If you want to support (To continue with the chapters and improve the quality of the language)or read some advance chapters (this week I will upload several chapters to Patreon) please follow me on: patreon.com/Jayjayempi
Chapter sponsored by:
Sithis
Carrying Mike over one shoulder like a backpack full of rocks, Nate strode briskly through the school cafeteria. The growing murmur of students formed a restless buzz around him, but he didn't stop.
Behind him, Bella walked silently, her eyes fixed on the ground as if she wanted to disappear.
Two teachers appeared on the opposite corner, alerted by the students. One of them, Professor Landon, raised his hand firmly.
"Put it down, Winter!" he ordered urgently.
Nate obeyed without question and carefully placed Mike on a nearby bench. The boy was already beginning to regain consciousness, dazed, with a hand on his jaw.
"What happened here?" Professor Harris demanded, approaching Bella with a frown.
"Are you okay, Miss Swan?"
Bella nodded slowly, still processing what had happened, her voice barely audible.
"Yes... it was just a misunderstanding."
"We need you three to come to the principal's office, right now," TeacherLandon said firmly, pointing at the door with his finger.
Meanwhile, at the Cullens' table, the impact of the scene still resonated like an invisible echo.
Emmett, unable to contain himself, let out a deep laugh that attracted the attention of several tables.
"That was a nice shot! Cleanly executed," he murmured with delight. "Respect."
Rosalie, normally stoic and distant, nodded approvingly. Her tone was drier, but just as clear.
"That's how a man should behave. That Mike guy asked for it."
Jasper, more restrained, crossed his arms with a slight frown.
"There was no need to hit him like that. He could have stopped him with words. That boy wasn't a real threat to him."
"Maybe," Alice replied with a smile somewhere between curious and delighted, playing with her fork.
"I didn't expect that from him… quiet Nate. However, I must admit, it was interesting. Surprising, even."
Edward remained motionless. His gaze was fixed on the exact spot where Mike had fallen. His fingers were tense on the table. Without looking away, he murmured:
"Without knowing it... Nate saved Mike's life."
Everyone looked at him. No one said anything. But they understood that he meant it.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hours later, in the principal's office, the atmosphere was tense and charged.
In a row of chairs sat Mike, ice on his jaw and eyes lowered; his father, stern-faced and mouth tight; Bella, still nervous but more assertive; Charlie, arms crossed; Nate, serene and calm, his back straight; and his grandmother, who seemed more interested in watching than talking.
The Principal cleared his throat before beginning.
"We want to hear every version. Nate, go ahead."
Nate looked up, his voice clear but not arrogant.
"Mike grabbed Bella's arm when she tried to leave. I asked him to let her go. He pushed me. I didn't respond. Then he threw a punch at me. Only after that... did I hit him."
Bella intervened immediately, firmly.
"That's true. Nate only intervened because Mike had me restrained. He wasn't the first to attack."
The Principal looked at Charlie. The police chief said nothing for a moment. Then he leaned forward, his gaze fixed on Bella's arm, where the pressure of Mike's hand was felt.
With a restrained gesture, he placed a hand on Nate's shoulder.
"I know this guy. He's not someone who picks fights. He intervened because it was necessary."
Mike's father stood up with a tired exhale. His expression was stern, but there was a hint of shame in his eyes.
"I want to offer a formal apology, Mr. Swan. Miss Swan," he said, bowing his head slightly. Then he looked at Nate.
"I don't agree with anyone hurting my son..."
Mike looked up as if expecting someone to defend him... but what came next left him cold.
"...But I also recognize that this is, in part, my fault. I've spoiled him too much."
Mike looked down, speechless. He seemed to be swallowing his words.
Nate watched him closely. There was no mockery in his voice, only clarity.
"I didn't ask for this fight, Mike. But I had to respond. I hope... you learn something from this. And when you're ready, when you want to talk... I'll listen."
Mike looked at him confused, as if those words didn't fit with his idea of how a fight should end. He didn't know what to say.
For a moment, something in his expression seemed to crack. A crack in the wall of his adolescent ego.
The Principal adjusted his glasses and spoke in a tone that was neutral.
"Since we have multiple witnesses and the situation didn't escalate, it's been decided that Mike will receive a two-week suspension. Nate, even though you acted in self-defense, you'll also be given a one-week suspension. Not as punishment... but as a message. We want to prevent this from happening again."
Nate nodded calmly.
"I understand."
Bella looked down, clearly guilty. But before she could speak, Nate's grandmother, who had been as silent as a shadow, slowly settled herself. She glanced at him and said with a crooked smile.
"If you knew you were going to be suspended for a week, maybe... you'd have given him two punches, son."
Charlie burst out laughing, which he tried to hide. Nate smiled. Even the principal sighed, putting a hand to his face.
Mike's father didn't respond. He just frowned, staring at the old woman as if she were a phenomenon he couldn't understand.
As they left the school and headed to the parking lot, Charlie walked beside Nate, his hands deep in his jacket pockets.
"As a police officer... I do not condone violence between civilians," he said sternly.
Nate nodded, prepared for a longer reprimand.
But Charlie stopped, looked at him, and with a slight smile added:
"...But as a father. And as a man... I couldn't be more proud of you."
Nate looked at him in surprise. Charlie added with a touch of humor, nudging him gently in the arm:
"I always thought your large size was just for show. I see you don't."
Bella let out a low laugh. Grandma smiled mischievously.
As they got into their cars, Nate thought he wouldn't mind missing a week of school. But he'd have to find something to keep himself busy in Forks… before his next fight was with boredom.
Author's Notes: Don't forget the Powerstones! :)