Is it Actually Over?

The ARHS faculty was running rampant trying to get a handle on the chaos that just took place. Amongst the busy staff, Nurse Jacky Adams may have her hands the fullest. She surveys the injured students and who needs the most critical care first. It doesn’t help that plenty of the guys would happily fake injury for the opportunity of some one-on-one time with Jacky. Jacky may be nearing the dreaded 40’s but could pass for a decade younger with ease. She does everything she can to keep her body in the fittest condition and just about everyone will tell you that she’s doing a damn good job at meeting that goal. Jacky has long and wavy golden blonde hair. Her gray eyes are piercing if you can hold eye contact long enough before admiring her perfect handful size tits and firm, tight ass. The nearly skintight pink scrubs that she is currently wearing certainly isn’t helping. Jacky is a fun-loving woman but also loves her job that she takes very seriously. On a normal day it’s much more laid back and chill than the mayhem she’s currently battling. She’s not one to be scared off by a challenge and is channeling her past E.R. nursing experience to see everyone as quickly as she can. Every guy in the gymnasium has their eyes fixed on her as she makes her rounds. Every guy other than those on the basketball team trying desperately to look anywhere else. Jacky just happened to be the wife of their coach and mother of their teammate, Cyrus. This doesn’t mean they don’t look; it just helps if they are a bit stealthier in their lust.

While the nurse is bandaging up the battered, the rest of the teachers and staff are trying their best to come up with an appropriate plan while also doing a horrible job of hiding their panic. The gym is mostly silent as everyone is still coming down from the adrenaline spike and trying to figure out what just happened. Many guys and girls a like were scanning the crowd for their friends to confirm that they were okay. Outside of some bandages and ice bags and the few athletes needing a couple stitches, luckily no one seems too badly injured at this point.

Madison stared straight ahead at the wall with hundreds of thoughts speeding through her head at the same time. Where does she stand with Ashley? Worse, with Lisa? Was Brandon behind all of this? Is he okay? What about Zack? Is this really her fault? She was driving herself mad as she finally broke her glance and peered around trying to find any answers. She sees Ashley also looking on the brink of despair and then finds herself in the angry, piercing eyes of Lisa. She didn’t have the energy for that at the moment and coldly looked away. It was killing her not knowing what condition Zack is in. If only she hadn’t trip over her own foot she thought, none of this would have happened the way it did. Her face turned flush with embarrassment and shame. How can she even face Zack?

____

Zack sat silently in the waiting area of the office trying to ignore any throbbing pains he was currently feeling. The hysteric employees were typing up newsletters, making calls to the super intendant, all while trying to filter calls from concerned parents. In the midst of the hustling staff, they overlooked having Zack and Brandon in the same room only separated by about 10 feet. Luckily for them, neither boy was in any condition to go another round. Zack was periodically wiping the blood from his swollen lip, while Brandon had an ice bag firmly held to his fresh black eye. They did their best to not look in each other’s direction waiting for the principal to walk in at any moment and lay down the sentencing. In all honesty, the principal and others had no idea what punishment to hand down as they still have very little idea on what happened or who started it. They are currently pulling a few students at a time from the gymnasium to interview about the situation. After about an hour of this, they also brought Zack and Brandon in one at a time to interview about their sides of the situation. They both gave their statements and returned back to the hellish silence of their original seats. After some more delegation, the principal and a few addition staff members called the two guys into the office to discuss their decision.

The principal, Jack Hartburn, is a very fair man who is well liked by his coworkers and students alike. That reputation does little to keep this from being the most difficult day of Mr. Hartburn’s career. A type of day that many principals don’t come back from. He took a final deep breath before addressing the two battle damaged guys. “What happened this afternoon is the worse representation of the expectations and standards of ARHS students since it was first founded. The entire school district for that matter. We are still trying to determine the punishment for all those involved, or who all of those involved is for that matter, but all stories point back to you two starting it all. We’ve heard both of your individual stories and have determined the following punishments. Brandon all sources point that you made the initial physical contact with both Zack and apparently your own sister. Starting immediately, you are on a five day out of school suspension, with two-week football practice and 3 football game suspension.” Brandon was nearly in an uproar as Mr. Hartburn continued. “And Mr. Bishop, while it is brought to our attention that you were struck first and apparently only struck back in defense of a female student, we are giving you a three day out of school suspension. You'll also be suspended for the first two games once basketball season starts.”

“This is bullshit!” Brandon shouted as he leaped out of his chair. Even Zack had to admit that it didn’t seem entirely fair.

“Mr. Cole, please don’t make this worse on yourself.” Mr. Hartburn struggled to get out as he removed his glasses and rubbed his temples. This whole situation has him nearly contemplating a new career. “There will also be a zero-tolerance policy for any future altercations, including pranks, between the two teams moving forward or it will result in suspensions and team forfeits during upcoming games.

“Uhh, Mr. Hartburn…” Zack meekly spoke up. “While I respect the decision that has been made, we were both the root cause of today’s altercation and should be held equally responsible for our roles in suspension. I believe that it could also go a long way towards the teams not seeing any favoritism and hopefully help bring peace to the teams.” The Cole twin huffed and rolled his eyes at Zack’s attempted noble act that he thinks Zack has everyone convinced of.

“That is a polite offer Mr. Bishop and a smart idea, but the suspensions have already been processed.” Both students were then released back to the waiting area as the staff tried to figure out whole to release any students without further chaos.

Zack sat in his seat with his shoulders slumped as he had not thought about the dread of telling his parents. He was brought out of his thought as he felt the glaring eyes of Brandon. “You may have everyone else fooled with your act, but I’m not buying it.” Brandon hissed. “I somehow am always labeled as the bad guy even when we both retaliated. It’s been like this ever since we were kids. I was always scrutinized for being an athlete and expected to be some kind of bully, while sweet little Bishop runs around with his posse of girls and high grades. I’m done my best to leave you alone. No matter what anyone thinks, I was kind to Ashley and actually treated her well. That was all until I started seeing you creeping on my sister. You sending that picture around school of you and her was the final straw.”

“Wait?” Zack said now staring at Brandon with confusion. “You think I sent that picture? I didn’t even know it existed. How has any of this benefitted me? If anything, you’d have more to benefit by trying to call me out and publicly embarrass me.” He thought about mentioning that Madison might not even want to talk to him after this but figured it wise not to mention her at the moment.

Brandon snapped back in defense. “Hell no. Why would I want to circulate a picture of my own sister with the enemy?” Brandon then hesitated for a moment. “I can’t say I didn’t know it existed. An anonymous number sent it to me this weekend.” Brandon looked over to study Zack’s reaction which was first met with skepticism from the Bishop boy. Zack realized it wouldn’t make sense for Brandon to admit knowing about it if he did it.

“Well, if it was neither of us, then who would benefit from spreading it all around?” Both guys sat quiet momentarily thinking hard on who it could be. “Regardless” Zack spoke up again, “Whether it was sent to harm me or you, that damage is done. You heard Hartburn, nothing can go down between the teams on school grounds. But this also affects Madison. She has to be embarrassed having her personal business spread around and who knows what mocking she’ll receive from it.” Brandon looked almost scared as he had yet to contemplate how it will affect her. Zack then turned with nearly gritted teeth, “You and I are going to have to try and convince our teams to cool it. You can talk to your team, and I’ll talk to mine. In the meantime, we need to try and figure out who sent this.

Brandon didn’t like the idea of agreeing to one of Zack’s ideas or even worse working together, but it was his sister after all. After the accidental shove, he felt like he owed her. He thought for a second before agreeing of how this could also benefit him. “Well, I don’t see us working together but I’ll keep and eye out and you do the same. We’ll let each other know if we find out anything. Only on the condition that you stay away from my sister. And I didn’t mean to push her. If I had on purpose, I wouldn’t blame anyone for punching me.”

Zack was far from pleased with this condition and wasn’t sure what to make of the push as he was right there. “Why are you so scared of her finding a decent guy? You know the over protectiveness is only going to make her sneak around more and do you want her to end up with someone like Trent, Harrison or Troy?” Brandon flinched at even the thought. “I’ll respect you and Maddie, but I can’t see that I can avoid even seeing her in the halls, we go to same school.” A part of Brandon was pissed at Zack for only partly agreeing and also for not knowing what Zack’s intentions are with Madison. That also made his mind wonder to what is truly going on with Zack and Ashley, which pissed him off more.

Before this mostly cordial conversation could take a turn, they were both starstruck at the entrance of Nurse Jacky. Both boys knew her a fair amount through her relation to Ashley and also Zack from basketball. She smiled at both boys as she made her entrance and immediately recognized them. “Oh no Bran, what happened here?” Brandon only side eyed towards Zack as it dawned on her of what that meant. Jackie shook her head at both boys with a “tsk tsk”. She made her way to Brandon first as she replaced his ice pack. Leaning over him which gave the lucky boy a glance down her shirt and her hand gently resting on his shoulder. Both boys gulped at the site and Zack was rather jealous that he’s missing the view. Not that Zack was forgotten. She made her way to him with a fresh cloth and gently rubbed on his back as she cleaned his lip for him. She always admired both boys for Ashley and wondered if this had something to do with her niece. She made her taunting exit as both guys suddenly remember to breathe again. Her wonderful guest appearance caused them both to survey all of the injuries.

Brandon looked over at the blue-eyed guy as he rubbed his suddenly throbbing ribs. “Why is that redhead so angry? I’ve been hit by linebackers that hurt less than her kick.” Zack chuckled and merely shrugged his shoulders. “And Bishop. Really the eye? Man that’s a bit a dick move weeks before picture day.”

“Yeah well tell that to my jaw. I’m going to be on a liquid diet for the foreseeable future. I won’t be able to trust a fart for weeks!” Both boys now suddenly actually laughing together through their pain.

____

Shortly after the school was **** to release the entire senior class. They were released in shifts to prevent further trouble. Zack made a B line to his car and saw some curious faces hovering around the parking lot. First it was a light punch to the arm that greeted him from a smiling Scarlett who went buzzing past. “See you around slugger!” She laughed in only the sexy way that she could and went about her way.

The next face that caught his attention was a tearful Madison across the parking lot getting into Grace’s car. Luckily Madison didn’t seem to catch him looking before closing the door. Grace gave him a dirty look and climbed into her car as well. He knew it was against Brandon’s wishes but he pulled his phone out to message Madison and ask if she’s ok. Before he’s able to send it, he’s nearly tackled by Amber. She wrapped her arms around him from behind and buried her head into his back. Probably not the smartest way to greet the jumpy guy who was just in the school’s largest brawl. At this point he was familiar enough with Amber’s girly perfume and the feeling of her firm breasts pushed into his lower back made the guy aware that he wasn’t in danger. He turned to face her, and she latched herself to him once again this time just buried into his chest for a few moments before she looked up into his eyes. Amber was aware of something going on between Zack and Madison and while that stung, she still thought his actions were very brave. “Oh my gosh, are you okay? I was so scared for you!” The Bishop boy grinned and nodded his head to see a small smile finally wash aware the concerned look from Amber. “Well from the way I see it you are a real hero! I’m glad they got what was coming to them.” Amber continued to announce also remembering her arial attack on her former friends and letting out a slight giggle.

“I’m not sure about a hero, but I appreciate it Amber.” Amber refused to let him go at this point and never once looked away from him even if the taller guy did glance over her and scouted the parking lot a few times.

“Well I’m sure about it and heroes deserve to be rewarded.” Amber saw her bus getting ready to leave but couldn’t pull herself away from this moment and then a bright idea dawned upon her. “Let’s say I let you give me a ride home from school and on the way we stop for ice cream? My treat!” Zack was a little surprised by her boldness but knew she was harmless enough. He also couldn’t bring himself to do anything to cause her excited and hopeful look to diminish. On the other hand, his mind was running 100 miles per hour thinking about everything going on. That included telling his parents and facing their punishment. He certainly wasn’t looking forward to that and made the offer even more appealing, sealing the deal on his decision.

“You’ve got yourself a deal Amber.” The petite girl squeeked and lightly hopped while at this point standing by his side and holding his arm tightly. Zack looked past her once more and saw Ashley and Heather quickly approaching. “How about you head over to my car and I’ll be right there so we can get going.” Amber was slightly miffed at being dismissed as she just then caught glance at the approaching girls. Her excitement of a ‘date’ with Zack was enough to keep the cheery smile plastered on her face as she agreed and reluctantly walked away while making extra effort to rub down Zack’s arm while making direct eye contact with Ashley.

While the blatant effort from her fellow blonde cheerleader wasn’t lost on Ashley, she still broke out in a slight jog to tightly grasp the guy as well. Zack let out a slight wince wondering if no one understands that he was just in a fight. Zack squeezed her back tightly and even reached past her giving a slight squeeze to Heather’s shoulder who made her way right behind Ashley. Zack clearly wasn’t thinking straightly because there’s a high chance of a guy making an unwanted contact with Heather to get their hand bitten off. She actually didn’t mind this time and smiled at her newly known cousin just seeing that he is okay. It guilted the boy slightly that he wasn’t even aware of Heather’s whereabouts during the fight or if she was in any danger.

Ashley pulled herself away from him and in a change of events, smacked him hard on the arm. “Don’t ever scare me like that again Zachary Connor!” He looked down slightly as he never weighed the effect that his actions would have on his friends. He gave her a look like he was contemplating it and reached up to ruffle her hair. It surely wasn’t the answer she was looking for but his playful manner let her know that he was okay in a better way than words ever could. This was now the second girl nearly refusing to let him go before Heather scraped her off and gave him a slight hug.

“At least you didn’t lose too bad.” Heather mocked and laughed. Zack could only join her in laughing and didn’t have a single clue of who would be viewed as the winners, not that it mattered much to him at the moment. Ashley pushed her way back closer, hogging the Bishop boy once more. Zack caught a quick flashback of the fight he overheard between Lisa and Ashley. He still wasn’t sure what to make of Lisa’s accusations or if they held any merit. He was too exhausted at the moment to ask Ashley about it. At the same time, he couldn’t get the words out of his head as he looked at the affectionate girl. He caught a glance of a slightly impatient Amber at his car and realized that he nearly forgot about it. “Sorry girls, but I remembered I have to take Amber home and then head home myself to face the sentencing. If it’s not immediate execution, I’ll have plenty of free time to talk or text.”

“So what is the damage?” Heather asked, oddly interested.

“Three days out of school, two game suspension and then who knows once I’m back.”

“And the ogre?” Heather’s voice slightly colder. Any other time Ashley would slight her for insulting Brandon, but this wasn’t like those times as her face also showed slight disgust.

“Five days and a couple weeks from football.” Both girls nodded and agreed that he should get more time. Zack laughed as he nearly had to pick up and remove Ashley from his body. He gave them both a once over with a worried expression.

“We are fine Bishop. Some of us can defend ourselves better than you others.” Heather teased once again. This caused Ashley to finally look up and gasp at the damage on his face while gently rubbing his cheek. Zack faked like it hurt him which caused the small girl to jump back in fear. His belly laugh quickly clued her into his teasing and pushed him once more.

“Call me Zack! I mean it!” Zack saw the seriousness on Ashley’s face and decided just once to not tease her and nod in a serious way to let her know he meant it. At this, he parted ways and walked over to Amber who smiled once he finally made it back to her. She giggled as he opened her door for her and closed it once she was in. Zack walked around and hopped in, quickly taking off.

The girls watched him leave as Heather put her arm around Ashley. “I’ve got to get you laid!”