

“She’s like a piranha after food,” Jim said. “She can’t accept what anyone tells her unless it’s her way.”

“Maybe she just doesn’t listen.”

“We already knew that,” Jim said. He looked at Trixie and picked up the notebook. He saw the pages were soaked through. “Sorry about this, Trix. If you want, I have an extra notebook you can use until yours dries.”

Trixie nodded since she knew she needed something for her classes.

“She must be really jealous of Trixie to keep this up,” Dan said.

“I think that’s part of it,” Jim said, handing Trixie one of his notebooks. “I think the other part is that she believes she can do whatever she wants because her father is the mayor.”

“And you haven’t bowed down to her demands yet,” Dan said.

“It’ll never happen,” Jim said. “People like that just turn me off.”

Trixie found a blank page and wrote, “Are you really missing prom?”

“I didn’t want to go and when the scholarship committee gave me the dates they were holding final interviews, it just worked out for me.”

“She is going to keep after you and when you don’t show up to pick her up, she is going to be livid,” Dan said.

“Maybe she’ll learn to listen when she’s stuck at home.”

“Do you really think so?”

“I can only wish,” Jim said with another sigh.

Dan laughed and Trixie smiled knowing Amelia would never change.

Dan looked at Trixie. “Any problems this morning?”

Trixie shook her head.

“That’s good,” Dan said. “Maybe the worst is over.”

Trixie wished he was right, but knew in the back of her head that they hadn’t even broken the tip off the iceberg.

Trixie was very aware of who was around her at any given moment during the school day. She knew Amelia wasn’t happy about Jim’s news regarding the prom and was certain Amelia would blame her for his decision.

As the week progressed, it seemed as if Amelia and a couple members of her clique would be near her locker between every period. Trixie didn’t acknowledge them, but made a mental note they were close by. She also noted the adults in the hall each time.

As her first week back neared an end, Trixie was looking forward to the weekend and relaxing a little. She made her way down the hall to her locker to grab her books for her last class.

Just as she rounded the corner, two people came barreling at her. She couldn’t stop the collision and fell backward. She hit the floor hard, the breath knocked from her. She was vaguely aware of her computer bag being pulled from her arm. She wanted to stop them, but her body wouldn’t move.

She heard laughter and it quickly stopped a moment later when a voice said, “Hold it right there, Christy and Becky.”

“We’re not doing anything, Mr. Simms,” Christy said quickly.

“Really?” Mr. Simms asked. “I believe I saw you come running down the hall, purposely run into Trixie and then grab her computer bag. That all looks like something to me.”

“We were just…” Christy started, but stopped.

“You were what?” Mr. Simms pressed.

The girls remained quiet.

“Okay. Give Trixie back her bag and you both can head off…to Principal Stratton’s office.”

“But we’ll be late,” Becky said.

“And you will get a note from the secretary after I meet you there,” Mr. Simms said. “Now go.”

Trixie opened her eyes as she saw Becky and Christy set the computer bag down and then proceed to the office.

Mr. Simms moved over. “I’m going to call the nurse.”

Trixie shook her head. She knew she was relatively okay. She’d probably have some bruises, but she knew she wasn’t hurt.

He reached his hand out. “Let me help you up.”

Trixie took his hand and a moment later she was on her feet. She stood still for a moment, making certain she had her balance. She looked up at Mr. Simms and mouthed “Thank you.”

“Are you sure you’re not hurt at all?” Mr. Simms asked.

Trixie shook her head and the bell rang. Trixie knew she was late.

“Let me write you a hall pass so you don’t get into trouble,” Mr. Simms said.

As he wrote, Trixie picked up her bag and slipped the strap over her shoulder.

“Here you go, Trixie,” Mr. Simms said. “If you have any problems, have your teacher call me.”

Trixie nodded as she accepted the pass and headed for class. She was a bit stunned the two girls had been sent to the principal’s office. She wondered if this would really make things stop.

When classed ended for the day, there was a buzz going around the school that Christy and Becky had gotten three week’s detention. Rumors swirled they had been caught smoking in the girls’ bathroom, they had been caught vandalizing the art room and they had been trying to steal test answers to sell.

Trixie felt badly that no one knew the truth, but figured in a few hours everyone would know what really happened when someone finally got to talk to Christy or Becky.

“Trixie!”

She turned from her locker to see Dan and Jim hurrying toward her. She could see the worry on both of their faces. She gave them a smile hoping they would relax when they saw she was all right. She pulled a piece of paper out of her pocket and handed it to Jim. Trixie knew word would have gotten to the boys and they would be scared.

Trixie watched Jim open the note and read it. The concern vanished from his face. His gaze shifted to her.

“Are you about ready to go?” Jim asked.

Trixie nodded. She grabbed her notebook and closed her locker door. The three of them silently made their way to Jim’s car.

As they headed for Glen Road, Dan leaned forward from the back seat and said, “You have to tell us what happened, because there is no way those two were stealing test answers.”

Trixie turned to Dan, a grin filling her face.

“It must be good,” Jim said.

Trixie’s grin grew.

“So, should we go to Crabapple Farm to hear the news?” Dan asked.

Trixie nodded. She pulled out her battery and mouthed, “Dead.”

“Not a problem,” Jim said. “Hopefully the backup is charged.

When they arrived, Jim parked to the side so Peter could get close to the house. The three of them got out and headed inside.

Stepping through the kitchen door, their mouths began to water as they smelled the freshly baked cookies.

Helen turned around with a hot cookie sheet in her hand and a smile on her face. “I’m glad you’re here. I need to know if these are any good. It’s a new recipe I’m trying.”

“They smell delicious,” Dan said.

“Then have a seat,” Helen said.

Trixie pointed to her bag and then left the kitchen to get a fresh battery.

When she returned, she saw Dan and Jim helping her mother dish the cookies and pour drinks. She reached the table just as they finished.

“Now we can snack,” Dan said.

Jim and Dan sat down as Trixie connected the battery to the laptop.

“So, are we going to hear what happened today?” Dan asked as he dunked a chocolate chip cookie into a tall glass of milk.

“Something happened?” Helen asked, turning to face Trixie.

“It wasn’t bad,” Trixie typed and went on to tell them what had transpired. When she was finished, she saw the surprised look on all of their faces.

Jim was the first to speak. “It looks like they are finally going to put a stop to bullying.”

“Or at least cut back on visible incidents,” Dan said.

“What do you mean?” Helen asked.

“Well, the two girls busted today were caught by a teacher,” Dan began. “Word is going to spread quickly that those who want to bully will need to wait until there are no adults around. If not, they will get caught. Everyone is talking about how the teachers are out in the halls more now than ever before. And with what happened today, people will be very careful to not get caught.”

“He’s right,” Jim said.

“I have to agree,” Trixie typed.  “But I’m going to enjoy this small victory, even if it is just for a little while.”

“You should,” Helen said. “It’s a victory toward change.”

“Exactly.”

At that moment, Jim’s phone rang. He pulled it out and answered. “Hello?” he paused. “Yes, this is James Frayne.” He paused as he listened, his eyes going wide. “Yes, Mr. Northrup, I do remember receiving the letter from you in regard to the final interview for the scholarship. Are the dates or times changing?”

Trixie watched Jim carefully, terrified he wasn’t going to get the scholarship.

“I hate to tell you this, sir, but you have been misinformed,” Jim said. “The only plans I have for those days are to meet with the scholarship committee and answer their questions. I don’t know who told you all this, but it’s not true.”

Trixie saw the color rising in his face and knew Jim was getting angry, but was determined to remain calm as he talked to Mr. Northrup.

“I appreciate the offer, sir, of changing the dates of the interview, but there is no need to rearrange your schedule or the committee’s for me. I can be there on the dates stated in the letter.” Jim closed his eyes. “Thank you, sir, and I look forward to meeting you on the 22nd. Thank you and have a good day.”

Jim closed the phone and rested his head on the table with a groan.

“Jim?” Helen asked.

“What happened?” Dan asked.

“It seems as if someone called the head of the scholarship committee and is trying to get my interview rescheduled so that I can go to the prom.”

“What?” Dan asked.

“It’s true,” Jim said, lifting his head.

“Who would do something like that?” Helen asked.

The three of them looked at her.

“A better question is how she got the information,” Dan said.

“Mother and Dad have known about the interview for a while,” Jim said. “Dad has a meeting in the area with a client and we are going there together.”

“You know, I hate to say this, but if your parents know, it’s a likely that they may have let the information slip,” Dan said.

“This is not good,” Jim said.

“I’m sorry this is getting all messed up,” Trixie wrote.

“This is not your fault,” Jim said. “She’s bound and determined to have things her way. She seems to be under the impression that everyone should just bow down to her, but I won’t do that. And by doing something like this, it just turns me off even more.”

“So, the interview is still on?” Dan asked.

“Yeah,” Jim said. “I don’t want anyone making special concessions for me.”

At that moment they heard two car doors close.

“I think I’d better get going,” Dan said. “I still have some chores to get done before dinner.”

“I’m glad you stopped by,” Helen said.

“I should get going too,” Jim said. “I need to talk to dad about this latest development.”

“It was nice to see you both and to get your input on these new cookies,” Helen said as the kitchen door opened.

Jim and Dan gathered their things as the eldest Belden brothers stepped into the room. Jim gave Trixie a kiss on the check and then headed for the door behind Dan without a word to Brian or Mart.

“Moms, do you need my help with anything?” Trixie typed.

“Not right now,” Helen said. “The table will need to be set shortly for dinner.”

“I’ll take my stuff upstairs and then come back to help.”

“Thank you,” Helen said. “Hello, boys. How was school?”

“It was fine,” Brian said.

“It was okay,” Mart said.

“That’s good,” Helen said. “There are some cookies here if you want to have a snack.”

“Thanks, Moms,” Mart said, plopping himself down in a chair at the table.

Trixie gathered her things and headed for her room. She set the laptop on the desk so she could get her homework done after dinner and her weekend would be free.

She made her way back downstairs and stopped when her feet touched the first floor.

“I’m sure you’ll have a good time at the prom with Honey,” Helen said. “You know you’ll need to get her a corsage to match her dress and you’ll need a tuxedo.”

“I know,” Brian said. “Honey is going dress shopping this weekend. As soon as she chooses a dress, she said she’s let me know the color so we don’t clash.”

“You don’t sound too happy about going,” Helen noted.

“I think it’ll be fun,” Brian said, lacking enthusiasm.

“But?” Helen prompted.

“Well, Honey said we were going with Amelia and Jim. But with everything that has happened, I think things are going to be awkward. “

“If you don’t like the way things are being done, you need to speak up,” Helen said. “Besides, this is your prom and you should be making the arrangements.”

“Honey is so much better at this,” Brian said.

“If she is making the plans, then I guess you have to go with the flow,” Helen said.

“Maybe I just won’t go,” Brian said. “I’m really not big on this formal stuff.”

“The decision is up to you,” Helen said. “Your father and I will support whatever choice you make.”

“All right,” Brian said.

Trixie purposely bumped into the table at the bottom of the stairs to give the impression she was hurrying and not listening.

Helen turned to look at her as she entered the kitchen. “I was wondering where you were. Your father should be home shortly.”

Trixie nodded and headed for the cupboard to get the plates. She wondered how Amelia would take the news that her plans had failed.

Over the next two weeks, the bullying continued, but Trixie took it in stride. She knew that in time, those responsible would get what was coming to them.

She watched Amelia’s clique get smaller and smaller, as more people got into trouble. She had heard that when the bullies were punished, their parents got involved and forced an end to them hanging out with Amelia. But as more people got in trouble, it seemed that the bullying was increasing, especially since Trixie wasn’t getting upset. Sure, she was the target, but knew if she got really upset, it would fuel Amelia’s plans.

Trixie left her last class before lunch and made a beeline for the staircase. She had to get some clarification on the final project for history class and was not hurrying to lunch.

She had just reached the top of the stairs when someone called out, “TRIXIE!”

She spun around to see who called her and was immediately knocked down the staircase by several students she hadn’t seen. Trixie silently screamed as she anticipated the impact.

 

To be continued….