2 - OPPOSITES ATTRACT

"Principal Dolan?" Shawn called out as he arrived at the principal's office. The secretary, Mrs. Ahmed, was nowhere to be found so he walked in. The office smelt of mint, thanks to the peppermint plants grown in every corner of the room. Principal Dolan sat at the other end of the table, his back turned away from the door. Even though he had tried very hard to wash it out, Shawn could still see the traces of the paint on his head.

"Principal Dolan," Shawn called out again and Dolan turned on his chair to face him. Shawn noticed that his oval glasses which normally hung down his nose, making him look stricter, were now a little bit higher, covering his eyes. But, he could still see the redness in his eyes. His face softened as a thought came to his mind. Principal Dolan cried.

The clearing of the throat from Dolan brought his senses back and he took a seat opposite him. "Sir, I'm here on behalf of Jade Adler. I would like to apologize about..." 

Dolan interrupted. "Save your breath. Nothing will save her from expulsion this time. If her father wants to use his power, he should use it to get her into another school."

Shawn sighed before speaking. "Sir, I know Jade crossed the line this time. No, she has crossed it every time but, please give her some time. You know that there was a time when she was among the best. Grief changed her. She just needs more time."

Dolan scoffed. "Mr. Beckett, don't you think that line is overused? You've been saying that since her first mischief. But, it's not going to work this time. I'm going to do what I should have done the day she almost burnt down the school. I will expel her."

"I'm sorry sir but if you do that, you'll have to expel me too." 

"What? Do you know the complications of what you're saying?" Dolan huffed, visibly annoyed.

"I do and I'm willing to bear the consequences. If Jade gets expelled, then I'm leaving as well." Shawn reiterated.

Dolan gave a slight frown as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "Hmm... You have placed me in a tight spot, Mr. Beckett. You're our best student. Losing you will be a great loss. I'll think about giving her another chance. But, are you willing to bear her punishment with her?"

"Yes sir. I take responsibility," Shawn replied, feeling hopeful.

"Two weeks suspension for both of you," Dolan said as he scribbled something on a piece of paper and handed it to him. "I hope you'll be able to handle things at home and have enough time to talk sense into her."

"Thank you, sir," Shawn said as he stood up to leave. He was about to walk through the door when Dolan stopped him.

"Both of you are very different. You're what I would call polar opposites. Why would you keep hanging out with her, knowing it would bring ruin to you?" Dolan said, adjusting his glasses.

Shawn simply smiled at him and walked out of the room. If he didn't hang out with Jade, who would? Besides, opposites attract, don't they?