"Amy Strekal... Amy Strekal, come to the Principal's office, please."
Everyone turned around to look at me. Um, what did *I* do? I felt myself get smaller and smaller as I grabbed my books off my desk and slung my backpack over my shoulder. Eyes were on me as I walked out, and I heard someone mutter "Uh-oh" under their breath as I passed. Probably Jenny Randall, that bitch.
I shut the door and my heart started beating faster. What HAD I done? Anything? I didn't think so. I mentally checked off my uniform:
Plaid skirt, neatly pressed.
White shirt, ironed and buttoned to the top.
Necktie, navy blue, loosely knotted, but not unkempt.
Navy sweater, free of stains.
Saddle shoes and knee socks, clean as expected.
Hair in pigtails... perfectly in line with Code of Dress.
So, what was it? All my assignments had been handed in. I hadn't been late today, or anytime in the last few months, if memory serves.
What was it?
My heart and mind raced through all sorts of terrible scenarios: burned down house, expulsion for writing notes back and forth with Christina about certain boys, extra lessons for not being good enough at playing the flute, or...
Oh God...
Had something happened to DADDY?
I picked up my pace... rounded the corner... the Principal's Office was there by the front door.
I busted into the front office, and Ms Maxon told me to go on in to Mr. Piperman's office. I went in, a lump in my throat and a race car engine in my chest...
And I saw my Dad.
I ran over and hugged him!! "Daddy!!"
"Hey darling," he smiled, returning my hug. I lifted my foot unconsciously, throwing myself up into his embrace even more.
I pulled back, my initial glee stopped short by my dread. "Is everything all right?" I looked into his eyes, mine no doubt wide as a Disney princess'.
"Everything is fine, Amy," Mr. Piperman explained, "your father has requested that you be pulled out of school early this week, as he wishes to take you on a trip. Of course, school protocol is for the parent to come in person, so that we don't have any students impersonating parents over the phone for an early Spring Break." He laughed...
Dad laughed...
I laughed...Maybe a little *too* loud... "I would... NEVER try that, Mr. Piperman."
"We know you wouldn't, Amy. You're quite the good student, and carry a lot of weight with the staff. I was just telling your Dad that you are a pillar of everything that is good here at Savannah Academy For Girls, and that the staff absolutely loves you. We know we can always depend on you to help out the new students and volunteer anytime something needs doing."
"Thank you, Sir. I'm so proud that you all feel that way about me." I looked over at Dad, who was beaming.
"Well, we should get going, Amy," Dad said as he looked down at his watch. "Mr. Piperman, I cannot thank you enough. Amy will be back in class in 12 days."
"No problem at all, Mr. Strekal. I hope you and Amy have a wonderful time! And Amy, don't you worry about your assignments. We'll let you make all that up once you get back. Just go out there and enjoy yourself."
I smiled and waved goodbye, and took Daddy's hand. We left the school and my heart surged. A week and a half off from school? For a trip??? WOW! My mind raced with new questions...
"OH MY GOD WHERE ARE WE GOING I WANT TO KNOW RIGHT NOW TELL ME PLEASE TELL ME TELL ME TELL ME TELL ME TELL ME!!" I blurted out.
Daddy laughed, "Oh, angel, all in good time. We have to hurry, or we'll miss our flight!"
Flight? Flight? We're leaving town? NOW? Wow... "But, I'm not packed..."
"I've packed everything you need... your iPod, your clothes, makeup bag, hair dryer, curlers..."
"What about..."
"Yes, I even packed Mr. Jinxies. He's sitting in the front seat waiting for you."