Tick Tick Tick

Edd sat anxiously, watching the clock in Principal Antonucci's office. He bit his nails, a habit he didn't usually condone, because of how disgusting it was, but he simply couldn't help it. The educational posters, the furniture, and Mr. Antonucci himself made everything seem so claustrophobic.

Edd himself looked very beaten up. He had scratches and bruises everywhere. Plus, his clothes were tattered, torn, and dirty. His breathing was erratic, and he couldn't help but fidget in his chair. He'd been sitting there for about 10 minutes now, waiting for his two friends to arrive. He went to speak, but Mr. Antonucci put a finger up to shush him.

"You three boys are in a lot of trouble, you know." He said sternly, standing up from his chair. Edd went silent and looked down, ashamed of his actions. The principal continued. "I took the liberty of contacting your parents. And if you're curious, your friends should be here any minute."

The man went back to his desk and resumed his work. The two sat there, in a very tense, uncomfortable silence. The only noise that was heard was the "clickety-clacking" of the keyboard keys.

After a few more minutes, the other two arrived. Eddy was struggling as he was pushed through the door. "No need to shove! Jeez." He shouted and sat roughly next to Double Dee. Ed came into the office with his head hung low, and he wore a pout on his face. He slouched on the other side of Edd.

The principal sat up and opened his mouth to speak, but before he could Ed started bawling uncontrollably. "I'M SORRY! IT WAS EDDY'S IDEA!" Ed blubbered and cried into Edd's shoulder. Eddy stood up and defensively pointed a finger at Ed.

"HEY! It wasn't just my fault," he screeched," It was all Double Dee!" He smiled nervously at the principal, sweat dribbling down his forehead.

"Hey now!" Double Dee growled. Soon the three began to argue. All of them yelling at the same time, and none of what they were saying was audible.

"Alright, alright! Enough already," Mr. Antonucci shouted. He waved his hands around to get their attention. "Everyone settle down!"

Edd shot a dirty look at his friend, and Eddy stook his tongue out at Double Dee. The principal sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Now… I hate to tell you this," he took a deep breath," but I'm afraid we have to suspend all three of you... "

Double Dee shot up from his chair like a rocket. "SUSPEND!?" He shrieked. The blood drained from his face as the words continued to sink in. He slouched over Eddy dramatically. "Say it isn't true! Say it! It just can't be! I can't.. I.. Not true," he gasped, searching or words.

Eddy pushed him off violently and crossed his arms. "Well, it is!" He huffed. Meanwhile, Ed was wailing in the corner. His speech was completely incomprehensible.

Mr. Antonucci sighed. "It's only for a week. And considering the damage you three caused.. This is a very reasonable punishment."

Edd slouched in defeat, his head in his hands. Sobs wracking his limp body.

Eddy looked over at his two friends. He hated to see the like this, but it wasn't like he could do anything. So instead he just patted Edd on the back as he cried, trying o offer some sort of comfort.

"I was just informed that your parents are here. You boys are free to go," Principal Antonucci sighed.

Edd looked over to his friends and wiped his eyes. "I wish you both the best of luck." He whispered and gave them both a hug before leaving the office.

The next to go was Ed. His mom dragged him out by his ear as he cried. Eddy squirmed in his chair as he heard his parents talking outside. His father, Louis, walked in with a disappointed look on his face. Eddy shrunk in his seat, looking up at his dad with wide eyes.

"Cmon, let's go." Louis shook his head and walked back out of the door. Eddy followed him with a slouch. They walked to the car, where his mom was sitting. She looked up at her son, and then quickly looked away and dabbed at her tears. Eddy slowly buckled into his seat, and for a few minutes, no one spoke. His father didn't drive away. They just sat in the parking lot, completely dead-silent.

"Now," his father started slowly," I want you to tell me exactly what happened. And cut the bullshit." He gripped the steering wheel angrily.

"Louis," Eddy's mother whispered.

"Not now, Mary! I wanna know what the hell happened!" His father boomed. He yelled so loudly that the car shook.

Eddy held his knees to his chest tightly. He looked into his father's eyes, through the rearview mirror. He felt his face burn up, and sweat drip down his forehead.

"It wasn't me! Honest!" He shouted and flailed his arms. His father gave him a warning look, and so Eddy tensed up. He started over, this time telling the truth.

"Well, Ok.. so it was my partially fault.. But it was an accident! I swear to ya! Ok.. so here's what really happened…"