Heaven only knew how the day ahead of them was going to pass, but the faculty of Moon Lake High School were prepared.
They were not disappointed to discover that, as everyone arrived for their first class of the day, there was only one real subject of interest on every student's mind: Julie Stovall.
What few friends Julie still had (and that number had rapidly shrunk since the were-mermaid "had revealed her true colors") still could not believe Stovall could do all the things she had been accused of, let alone allegedly committing cold blooded murder in an attempt to escape Elders' custody and justice.
Or at least, that's what the rumor mill claimed was the real reason for yesterday's Were Alert.
Those closest to the situation who knew the truth were either absent today or remaining silent on the subject, but that didn't keep the student body from continuing to speculate on the matter.
"Between the guilty verdict on Statute 1-A* charges and now this, there is no way Stovall is ever going to be outside of a jail cell in her lifetime," one student claimed.
"Dude," replied another. "That high priced lawyer her old man got for her is trying to get his precious daughter off on those accusations, and last I heard, she hasn't been charged with anything beyond attempting to violate Statute 1-A yet."
"Just give it time. If there's one thing I know is true in Moon Lake, you don't mess with the Elders!"
As the bell signaling the start of the first class period day rang, Principal Ian Andrews got on the public address system to speak to everyone.
"Good Morning Moon Lake High School," he began. "Well, there's no denying that there was some excitement in town yesterday, but hopefully we can put all that behind us now and resume our academic endeavors. So here are this morning's announcements. You might want to take notes on some of these so listen closely.
"First of all, because of the Were Alert causing a shortened class schedule yesterday, anyone who was originally scheduled to serve detention yesterday will be accredited with honoring that appointment, but I sincerely hope that you don't have to be there again."
Principal Andrews was actually referring to the massive number of students who were sent to detention Wednesday because of all the debate over the news that Julie Stovall had escaped justice in regular court over a technicality, but Nate Anderson couldn't help but smile over the news. Good. I go this afternoon and it's over and done with, he happily thought, thinking of his punishment for playing hooky last Friday to have an all day sexual three way between Liv Robinson, Jean Talbot, and himself.
"Now then," continued the Principal, "because of recent events, I have taken the liberty of rearranging the final exam schedule for next week in the hope that the extra time will allow everything to get back to normal and allow everyone to resume their regular class and study routines. If you don't take notes on these changes now, a form will be passed out later today during everyone's sixth period classes, and the school is e-mailing everyone's parents in regards to the altered schedule."
Andrews didn't have to be a were to hear some of the collective moaning from the student body over that bit of news.
"Next Wednesday will be periods 2 and 5, while Thursday will be periods 4 and 6. Next week's Friday will be periods 1 and 3, with school dismissing at the end of third period to begin our Christmas/Winter break. Because of the early dismissal, there will be no lunches that day, but the cafeteria will still serve breakfast for those in need. That is all," added Andrews as he turned off the public address system.
Then, as he started to head back to his office, a clerk called out, "Principal Andrews? Andrew Curtis of the Elders' Council is on line 1 and would like to speak to you."
"Thanks. I'll take it in my office," said Andrews, as he closed the door to his office behind him.
Sitting down and prepared for the worst, the Principal picked up the phone and said, "Andrews here. How can I assist you Curtis?"
"This is just a courtesy call to inform you that we will be reconvening shortly to decide the sentence of Julie Stovall. Would you like to be here in person to hear the verdict, or shall I call you back later with the news?" asked the were-mer representative on the Elders' Council.
"No. There's too much going on here trying to keep things orderly with the students abuzz discussing the case as it is. Just call me back when it's convenient. I'll inform my secretary to put your call through the moment you make it."
"Very well, and Andrew? Do not stress any more over the Stovall situation than I know you probably already have. You're the best Principal Moon Lake High has had in ages and you are doing an excellent job," suggested Curtis.
"I appreciate that Curtis, but you know how I hate losing a student to anything but graduations," replied Andrew.
"I know old friend. Take care," said Curtis, before ending the call.
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*Statute 1-A: The crime of a were attempting to or successfully changing a normal human being into a were against their will. A guilty conviction carries a minimum sentence of 50 years per count. The only worse crime in Moon Lake is Statute 1: murder, which carries a mandatory life sentence if guilty.—tmw.