A BOMB IN THE SCHOOL

Hendricks High School was on alert. Under the appearance of routine nerves were on edge. Under pretended control chaos reigned.

Today a special pep rally was scheduled to send the boys basketball team off to the finals of the state tournament.  A day of abandoned celebration for students; a day of trepidation for staff and faculty.

The day began  badly—with an unscheduled faculty meeting—short and to the point. Principal Carol Collins presided with more than her usual officiousness.  “Coach Bilbrey had  found a note in his mailbox this morning stating a bomb will go off during the pep rally.”

From the back of the room someone called. “Ms Collins, we will cancel. Won’t we?”

Carol Collins resented not being called Dr. Collins since she had finally gotten the DED from the local University. “Indeed not,”  she said curtly.  “That is exactly what whoever did this dastardly act wants. We will not give in to this. All faculty and staff will be on duty, checking students as they enter the gym, collecting backpacks and checking loose clothing . Planning period teachers will report to the gym to help in a thorough search of the premises.”

The faculty was of three minds: those into school spirit agreed;  those scared of the consequences questioned;  those few resenting lost time from their academic classed objected.

When the meeting was over,  teachers , most adamantly opposed stood near the  back of the library. Three of the most vocal were:   Ellie Harris, AP Chemistry,  Carl Jones, AP Calculus , and Susan Morrison, AP English. “Much as I detest this pep rally tomfoolery, “ Ellie said, “I can’t see going so far as a bomb threat.  And making one is stupid. If you get caught it’s jail.”

“You never know what motivates them. Ever since Columbine they are more common. And every time it’s some disaffected or mentally disturbed person.” Susan said.  “Who knows what kind of sick person is out there.” She shrugged.” Or should I say in here?”

Carl Jones raised an eyebrow. A faint smile appeared. “Maybe he or she or you or me is not sick at all. Maybe just the sanest.”