Dani's Teacher Attempts Murder
"Her life didn't really start to get weird though, until spring of fourth grade, not long after her tenth birthday."
It was the Wednesday after her tenth birthday, or if she didn't have such a thirst for drama, the day after her birthday.. She had just gotten home from the WORST day at school. Mrs. Morton did a pop quiz on Romeo and Juliet. First thing in the morning. Something they weren't even supposed to start until middle school! And of course she got extra homework when she brought it up, but this was nothing compared to what would happen during lunch break. Mrs. Morton thinks she can do whatever she wants. Oh the joys of going to private school. Specifically a private school for "smart" kids, but dealing with her was nothing compared to what would happen during lunch break.
Dani wouldn't label herself as smart. She only goes to "Hansen's Private Academy for Gifted Children" because her dad is the Tony Stark. She was able to get passing grades, after studying extensively with her dad and Pepper, his assistant, just barely. She definitely had the worst grades in her class though, and Mrs. Morton picked up on it pretty quickly. She would put Danica in front of the class to answer the most difficult questions, and then, when she didn't know the answer she'd say, "pity, better luck next time". The thing is, she never picked on anyone else. Just Danica. The other kids at school quickly realized that she wasn't going to live up to the Stark name. Apparently when you're adopted, you don't inherit the smart gene. They usually just called her names like "nepo baby", or "dumb dumb". It wasn't awful, but it was enough to turn the rest of the school population against her
She did have one friend though. His name was Clove, and he was in the fifth grade class. He probably only spent time with me because he was in the same boat. Despite her worries, he would sit with her at lunch, talk to her about anything and everything, and walk (or rather stumble) with his crutches to make sure she got to Happy's car after school.
His crutches made him stand out, and at a private school where everyone looks the same, standing out is not a good thing. Despite being bullied for his disability and freckles and anything else Stacy and Stephen Poll could think of, he is good. He is kind and thoughtful, and smart. He's like the older brother Dani never had. He was her best friend.
"Clove! How's it going?" She was very excited to see him. "Why weren't you at my party last night?" She had invited him months ago, and he told her that he'd be able to make it.
"Sorry, something came up." He didn't look at her. "Hey, I have something to tell you. It's really impor-"
"Important enough to miss my party? Clove, you're my best friend" he seemed to be pulling away a little bit and she didn't know why. "Is it because we won't be at the same school next year so you're pulling away now? You'll be too embarrassed about having an elementary schooler as your best friend?" Tears were starting to form in her eyes, she looked away so he didn't see her cry.
"What? No!" She pulled out of his grasp when he tried to comfort her. "Please Dani! I could never be ashamed of you! I can't lose you, you're too important!" Dani let the silence between them grow tense until she heard Clove sniffling. She had hurt him, and she never wanted to hear him cry.
As soon as that thought crossed her mind, she turned around to hug him tightly. "I'm so sorry Clove! I shouldn't have accused you! I can't lose you either!" He wrapped his arms around her back in a hug.
They stayed that way for a couple of minutes when his stomach growled. He was hungry. "I guess we should probably eat. Your stomach is starting to get angry." The absolute greatest and worst thing about elementary school was the hour long lung and recess break, so they still had plenty of time to talk and eat. But it also gave them time to be bullied by the other kids with fewer teachers around.
Danica decided she would take all the garbage that day, so she gathered it all into her pockets and walked to the garbage bin closest to them. It was over by the parking lot so she did have to walk a ways.
When she turned to go back, Stephen had cornered Clove, and taken his crutches. Stephen and Stacy were definitely the meanest kids in school. They were twin boys in fifth grade, and definitely both got their fair share to eat. They had been bullying her and Clove for the better part of a year now, but they especially liked bullying Clove.
Clove did ask her not to do anything about it. He didn't want trouble, but today, she had hit her breaking point. The twins and their cronies had been using Clove's crutches to hit him in the stomach.
"GET AWAY FROM HIM" they stopped to look at who had said that. As she was sprinting towards them, she tried to make a plan of attack. All she could think of was to get between them. "This isn't ok!" She was near tears at this point. Having run from the lot to make it there before the bullies could cause any real damage. "Don't come any closer!"
They laughed. Danica didn't seem very threatening. Standing at 4'6" with her brown hair in pigtails and wide green eyes. "What're you gonna do, cry?" The laughter continued. Finally, they pulled themselves together enough to start stalking towards her with their fists raised. She could deal with it though. Her dad taught her boxing for occasions just like this.
She got into her stance, and when Stacy came at her with fists blazing, she dodged, got in one good hit on his jaw, and then she was tackled to the ground by Connor. One of the lackeys. He kept holding her down no matter how hard she struggled. She just wasn't strong enough.
When the others started advancing towards Clove though, she saw red. She screamed when as she felt a tug in her stomach, followed closely by the sound of cracking stone. The concrete around them had started quaking everywhere but where she and Clove were. Earthquakes were common in California, but she had a feeling this was different. All of the bullies, even Connor, who'd let go during the confusion, was on the rough destroyed concrete. Clove and Danica were standing in a perfect circle of untouched ground. Clove was staring at her like he'd just confirmed something in his head. He whispered something under his breath that she couldn't quite make out. She felt strangely tired. Everyone else was screaming their brains out.
At some point while she was still in shock, Mr. Harvey, the fifth grade teacher arrived. He tried to figure out what was going on, but she didn't hear a word he said. She was still trying to figure out what Clove meant.
Mr. Harvey was soon joined by Mrs. Morton. She looked through the mess of concrete and children. "I think I've seen enough." She looked between them all and said, "boy's, head straight to the nurses office with Mr. Harvey. Ms. Stark, follow me."
Danica was so sure that she was being lead to the Dean's office. One more offence, and even her dad's influence wouldn't be able to keep her at this school. If she left, who would stand up for Clove? She didn't want to leave him to the sharks. Despite the bullies, this school was her home away from home, and she really only had a year and a couple of months left! When Mrs. Morton took a wrong turn. Heading towards the basement instead of the administrative office. Dani didn't dare say a word. She was probably in for mopping duty after school for the next week and she didn't want to make it worse.
When Mrs. Morton finally came to a stop in the boiler room of all places, she started talking to herself. "I haven't had a good meal in ages haha! This one is kind of small, but now I'm sure it's her, the smell is too strong!" Danica didn't think she was supposed to hear that.
When her teacher turned around, she looked completely different. Danica screamed for the second time that day. Mrs. Morton now had fangs and flaming hair. Her legs were now those of a donkey and a robot. It honestly looked kind of funny with the navy blouse and white pencil skirt, but the scary outweighed the funny considerably. Danica yelled out again as the creature teacher thing lunged towards her with sharp claws outstretched. Dani just barely jumped out of the way in time to get a light scratch on her forearm, instead of getting eaten alive by her freaking teacher. Mrs. Morton growled out a "sit still!" While chasing after her around the giant water heater.
There was no way Dani would do that. The "no thanks" that probably just angered the creature more just slipped out. Her mind was going at 100 miles a minute, and she instinctively dodged most of the hits. Boxing lessons were actually coming in handy.
After a while of running around the boiler, Danica got an idea. She threw some dust into the creature's eyes, and made a break for the boiler. She pressed as many buttons and levers as she could find, hoping to literally boil the boiler room, and ran from the room as fast as she could, locking the door behind her.
When she heard a loud screeching shout from behind, she was only inspired to run faster, and almost ran into Clove at the front of the school. As soon as he saw her, he quickly ushered her outside, and they ran for it. They ran farther than she ever had in her life, and definitely farther than Clove ever had. It was only when they we're safely inside her home, gasping for air, that she realized it. Clove ran a mile and a half. He didn't have his crutches, and he didn't seem to be getting any muscle spasms like he normally would with physical activity. It was confusing. Had he lied to her? Was he faking a disability for clout? It didn't make sense, but there had to be a reason.
This really was the worst day of school ever, and she didn't even make it through the whole day.