"Ms. Callisto, please explain why you thought it was necessary to set the chemistry laboratory on fire?" Headmaster Rosenberg asked, crossing her arms across her chest. Her green eyes were ablaze with rage, lips curled into a deep frown.

"It was an accident," I said, leaning back into the plastic chair. "I mixed the wrong chemicals." Oops?

Rosenberg scowled. "Do you really expect me to believe that?" She asked.

"I feel like whatever I say won't matter," I said, shrugging. "Am I expelled?"

The headmaster stared at me, calculating her decision. Truth be told, I did set the chem lab on fire, but it wasn't an accident. I didn't mean for the entire lab to catch fire, not to injure or kill anyone, but a distraction.

"No, I won't expel you," the woman said, shaking her head. "Your father pays a lot of money into the academy at to have me kick you out."

Right. Goddammit.

"I'm suspending you for two weeks. You are also on probation for the remainder of your senior year," she said, my heart sinking. I had eight months until I graduated. "I've discussed this with your parents and they agree that this is an appropriate response to you behaviour. Do you have any questions?"

I shook my head. "No, I do not."

"Good. I expect you to do all of your assignments and readings on time. Your mother is waiting outside, you may leave now."

I didn't bother to argue, thankful I haven't been expelled. I grabbed my bag and uniform jacket, standing and left without another glance. I felt like I'd gotten away with murder, entering the office waiting room. Pacing the floor, speaking into the phone with irritation.

"Yes, Alessio," she hissed and I wanted the floor to open up and swallow me whole. "I will call you as soon as we're home."

"Mom?" I whispered, barely audible. She heard me and glanced up, her eyes clouded with worry. She hung up on my father, striding towards me and threw her arms around me.

"Are you okay?" She asked, pulling back, and checking me over. "Tarryn, we are going to have a very serious discussion when we get home."

I groaned. "I expect nothing less. Did you tell dad?"

Mom rolled her eyes. "Of course I did. He will be visiting this weekend."

"Is that really necessary? It was an accident," I lied.

"Tarryn ..." my mom murmured, trailing off, "we will talk about this in the car. Do you need to visit any of your teachers before we leave?"

I nodded. "Yeah. I can meet you in the car."

She gave me one last look before leaving the office. I walked into the hallway, watching as she headed down the main staircase.

When she was out of sight, I bounded towards back staircase. On the last step, the exit doors flung open and Josiah peeked through. His tie hung loose around his neck, shirt sleeves rolled to his elbows.

"Damn girl, I thought maybe you were finally shipped away," he said, grinning, his chocolate eyes glinting with pride. My best friend held the door open for me and a chilly November breeze ruffled my hair. "Did you get the goods?"

I scoffed, stepping out onto the landing. "You can't get rid of me that easily," I said, looking at the girl and guy too busy sucking face to say hello. I reached into my backpack, kicking Kyler in the shin. "Can you stop sticking your tongue down her throat for five seconds and say thank you? These test answers cost me two weeks suspension and probation."

I handed Josiah the papers I had stolen from Mr. Gilbert's office. The answers to the grade 11 chemistry exam next week.

The girl, I think her name was Molly, squinted, flicking her hair. "Won't he find out? I mean, when he sees the papers missing?"

"No. These are photocopies. Starting the fire provided enough time. He won't notice them missing," I said, glancing at Josiah. "My advice is to get some answers wrong though, at least one or two, so he doesn't become suspicious."

Kyler nodded. "Noted. Thanks, Tee. You're the best," he said, leaning over to kiss my cheek. I swatted him away, ignoring the glare from Molly.

I smirked. "I know I am."

Josiah chuckled. "Did you really have to set the entire lab on fire? I thought we discussed the garbage can would be fine."

"Less fun though."

"We're going to grab burgers and milkshakes. Wanna come?" Kyler asked.

I sighed. "I'd love to, but my mom is waiting. I should go, before she comes looking. Wish me luck."

Josiah opened the door and messed my hair. "Good luck," he said and leaned closer as I stepped inside. "We'll pick you up at 11." He whispered and I nodded.

I grinned. "See you then."

+++

"Hey sweetheart, what would you like for dinner?" My mom called from the kitchen. I finished my math equation, shrugging. "Tarryn, I can't see you, verbal answers would be appreciated."

"I don't know," I shouted, "what do we even have?"

"Hmm. How about chicken Alfredo?"

"Okay, sounds good."

"Your dad is calling you at 7," she said after a moment. I groaned, not looking forward to that torture. Fifteen minutes to go.

I mean, my father and I got along great. We had the best relationship, actually. I lucked out in the parent department. Sure, my dad and I had arguments, but we made up within a few days. What annoyed me the most was his overprotectiveness, how much he worried. He owned an insurance company and lived a few hours away, but every summer vacation, I visited him for two months.

My mom was the same. Yet, despite them being divorced, they kept in touch, and respected one another. I guess I lucked out there too. Maybe having six kids together played a part.

Six kids and I'm the youngest.

Carson and June were the oldest. They were twenty-four years old and twins. He graduated with a BA in biology and started his first year of medicine this September. June studied design in college and made a living as a tattoo artist. She was actually very talented. My sister and I were close, but we didn't share everything about our lives with each other.

Skyler, twenty-three, didn't go to university, he went to work for our dad at his company. Matthew, twenty, had studied technology and communications in college. He liked computers, a freaking genius really. Trey, eighteen, was a student in addiction counselling at the local university, about half an hour away. He graduated from Salt Mountain Academy last year. Out of all my siblings, we were the closest.

Though I loved each of them, no matter how annoying they were.

My phone buzzed on the table, cutting into my thoughts. I checked the screen, taking a breath. Speak of the devils.

"Mom, you told the others I burned down the chem lab?" I shouted, my phone blowing up with messages from my siblings in our group chat.

"Matthew called and it might have slipped," she admitted. I swore under my breath as my brothers Matthew and Skyler bombarded my phone. "Don't blame them. They worry about you, y'know."

"Mhm." I ignored their messages and waited for my dad to call. Super excited, I thought, can't wait for my head to be chewed off.

+++

Modern Family played downstairs, my mom and Jed's favourite show to watch together. I sauntered to the railing, gripping my jacket in my fist. "Mom, I'm going to bed."

"Okay, sweetheart. Have a good sleep. Love you," she called.

"Love you too. Goodnight Jed."

"G'night kiddo. Hey, do you wanna come to the hockey game with me tomorrow? I've got behind the bench seats," my stepfather said.

"I'd love to," I said, smiling.

We were huge Chicago Blackhawk fans.

"I'll pick you up after work."

"Okay, night. Love you both."

I headed down the hall to my bedroom, shutting and locking the door. I shrugged on my jacket and gathered my purse and phone. A meow caught my attention.

"Oh, right," I muttered, walking over to the large fluffy grey cat. "I'm sorry, Gilbert. I know I promised you a treat."

Gilbert, my beloved cat, popped his head up. Under his window ledge, a wooden storage cupboard held his food, treats, and toys. I opened it, reaching in and pulled out a chewy chicken flavoured treat. He gobbled it up.

"Good boy. I'll be back in a few hours," I said and scratched under his chin, blowing him a kiss. He meowed, rolling onto his back, his tummy in full view. "You're trying to convince me not to sneak out, but it won't work."

I treaded to the window, pushing it up and climbed out, leaving only it open enough to climb back in. Walking to the edge of the roof, I hopped down onto the garage which was attached to the house, jumping the eight feet to the ground. I stumbled and nearly face planted but grabbed the fence to steady me last minute.

"Close one," I said, laughing at myself. Straightening my shirt, I bounded towards the back of the house, through the gate and into the street.

+++

Hi everyone, I hope you liked this chapter. As always, I have lots planned and twists up my sleeve. What are your thoughts? Tarryn is a bit of a rebel, I admit.

Also, I love having pets with "human" names.