Page 125 of Pride High 3: Yellow

“We thought we were alone,” Ricky said.

“We didn’t know that some creep was spying on us,” Diego added.

Ami held up her hand before turning her full attention on the principal. “I’m concerned that I was called down here, not because two students kissed, but because they are both male. If that’s the issue, I can assure you that I am aware of my son’s sexuality and support him fully. So unless you intend to police the biological impulses ofallyour students, and not just those that you might be uncomfortable with personally, I suggest we let my son return to class so I can get back to work.”

Principal Preckwinkle narrowed her eyes. “I have my own qualifications,” she retorted, “and both experience and training inform me of the importance of consequences. The student handbook clearly prohibits physical affection, and states openly that there are punishments for breaking the code of conduct."

"Very well," Ami replied. “What in your opinion would be an appropriate punishment?”

Principal Preckwinkle consulted a file on her desk. “I’ve never had trouble with your son before, and the records we received don’t include any prior transgressions. A week of detention should be the wake-up call he needs.”

His mother looked at him and pressed her lips together. Then she nodded her agreement. “Understood.”

“As for you, Mr. Gomez,” Principal Preckwinkle said when switching to another file. “You’ll be suspended for the remainder of the year.”

Ricky opened his mouth to protest, but his mother got there first.

“Why the disparity?” she asked.

“Unlike your son,” Preckwinkle said haughtily, “Mr. Gomez is a frequent visitor to this office. He already blew through his nine lives during the first semester.”

Ricky’s stomach sank. That news wasn’t going to inspire trust.

“No matter what he did before,” Ami said, “surely a kiss isn’t worth suspending anyone over.”

“I’m familiar with his full history,” Principal Preckwinkle said. “And in myinformedopinion, this should have happened sooner.”

“And you’re making this decision without his mother present?”

“My office reached out to her, like we always do. Her failure to respond isn’t my fault.”

“No,” Ami said, “but ensuring that every student gets an education certainly is, and if he was my child, I’d be concerned that he’ll get held back another year because of his suspension. Over akiss, of all things.”

Principal Preckwinkle regarded her wearily before gesturing at Diego. “Very well. Since you’ve chosen to represent him, what would you suggest as a solution?”

“Change their schedules so they no longer share any classes,” Ami replied. “Taking away the opportunity should solve the issue.”

“Reminding students of the incentive for following the rules is just as important,” Principal Preckwinkle said. “A week of detention for your son, and for Diego, a week of in-school suspension. I pray this is the last time I see you in my office, Dr. Nishikawa.”

“It had better be,” Ami said, shooting a stern glance at him. “What do you have to say for yourself, Ricky?”

“I’m sorry for causing a disruption,” he said dutifully. “I didn’t know the rules.”

His mother nodded, her eyes flicking to Diego next.

He looked surprised before clearing his throat. “Yeah. Sorry.”

“Apologies accepted,” Principal Preckwinkle replied curtly. “Now get to class.”

He eagerly fled the office, although he slowed once outside of it.

“Your mom is one tough cookie,” Diego said.

“Better not use that word around her!” Ricky said with a nervous laugh. “I need to talk to her actually. You go on ahead.”

“All right. Page me when you’re free tonight.” Diego smirked. “We can go for that drive.”

Ricky didn’t know if that would be possible anymore. He watched his boyfriend stroll down the empty hallway, like he didn’t have a care in the world. Then he turned toward the office door until his mother appeared.