The scene that followed had even been more of a nightmare. It was obvious the principal was familiar with Johnny and his reputation, and to Ann's amazement and shock, the principal actually cowered before him.

"Well, I'm sorry you two got off on the wrong foot," Mr. Thomas began, "I know, however…"

"Well, I know that I'm not going back into that classroom without an apology from this…"

"Aw, fuck off." Johnny said, interrupting Ann. Ann blushed with fury. But before she could even think of what to do or say, Johnny walked to the door, then flipped her the bird.

"You little prick!" Ann sputtered.

"No baby, it ain't little," he said. "And you just might be lucky enough to find that fact out."

Ann stood there in shocked silence after he closed the door. After a few seconds, she whirled around and faced the principal. But before she could say anything, Mr. Thomas spoke.

"We do have a discipline problem here," he said, as if a concession should be made for his own behavior. "But on the whole, our students…"

"Your students, Mr. Thomas," Ann said, "seem to need a new principal!"

Mr. Thomas gave her a stunned look. His mouth seemed to twist into a pissy, little drain hole. He gave her what looked like a constipated smile, then looked down at his desk while shuffling some papers.

"You might be aware, Miss Harris, that you are on probation for ninety days, and with your attitude…"

"With my attitude, I might not last another ninety seconds!" she spat out. She opened her mouth to take out her full fury, then turned to the door. "I am returning to my class now," she said, trying to maintain control, "and I will expect a full apology from that little bastard before he ever steps foot in my classroom again!"

Somehow she got through the rest of the day, appearing cool and impersonal, but it was the biggest chore she had ever undertaken.