Read The Orphans Series Vol. 1: The Orphans for Free Online Page A

any assignments with no grade loss and those responsible will be thoroughly punished."
                  Frank nodded. "So, additionally, you understand that neither of us would like to be bothered at work unless there is actually an issue. Am I making myself clear!?"
                  Mr. Peterson took a large deep breath clenching his teeth smiling. "Yes ... and again let me convey to you that this will not be an issue going forward. I appreciate you both leaving E&T to come down here to speak to me."
                  Karen looked at Frank and saw his E&T badge. "Well, what a small world!" She stood, straightened her suit, and headed for the door. Frank followed quickly behind and they both departed. Mr. Peterson collapsed back in his seat wishing there was a back door to his office.             
                  The kids had given up trying to overhear and were making small chat until both parents exited. Unsure if they were in trouble, they did the perfect thing for teens to do: they sat up, shut up and waited to be spoken to. As the office door finally clicked closed, Ellie tried to wait but it wasn't in her DNA. "So, mom ... are we at least going to get to make any last requests or is it straight to the firing squad?"              
                  Karen fought back a smile. Frank stared at Ellie then at Karen, and just kept staring at Karen, waiting for a response. He figured it wasn't his kid to tell not to be a smart ass.
                  Karen looked at Ellie. "Well, honey, believe it or not he came to a very quick conclusion deciding that you two aren't to blame?"
                  Shaun laughed before thinking about it and spat out, "Yeah, it was really quick! We spent all day in detention thinking we'd be in Saturday school."             
                  Ellie looked shocked as Frank lifted Shaun to his feet by his sweatshirt. He flicked him lightly behind the ear and smiled at Karen. "Excuse my son--he is occasionally unfiltered. It's a work in progress, I assure you."
                  Shaun fought back a comment. "Sorry, Ms. Randall. I didn't mean anything by it."
                  Ellie pushed up off the chair and slid on her backpack. "So, are we free to go, mom?"             
                  Frank, thinking quickly that he wasn't done talking to this beauty, tried, "Do you two kids have all the stuff you need?"
                  Shaun thought about it. "How? We've been in detention all day." Ellie nodded in agreement.             
                  "So I'm going to take that as a no then." Frank checked his large, silver watch. "Why don't you two run and get what you need. I have to get back to the office and finish a few things up before I can call it a night."              They scurried off toward their lockers and Shaun pulled at Ellie's sleeve. "Breaking news ... more work. What a shocker. Why not head right back? There's still daylight left."
                  As they headed down the corridor, before they disappeared around the corner, Shaun looked over his shoulder to see his dad leaning in towards Karen, his arm outstretched like a man on the prowl. Karen was smiling back and Shaun was wondering to himself if his dad could make things any more awkward with Ellie. Shaun thought there was nothing like kicking a guy when he's down after being stuck in detention all day. He was in absolutely no rush to get a new mom and really hoped Ms. Randall wasn't a candidate.
    ****
                  Frank was flashing his largest smile asking what he already knew. "So, you work at E&T, Ms. Randall?"
                  Karen smiled brushing the hair from the side of her face. "Well, Dr. Fox, I work in accounting.... And please, call me Karen." She patted his shoulder