Knock, Knock

Thirty-four

Kathryn

"You have 5 minutes to relax! I will be handing out the final soon. This class is an hour and 45 minutes long and there are 75 questions on this final. I expect everyone to keep their eyes to themselves and for there to be no talking" I smile towards my students.

A few of them groan, not feeling quite in the mood for a final. "You are not to turn over the final until I say so. Those who I see cheating will have 20 points deducted from their final."

I begin handing out the finals. Many students roll their eyes at the thickness. I didn't feel bad about this. History was one of the easiest subjects in school. Kids these days were just lazy. Before I can give further instructions a knock is heard at my door. I sigh and walk over, opening it, slightly expecting Mr. Rossen with a cheap threat.

Instead, I come eye to eye with sparkling brown orbs. Unintentionally I smile as I lean against the frame to take in her appearance. "What may I assist you with Ms. Kings?" I flirt. She smiles and shoves her hands into her pockets.

"Could I borrow a pencil?" she questions sweetly. I eye Casey with a frown, was she serious? "What class are you in right now?" I question.

She glances at me with wide eyes. "Uh, AP bio with Mr. Humphreys" she answers. "That's really far from my classroom. Are you saying no other teacher had a pencil for you to borrow? Am I the only one prepared during finals week?"

The girl clears her throat with a shy smile. "W-well I didn't check with any other teachers. I just immediately assumed asking you was the best-case scenario."

I shake my head, slightly disappointed with her actions. I push my door open to allow her entrance as I walk towards my desk. I open my drawer and pull out an extra pencil. I turn to her and hand her the pencil with raised brows. "Thank you" she smiles.

I roll my eyes and smile at her, shooing her away. She turns on her heel and exits my classroom, closing the door behind her. I turn my attention back to my students. "Alright, let's begin! You may now flip over your packets. I don't think I need to remind you, but please remember to put your names on your final so I can give you a grade."

- - - - -

Though students were free to leave the school early due to the finals, teachers had to stay behind and grade. Sometimes I hate my job. I grab the huge stack of packets and exit my classroom. I head towards my best friends' room with a smile. At least I had a friend here to keep me entertained.

"Kath-- Ms. Howard!" I heard. I frown and turn towards the familiar voice, spotting Casey Kings. I stop in my tracks as she approaches me.

"What can I help you with Casey?" I question, feeling the weight of the packets on my arm. She digs into her pocket before pulling out a pencil and handing it to me. My frown deepens in confusion. "What is this?" I question.

Casey eyes me before speaking up. "The uh, the pencil you let me borrow this morning."

I nod my head but don't move to take the pencil back. "Casey next time, don't come all the way to my class just for a pencil. I know you wanted to see me but this is finals week and you need to take everything seriously even if you're smart."

The girl glances down at the ground, "Y-yeah. Sorry, uh, that was stupid." I lick my lips before taking the pencil from her hands. She doesn't say anything else as she turns on her heel and walks away from me. I furrow my brows, she's been acting weird since Friday.

I enter the classroom. Emily was at her desk, already in the grading process. "Grading these finals makes me regret being a teacher. You know I could be doing something else right now," the woman lets out a breath. I nod my head in agreement. But as a History major, there wasn't much that interested me besides teaching.