The high school gossip was about the same at every grade level. Who was sleeping with who. Who did what after school that they shouldn't have. He couldn't believe the news that Brian Walker was allegedly seeing some sexy MILF* who had picked him up after school for the last two days.
But it was the "latest" in regards to Julie Stovall, Frieda Knight, Spencer Lawson, and his younger brother Eric that made Nate Anderson stop in his tracks, because it was all he could do to keep from laughing.
The ladies got into a huge fight over Eric because they all want to sleep with him and were arguing over who got what night?
Actually, that was the closest anyone had come to the truth so far, but like all the other rumors and questions that were posed to him, Nate ignored and refused to answer any of them.
Yet, although able to get through his morning classes despite not being the brianiac his brother was, Nate couldn't help worrying about Eric, the rest of the Anderson family and everyone else involved if everything he had heard about Benton Knight being such a snobbish, vindictive bastard were actually true.
MEANWHILE...
Moon Lake High Principal Ian Andrews entered the school library, wanting to discuss a few matters with the librarian, but was surprised to see Frieda Knight sitting at a table. He knew this wasn't where the rich socialite was supposed to be during third period, so went over to talk to her.
Frieda, thankfully having already finished glancing through the magazine that was left on the table and promptly disregarded it, was now just lost in thought as he approached.
"Hello Principal Andrews," she said cordially, looking up at him.
"Miss Knight, shouldn't you be in your third period class?" he asked, treading lightly because of who her parents are.
"I know sir, but I have a lot on my mind and just needed some place quiet to think."
"I see," replied the Principal, while taking a seat at the table across from her. "I know you and Julie Stovall were close friends before the... incident between her and Eric Anderson, but—"
"My ex-friend was a contributing factor, but my current problems are way past anything she might have done," answered Frieda, before starting to explain her situation to the Principal.
In the end, she told him absolutely (almost) everything, including what had happened so far at her home today. The only details Frieda left out of her account were that she was the one who tipped off the Skulk via Eric Anderson about her father's attempted takeover of Tachibana Enterprises and that she had actually scratched Eric earlier in the day before having sex with him to create the newest werepanther of Moon Lake. Let Principal Andrews continue to believe the story we've already told him about me inducting a willing Eric into were society the traditional way before he went back to his girlfriend Spencer. Even though Eric says Samantha Twist told him that I wouldn't be facing any charges of violating Statute 1-A** if the truth came out, I'd rather avoid any more hassles in my life right now than there already are.
"I see," said Principal Andrews after Frieda finished her tale, thinking over everything she said. "I should call Children's Protective Services."
"On what grounds?" Frieda asked. "My folks have yet to be physically abusive. Up until today, my father's just blustered and raged a lot while mother shakes her head in disbelief and tries to get him to calm down as soon as she can, when she's not telling me how someone of my social standing should behave. In truth, I don't agree with a lot of what they've done over the years, like their attitude towards others just because we're rich and they're not; or leaving me alone with the household staff so much between business meetings, charity events, and social functions. Actually, I'm closer to most of the staff than my own parents, which is kind of sad when you think about it. My own parents are more like acquaintances than the traditional mom and dad. So now that John, Ethel and everyone else has resigned over my father hitting Jeffery, I'm dreading going home to an empty house tonight, even if my parents are there."
"I agree with that last point. Yet, now that I am aware of the situation, I cannot turn a blind eye to it," revealed the Principal.
"I know in the end you'll do the right thing, but for now could I please ask you to wait and let us see what happens?" pleaded Frieda. "What would truly hurt me the most is if my parents try to ship me off to some fancy boarding school in hopes of turning me into their idea of a proper lady of society rather than allowing me to be who and what I am. I love Moon Lake and I love what few friends I do have, and I don't want to leave any of this."
"What you ask is highly irregular and—" but the Principal never got to finish his statement, for the bell rang signalling the end of third period classes and the start of Freshman lunch versus fourth period for the other grades.
Principal Andrews looked at Frieda Knight, anxious to leave the library so she could have some time with Eric Anderson, one of only two friends her own age she truly had. "I'll tell you what. I'll smooth your absence over with your third period teacher and give you my response in regards to your request before the end of the class day."
"Thank you sir," Frieda said, standing up to leave. But before she ran out of the library to meet up with Eric in the cafeteria, she stopped and surprised Principal Andrews by giving him a hug before leaving.
Poor kid, thought the Principal. What are any of us going to do in this mess, especially against Benton Knight?
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*Mother (older woman) I'd Love to Fuck.
**Any were found guilty of transforming a normal against their will faces a minimum jail sentence of 50 years, or worse punishment, depending upon the circumstances.—tmw.