From Skid Row to Superstardom: An Idol System Novel-Chapter 141: High School Dropout

"Mr. Matisse, while it’s good to see that your injuries have healed, you’ve been out for almost a month. Any more days missed, and we would have had to report you for truancy and contact the police." Principal Matador, who was dressed in a tight-fitting golden yellow suit with a matching fedora, glared at Ari as he twirled his extra-large handlebar mustache.

"Sorry about that. I was injured from...bullying, then I fell sick, and then I injured my foot. I contacted the front office to inform them about the situation, and I plan on making up any coursework I missed." Ari replied casually.

He wasn’t too worried about his grades since his original plan to head to community college had been scrapped.

Plus, at this point, even if he failed the final two quarters of the school year, his GPA was high enough to tank it and still have him graduate.

"I understand that, but since we have a protocol to follow, we contacted the number we had on file to inform your guardian about it."

At the principal’s words about contacting his foster parents, Ari’s expression darkened.

"...did they say anything?"

"...Not much. Just that you should stop giving them trouble." After a pause, the principal vaguely answered as he recounted the irate woman yelling on the phone for almost an hour after they spent days trying to reach her.

He wasn’t quite sure what this student’s home life was like, but judging by the response, it wasn’t too good.

"Okay. That’s good. I’ll make sure you don’t have to contact them ever again." Ari promised in a cold tone, and the principal gave him a strange glance.

Was he threatening to take them out forever? Should the cops be called? freёwebnoѵel.com

"Also, while I’m here, is there any way I can graduate early? I have enough credits, and it’s getting annoying coming to class when I have more important things to do."

Ari replied honestly.

Since Pop Star Academy was getting busier and busier with the next film duration being a month, he couldn’t keep calling in sick to school, and he didn’t have time to study, so he would rather knock out everything he needed to do now and never worry about it again.

That way, he could spend more time practicing his skills or even picking up another job to make more money since his bank account was constantly decreasing.

Contrary to his plans-

"Unfortunately, that’s not possible. Since you’re not yet 18, you need permission from your guardian to graduate early. If you would like, I can get the guidance counselor to begin the paperwork process, and we can contact your guardian to come in."

Hearing that his age was once again limiting him from doing what he wanted, Ari rolled his eyes.

"Don’t bother. I’ll just look into ways of dropping out and taking my GED then. Thanks, Principal Matador. See you around." Ari nodded at the man before getting up.

"Wait! Mr. Matisse! Don’t you think it’s a shame to give up now? This is your senior year! You still have prom to go to, and I’m sure your parents want to see you walk across the stage!" The principal immediately stood up and grabbed Ari’s arm, stopping him from leaving the small office.

"I’m broke, so I can’t afford prom, and my parents are dead, so there’s no one to watch me walk across the stage anyway," Ari replied bluntly, causing the principal’s face to pale drastically.

With how busy he was in the past from all his jobs, studying, and tutoring, going to prom with non-existent friends (girl or otherwise) wasn’t even a consideration.

And the two people he actually cared about, seeing him accomplish his first major accolade in life, were no longer here.

Although Grandma Lisa and Grandma Kim would probably want to come, he was sure they would understand (maybe?) or at least forgive him.

"Ah, I’m sorry."

"It’s fine. Plus, I’m filming something, which is what’s interfering with my schedule, so if I can’t graduate early, and I’ll be marked for truancy for not coming in, then I’ll just drop out and get my GED. It has the same weight as a high school diploma anyway, so it shouldn’t matter."

"Wait! That’s a bit too drastic! Let’s think of other alternatives, shall we? Give me a moment, let me pull up your file."

Principal Matador quickly typed on his computer, looking at the information about the boy in front of him before resolving himself.

He absolutely could not let him drop out!

No way!

"Looking at your file, it says your 18th birthday is in a little over a month, so why don’t we revisit the conversation then? Your grades are phenomenal, and you’re a diligent student without a record, so I’m sure we can work something out with your teachers for you to test separately and submit your coursework at set dates. You won’t be the first student working in the entertainment industry, and we try to make accommodations if needed, especially for those who excel academically. It would be a shame to give up in your final year, so close to your graduation date. Even if your parents are no longer here, I’m sure they would love it if you walked across the stage, right? Especially after you worked so hard. What do you say?"

"..."

Ari thought it over for a moment before nodding.

"If you could help me with that, I would appreciate it."

"Excellent! Feel free to head to class. And stop by my office when the school day is over."

"Sure. Thanks again."

Ari nodded at the principal before leaving.

"Phew."

Principal Matador wiped the sweat from beneath his hat as he waved goodbye to the student who was leaving.

He was immensely happy that he was able to stop one of the students with the highest GPA among the senior class, who was in the running for valedictorian, from dropping out.

If that had happened, not only would the grade point average of the senior class drop, but the test scores, the advanced placement class average, and other things would also be reduced.

With a sigh, the principal quickly called the assistant principal and the guidance counselor to help come up with a game plan.

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