To Capture A Heart|Shawn Hunter| Boy Meets World

Teacher's Bet

Shawn and I walk into the cafeteria. Shawn has an article under his arm. I have a copy of Pride and Prejudice securely tucked under my arm.

"Hey, Cory, we brought you a great article on Barry Bonds," Shawn hands Cory the article.

We both sit on the table next to Cory, Shawns' arm linking with mine.

"Ah, the forty-three million dollar man," Cory says, unravelling the paper.

"Why do they call him that?" Stuart asks.

"Because that's what he's getting paid to play baseball for six years," I explain.

"Seven point sixteen million a year?" Stuart asks in disbelief.

"If that's what it comes out to, yeah," Shawn says.

"It does," I tell him.

"He happens to be one of the top guys in baseball," Cory tells Stuart.

"Well, I happen to think Mr Feeny is one of the top guys in teaching and he makes about forty thousand a year," Stuart replies.

"That stinks," Shawn says.

"Finally, something we agree on," Stuart responds.

"Hold that thought," I say.

"Feeny ain't worth that kinda money," Shawn says.

I elbow him in the ribs.

"You thought I meant he was overpaid? I meant that Mr Feeny is grossly and tragically underpaid," Stuart explains.

"Minkus - may I call you Minkus? Does spelling ever change? No. Does history ever change" Uh-uh. Does Feeny ever change? Never. Know why? He doesn't have to. Know why? 'Cause nothing about teaching sixth grade ever changes,"  Cory says.

"I agree, Stuart. Mr Feeny deserves a lot more money. He's been teaching kids like Cory and Shawn for decades. That alone has got to be worth more than forty thousand." Cory and Shawn look offended "And Cory, each year Mr Feeny has to learn every new face. And history does change. It changes every day,"

"I don't see why you hang out with people like them, my sweet," Stuart says disapprovingly.

"They may be idiots, but they're my idiots," I sigh and Cory and Shawn smile "Unfortunately, I'm stuck with them because they'd probably be dead without me,"

"Hey!" Cory exclaims, offended.

"She's not wrong," Shawn shrugs.

"Am I ever?" I ask teasingly.

"No," Shawn and Stuart smile.

"Yes. Because I'm not marrying Topanga," Cory says.

"Oh, yes you are," I retort.

"Look. I may be wrong about a lot," Cory admits "but I'm right about Feeny never changing. I bet in about five seconds, Feeny walks in here, takes a sip from the drinking fountain, flicks his moustache, goes to the coffee machine, sees me and says 'Good morning, Mr Matthews. I trust you've done the homework.' Every day the same thing. He's so predictable"

Mr Feeny does exactly what Cory said he would do. He walks in, takes a sip of water, flicks his moustache and says "Good morning Mr Matthews, I trust you've done the homework,"

"Yes, sir," Cory replies.

"But my little sister ate it," Cory and Feeny say in unison.

"You are so predictable," Mr Feeny says, walking off.

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"This week in social studies, we'll be talking about prejudice," Mr Feeny says.