THE FIGHT FOR JUSTICE

ALEX's POV

Aaron and I had decided to go to the gym every morning. So, I waited for him outside the door but he never turned up. After a while, I went looking for him. I found him in the boxing ring. He was hitting the punching bag as if it was his worst opponent. He panted with exhaustion and his shirt stuck to his skin, drenched in sweat. His face was contorted with such fury that he could have burnt everything in his path.

I had never seen Aaron like this before. What might have turned the easy-going friendly boy into a furious monster? I shuddered at the thought but I had to ask. He had always stood firm on my side. Now it was my turn.

I grabbed the swinging punchbag with my hands. This forced him to stop. I asked in anticipation, “ What happened Aaron? Why are you so furious?”

He threw the boxing gloves away and gripped me by the shoulders. “ How can they do this Alex? How can they fire my mom?”

I was stunned. “ What do you mean, Aaron?”

“ The trustees called my mother yesterday for a meeting and informed my mother that a new principal was being appointed in her place. They didn’t even give her an explanation. My father found out through his resources that three of the four trustees of our college have received exclusive deals from the Dixons. Mom had refused to give admission to Eva Dixon. I guess that the Dixons must have compelled the trustees to fire my mom.”

“ That is so unfair Aaron. We won’t let this go easily. Let us call a meeting of the Students’ Body. Isn’t your sister the president of the Students’ Body? Call her right away. We will protest against this.”

I felt so distraught. Mrs. Lockhart was so hardworking and dedicated. She ran this college with an iron fist. It was so unjust to remove her without a reason.

We gathered everyone in the auditorium. Aaron’s sister, Alice got into the role of president instantly. She went to the stage and started speaking, “ Hello Everyone! I have gathered everyone here so that I can expose the injustice inflicted by the trustees upon our principal, Mrs. Lockhart. She has been fired just because she refused to bow before the power of The Dixons. She had refused to admit Eva Dixon into our college. Anyone who has met Eva Dixon can testify her hoiety-toiety behavior. Do you think it is fair to fire her just because she refused to accept a spoilt brat into our prestigious college?”

 “ NO!!!! We will not tolerate such injustice. We will protest against it.” Everyone in the room roared unanimously.

“ This is what I had expected from The Student Body. I officially announce the commencement of the strike. We will boycott all our classes until Mrs. Lockhart is appointed as our principal again.”Alice said in a determined voice.

Out of nowhere, the new Principal’s sharp and clear voice resounded in the auditorium,“ I think Ms. Alice has forgotten the rules of the students’ Body. To start a strike officially you need the approval of both the presidents. I can see that Alice agrees to this strike but we have to ask the other president of the Students’ Club.”

Turning towards the other president, John; he inquired, “ What is your decision, John?”

“ The same as before sir. I don’t agree with this strike.”

“ Then this strike is illegal. If it is not withdrawn I will call the cops.” He said in a cold voice and stormed away.

I felt the ground slip out from under my feet. How could John have said such a thing? Once John declared his decision all the students started leaving slowly. Only Aaron, Alice, and I were left behind.

“ What can we do now?” I growled punching the wall.

“ We will come up with something,” Alice said left too.

Despite racking my brain for a long time I couldn’t come up with a plan. I wondered how Mrs. Lockhart was faring. I felt a strong urge to meet her.

“ Umm! Aaron.”

“ Yes.”

“ Let’s go to your home. Imagine how distraught your mom must be?’

“ You are right, Alex. She needs a dose of Aaron's special cranky behavior to distract her.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at his comment. Only Aaron could turn such a serious moment into a light one.

My heart was still throbbing when we finally managed to reach Aaron’s cottage. We had to climb the wall in the backyard and then walk around the college. All the while, I was expecting someone to catch me red-handed. Aaron was unfazed as usual.

Looking at my worried expression Aaron stated, “ The only good that came out of this incident is that you learned how to bunk college.

I let out a dry laugh but I felt no joy in my heart. It was crying out for Mrs. Lockhart.

Aaron opened the door with his key. We had expected Mrs. Lockhart to be brooding but the sight that met our eyes rendered us motionless.

Mrs. Lockhart was wearing a ballet costume and high stilettos. She twirled effortlessly to the soft music emanating from the radio. She was so engrossed in her own world that she didn’t notice our arrival. Aaron stood still like a statue watching his mother in amazement. Even I didn’t have the heart to interrupt her.

When the music ended she went to switch off the radio. It was then that she sensed our presence and turned around. She became flustered and blood rushed to her cheeks. The situation had suddenly become very awkward.

“ You both sit down. I will change and come.” She uttered quickly and went way. The room was completely silent except for the clicking of her heels.

Aaron pulled me to the couch and started gushing, “ Do you think some spirit has overtaken her? I have never seen her like this. “

“ Don’t say like that Aaron. She was so happy dancing. If you say even a word against it, she might be embarrassed and never dance again. She must already be feeling uncomfortable. It would be best if we focus on the matter in hand. If you can’t control your mouth you must stay quiet. I will do all the talking.” I advised. He nodded in understanding.

When Mrs. Lockhart emerged out of the room she was the familiar lady we were used to spending time with. She came and sat in front of us. She was wringing her hands unsure of her son’s reaction.

“Why did you both come home without me? I was looking for you at the college.” Alice said entering the doorway. This put an end to the awkwardness hanging in the air.

“ Come Alice dear. Sit near me.” Mrs. Lockhart said patting the couch beside her. She was relieved to avoid the topic.”

Alice sat beside her promptly resting her head on her mother’s shoulder.

“ I am so sorry!! Mom. I couldn’t call the strike. That idiotic new Principal came and ruined all my plans.” Alice explained everything in detail.

We had expected Mrs. Lockhart to be disheartened but her response surprised us. “ That is good. Why didn’t you consult me before taking such a huge decision? I am glad that the strike was called off. I wouldn’t have wanted any of you to lose your precious time on something insignificant. You must focus on your studies.” Mrs. Lockhart said in an even tone.

“ I can’t believe that you are still bothered about my studies, mom. They took away your job without any reason.” Aaron said incredulously.

“ I understand your concern but do you think they could have thrown me out if I had decided to stay.”

“ I wonder why you didn’t protest, mom?’, Alice asked.

“ I don’t need that job, Alice. I have inherited a small fortune and your father’s salary will be enough for the simple lifestyle we lead. I have spent too much time fulfilling my responsibilities towards the college. When they told me to leave. I realized how temporary my job was and how easily I could be replaced. I don’t want to spend even a minute doing something that is not important in my life. So today onwards I am only your mother, Bill’s wife, and Linda.”

“ Are you sure mom?” Alice asked doubtfully.

“ Yes dear, I want to spend time pursuing my hobbies,” Mom assured.

“ Would you be happy away from college?” Alice countered.

“ Ask Alex and Aaron?”

Alice turned her full attention to us. I knew how difficult it would be for Aaron to explain. So I decided to save his back.

“ When we entered your house a while ago, we were welcomed by Mrs. Lockhart’s outstanding Ballet Dance. Though she didn’t see us coming.” I said as evenly as possible.

“ Is it true Aaron?”

“ Yes, Alice. I have never seen mom so happy. I think mom should do what makes her happy.” I was surprised by the seriousness in his voice.

“ Wow! Mom. I missed it. If only I had come back a few minutes early. Mom, you have to show me your performance too.” Alice said pouting.

“ Sure Dear but not today. I am tired.” Mrs. Lockhart said patting her.

I knew they had a lot to talk about. Though they didn’t mind having me around I felt like an intruder. So I made an excuse and left.

I was relieved that Mrs. Lockhart was so positive about the changes in her life. I crashed into my bed as soon as I got into my room. I didn’t have energy left even to have dinner. The last few days had been quite draining. Hopefully, tomorrow would be better.