"You told that inanimate object," I said as I approached. "It knows who's boss now."
"Second day of school, and already I got too much shit in my locker." Zellman nodded at me, stuffing his hands into his pockets.
"Hey." Jordan lifted his chin in greeting, leaning against his neighbor's locker. "Heard you got sent to the counselor's office this morning. How was that?"
I shrugged. "How it always is. A waste of time. I feel like I'm finally back to school now."
Zellman grinned at me. Then his locker popped open again.
"OH MY FUCKING GOD!" He slammed it shut and began beating on it. "STAY." Kick. "SHUT." Punch. "YOU." A second punch. "MOTHER." His elbow, a heel kick added. "FUCKER!" He braced himself on both sides of his locker and bent over.
I moved forward. Jordan straightened, and we both began to reach for him.
I thought he'd go for the head butt, but after a moment he seemed to think better of it. He used his fists like he was doing a boxing speed drill.
"Fucking locker!" He gave it one last kick.
It sprang open again, clipping his foot in the process.
"AHHH!"
"Mr. Greenley!"
The students in the hallway parted, and Principal Neeon strode forward. How we'd missed him coming, I had no idea. He stopped right in front of us, folding his arms over his chest. The movement lifted his suit jacket. I was impressed he was still wearing his tie.
"You are damaging school property. You need to stop." He spoke clearly, as if we were children. He turned to me. "And Miss Monroe. Why do I have a feeling we're off to a very bad start for the year?"
"You didn't have to take me to The Badger."
"It was either her office or mine. Did I get it wrong?"
Zellman cut in, pointing to his locker. "It won't close, Mr. N."
"It's Neeon, not N. And it's because you have too much stuff inside."
"It's my locker. I have my necessities in there."
"Well, some o