Chapter Fourteen #2
Bridget bristles in her chair, but Ms. Bowland raises a hand to stop her.
“I am aware that this isn’t the first time you’ve fought with them, and I know that blame does not fall on just one side. I’m giving you the opportunity to tell me your side of it before we make a decision. You and I both know that you’re in a precarious place, young lady.”
The girl hangs her head, fists clenching in her lap. I see so much of myself in her right now. Before really getting into football, I was brawling with anybody that looked sideways at me.
“I didn’t start it,” Bridget mumbles. “They were messing with me and I told them to fuck off—”
“Language,” the principal reminds her sternly, making Alicia bristle. I reach over and lace our fingers together. Her eyes dart to mine, so I give her a reassuring smile and start to rub my thumb over the back of her hand.
“Sorry, Ms. Bowland. I was just giving you the full story. Anyway,” Bridget continues, voice low and resigned.
“I told them to…leave me alone, but they kept saying shi…stuff and shoving me back and forth between them. One of them ripped my jacket, and it just made me so mad, that I took a swing at her. Then, it all just got worse from there.”
“Oh, B,” Alicia whispers, then turns to the principal. “What story did the others give?”
“According to them, one of the girls bumped into Bridget on accident, and in an attempt to keep from falling, she grabbed Bridget’s arm. The sleeve tore as she fell. They claim that Bridget just started hitting her, so they intervened, trying to pull the girls apart.”
“Now hold on,” I interject. “I didn’t see the fight start, but what I did see was a group of kids gangin’ up on one girl, holdin’ her down while the others took turns, swingin’ and kickin’ at her.
When Eamon—I mean, Mr. Kennedy—Mr. O’Brien, and myself reached them, it took both grown men to hold them back and I had to physically remove this lass,” I motion to Bridget, “from the fray. And while she did get in a few good punches, she’s the one that’s come away bruised and bloody. ”
I feel both Petersens staring at me, but I don’t care. I’ve seen and lived this scenario many times.
“Mr. Gallagher, I understand your concern, and I can assure you that those students will also receive punishment for their actions. However, they weren’t already sitting on the edge of expulsion for other behavioral issues.”
“Ro,” Alicia whispers next to me. “She’s right.”
I look down at her, seeing the defeat in her eyes, and it makes my blood rage.
“Aye, that may be true,” I begin, giving my attention back to the principal. “but what I fail to understand is how this incident can be counted against her when it’s obvious that she didn’t start it.”
“Mr. Gallagher, we have a strict no fighting policy at this school, no matter the situation. All parties will be disciplined, and—”
“Stall the ball,” I interrupt, leaning forward in my chair. “So, Bridget is being punished for not rolling over and taking the beatin’? A lass isn’t allowed to defend herself when not one, not two, but three others are kickin’ the shite out of her?”
“Mr. Gallagher, language please!”
“Ms. Bowland,” Alicia pleads. “I know Bridget’s record isn’t great, and that’s my fault. I’m not home enough. I’m working two jobs to make ends meet, but clearly I need to be spending more time with her. Maybe I need to quit my night job.”
Her voice breaks, and both her sister and I look at her in alarm. Quit workin’ for Paddy? Over my rottin’ corpse.
“Li,” I start.
“I could put in my notice today. I’m sure Pat won’t make me give a full two weeks, so hopefully I can implement this change sooner. Just…please, Ms. Bowland. Please give Bridget one more chance.”
A tear streams down her face. The love she has for her sister runs deep, and if nobody can see that, they’re fecking blind.
Ms. Bowland stares at our group for a long moment before sighing heavily. “Alright, Ms. Petersen. One more chance. In the meantime, I’d like to provide you with some resources that might make things a little easier at home, financially.”
Alicia’s eyes drop to her hands and her cheeks redden in what I assume is embarrassment. When the principal hands a packet of papers across the desk, Li snatches them and quickly stuffs them in her purse.
“Thank you so much,” she mumbles.
“However. And this is a big however,” Ms. Bowland cautions, looking over her glasses at Bridget. “One toe out of line, young lady, and my hands will be tied. Don’t disappoint me.”
“Yes, Ms. Bowland,” she mutters softly. “I’m sorry.”
“You may go now.”
“Hold on,” I say. “What will happen with the wans who started the fight?”
I give her a hard look to ensure she knows I mean business.
“Mr. Gallagher, I can’t disclose that information with you, but I can assure you they will be dealt with in an appropriate manner.”
This answer doesn’t assure me of anything. I’m about to say as much, when Alicia stands.
“Thank you, again, Ms. Bowland. I really appreciate you being so understanding.”
“You’re welcome, Ms. Petersen. Please look into the information in that packet, and let me know if you have any questions.”
Alicia only nods, but I know the last thing she wants to do is accept any kind of assistance from the state or otherwise.