Fated Fairy Tales - Beauty Sleep

Beauty Sleep - Chapter 3

Ora’s POV

Principal Cross delivered a substantial speech highlighting the religious values of our school and the code of conduct each of the pupils is expected to follow. He then expressed his deep disapproval of the altercation between Tina and me. He then told us how God had witnessed the entire thing and would judge us accordingly. I sat there and held back my smile. Because I hope he has watched every interaction I have ever had with Tina and how she has been spared every time. Until today.

As for my aunts. There is no doubt that my aunts adhere to a faith and engage in the worship of a higher being. But they do not pray to the same god as Principal Cross and I. It’s not even a god they worship, it’s a goddess.

They didn’t tell me which goddess they believed in. They said they didn’t want to confuse me and that when the time was right. When I know the truth, I will know who to pray to. But for the time being, I was to attend a school that taught from the Catholic Bible. That is the god I should pray to. Principal Cross informed Mrs. Hall that Tina was the one who instigated the fight and how disappointed in her, he was.

He then reminds us that violence is not encouraged or tolerated in this school. Both Tina and I are to be suspended, only returning when we see the error of our ways.

I can hear Aunt Jo grinding her teeth, but it’s Aunt Josie who responds. “Just to clarify and for my knowledge. This educational institution. A religious institution that advocates that you do not plan harm against your neighbor.” She says, using air quotes. “Yet Ora is to be chastised, along with her perpetrator.” She folds her arms in front of her chest. “The way I see it, you are punishing the victim for standing up for herself?”

“We want to press charges against Ora for assaulting Tina.” Mrs. Hall nastily snaps while pointing at me. Tina lets out a small victorious laugh.

“That is a good idea, Mrs. Hall. Principal Cross, please call the police.” All eyes turn to Aunt Jayne. “I can’t wait to speak to them.” She smiles as she looks at me. I feel comforted by her protectiveness as she strokes my hair. “I can’t wait to tell them how Tina Hall has been tormenting Ora for years. How we have reported these instances via email on every occasion for years. How you, the Principal here at St. Matthew’s, have not taken any measures to protect Ora? Then, when the verbal aggression turned physical, she retaliated.”

“We can also tell them how Ora acted in self-defense during the act of aggression. You acknowledged that fact.” Aunt Jo added.

“Why stop there? How about we contact the school inspectors to investigate the years of bullying the staff have ignored? Or even the papers, how they ignore bullying?” Aunt Josie added.

“You all realize that it will go to court and be in the newspapers. Should you choose to inform the authorities? The girls are young, and it may affect their future careers.” Principal Cross informs us all.

“Actually, the law protects Ora’s identity. As she is an adopted child. So she won’t be included in any newspaper reports. Whereas Tina’s name will be dragged through the mud. She will never be allowed to work with vulnerable people or in a social setting due to the nature of her behavior,” Aunt Josie says. Mrs. Hall squirms and tells everyone that maybe this is not a police matter.

Tina stands up and shouts at her mom. “She broke my nose. She needs to pay.”

Aunt Jo smirks. “You should be lucky. That’s all she broke.” A few mouths in the room dropped open in shock. Aunt Jo then looks at me. “The next time she even looks at you in a threatening manner. You have my permission to take her down.” Aunt Jo looks at Principal Cross. “No longer will Ora tolerate being bullied while in your care.”

“I would never start a fight, Aunt Jo. I have been taught better than that.” The corners of her mouth turned up a little. She’s proud of me. “But I sure as hell am prepared to finish one,” I responded.

Principal Cross huffs and puffs. No doubt wondering what is going on. I want to laugh, but I know better at such a serious moment. Principal Cross looks at the files in front of him. “How about we chalk this up to a childish fight and I don’t record it in the girl’s files?” He says while closing the files. Heads nod from the adults in the room. “I have to set an example, though, girls. Violence is to be discouraged. How about community service? Litter picking on along the footpath of the national park. See you both there on Sunday, 2 pm after church.”

“Principal Cross. I can’t do that.” I told him.

Mrs. Hall pointed a finger at me. “Tina will be there. You had better be, too.” She says in an aggressive tone.

I heard Aunt Jo inhaling a deep breath. She is going to kill Mrs. Hall. I think we all know it as well. “Sorry, Ora can’t make that time on Sunday. We have a prior commitment.” Aunt Jo informs Principal Cross. Mrs. Hall is about to say something, “All of us take crops that we harvested to the food banks and serve food to the homeless after Ora gets home from church. We teach her to care for her fellow man. Isn’t that what God preaches?” Aunt Jo says through gritted teeth.

I nodded my head. “Father David will confirm this. Every week we are all there. We do it as a family. If I don’t go, my aunts won’t either. The homeless won’t get any supplies.” I told him.

“Saturday then 10 am,” Principal Cross suggests.

“But I’m getting my nails done. I would rather go on Sunday,” Tina chirps.

All eyes turned to Tina. “So, you want the homeless to go hungry because you are getting your nails done?” He took a sharp breath. Probably in disbelief. “Saturday 10 am it is. I’ll see you girls then. Don’t be late.” Principal Cross states.