LET ME TELL YOU WHAT HAPPENED

CHAPTER 6

I still haven't told Max what Melinda said to me. Today is Friday, the last day of the week, at least. This week has been hectic. I have had the confidence to speak to Cece, but I messed up my chance.

History is my first class today and as I'd predicted before getting here, today we also have an off day. Even though this week hs been difficult as all the rest have been, in all my years, I'm glad I made a new friend. Two new friends, Melinda and Max. Although Melinda is still a dilemma.

My eyes rise up from the table when I notice Max looking at me. "You look pale.", he says. "What's wrong?"

I look around before answering to see if anyone may be hearing us. I lean forward and pause. Should I tell him this?

"You can tell me later. Whatever it is that's on your mind, over lunch maybe.", Max says. "Will you try to speak to Cece again?"

"She'll probably be more angry if I try anything now.", I say. "So it's best that I leave her alone."

The class ends. Mr. Morin tells us that he'll be in the class if we want to ask any questions, because we did not work today.

I go to my English class next and I pass Melinda on the way. She looks at me and gives me a smile. I smile back and enter my class. Mr. King tells us that we'll be having an interactive class today.

Oh great, I don't like interactive classes where teachers ask you questions specifically and put you in the spotlight.

"Today we'll be talking about the reasons why teenagers don't read", mr. King says. He starts asking the people sitting in the front some questions. I start thinking of random answers just in case he asks me a question.

The other people's answers are pretty obvious. In some cases they say it's because there's no time to read. Other times the reason is that the books they are allowed to read at school are not interesting so that leads to disinterest in reading.

The saddest reason someone mentions is, not knowing how to read. Mr. King tackles and explains every answer that the learners give in detail. He also provides examples and solutions on how to feel motivated to read more. He tells us that we should think of something we like and then try to find books that talk about that thing.

He tells us that we should find a book with an attractive cover as well so we can be motivated to read every time we see the book or if we don't feel like reading.

He tells us that if a person is lazy, they should read only one page a day. He tells us that just because school books or boring, it doesn't mean all the books are boring. We should go to the library and find something nice to read.

He tells us that we should help the people who do not know how to read. We should teach them how to read. Pick an easy book, and then go and give the person lessons.

Our interactive class lasts until the start of the lunch break. I meet Max at our tree.

****

"Are you sure you don't want to try again with Cece?", Max asks.

"I am sure."

"What was this thing you couldn't talk about in class?"

I pause for longer than I expected. I wanted to tell Max about Melinda, but now I'm not so sure.

"Have you forgotten already?"

"Okay what I'm goung to tell you has to stay between us ", I say.

"Okay."

"Melinda told me that her father has been gambling with the school's money."

Max doesn't say anything for a while. He takes in the news. "We have to tell Melinda and convince her to help us prove that he is stealing. And we need help from someone. Some we can trust."