"Cora, please read the next paragraph aloud for the class."
Hearing my name jerks me awake from the slumber I dozed into. I'm disoriented and unnerved from the dream I experienced and I'm actually glad to be called on. Only problem, I have no idea what's going on.
"Psst. Cora," I hear from my left.
Braden Nosch is pointing to the section we reached in our textbook. I mouth the words "thank you" as I blink sleep from my eyes and begin to read.
"<>"
As soon as I finish, I can feel my mind drifting away again. I have to meet with Mr. Theo after class. Book club at 3. Dinner for Logan- chicken nuggets? Or would macaroni and cheese be better? Is Tracey coming tonight? I have homework for-
My thoughts were stopped abruptly as a note was set on my desk. I looked to my left and found Braden looking my way expectantly. Tearing my eyes from the boy, I returned my attention towards the paper.
Are you going to Mr. Theo's?
I turned back to him and nodded. He reached across me and grabbed the paper again, scribbled something quickly, and passed it back.
Walk together?
Once again, I nodded as a response, this time with a smile. I've gone to school with Braden since seventh grade. He had just moved to Swinford in October and he was placed into my choir class. We've never had any reason to dislike each other, but no reason to become friends, either. Just mutual acquaintances that bump into each other often.
Mr. Theo was one of the school counselors and also the swimming coach. He went to school with my brother and so I grew up with him hanging around my house a lot. I found out he was working at Swinford High and decided that'd be the place I spent most of my time. Braden was our best swimmer, so I'd run into him in Theo's office occasionally.
My mind is everywhere but the Industrial Revolution as I glance up towards the clock. Seconds tick by, Ms. Lago's voice drones on, and the notes from Braden still rest in front of me. After an excruciatingly long three minutes, I hear the sweet chime of the bell ringing through the PA system. I hurriedly pack the blank worksheet I was supposed to work on into my bag and stand up. I'm halfway to the door when I hear my name called from behind.
Turning, I find Braden half jogging towards me. "Don't tell me you already forgot we're walking together."
"Oh God, sorry. What are you seeing Theo for today?" I ask him once he's caught up.
"I'm quitting the swim team," He mutters quietly.
"Braden! You're the best one there! I thought you loved swimming. Why would you quit?"
Braden's face had an emotion plastered to it I hadn't seen before. He was always an energetic, puppy-like kid, but now he looked exhausted, as if his tiredness had sunken into his bones and was making his body heavy and hard to carry. Despite this, he had an odd twinkle in his eye. If I hadn't known him, I'd recognize it as malice. He scared me.
Just as quickly as his expression changed, it returned to its original state. A big goofy grin decorates his mouth as he tells me he just has different ambitions these days. He's trying to hide it, but the energy has shifted. We continue the journey in silence until knocking softly at Mr. Theo's door.
"Cora! Brady! Good morning! Have a seat."
Theo's dark eyes followed me as I placed myself in a back corner. Sitting in a beanbag, he seemed giant, looming over me while I shifted through my bag in search of my lunch. He hovered a moment more, then retreated to his desk to talk with Braden.
"What brings you in today, Braden?"
I quietly munch on a chicken sandwich and listen to their conversation.
"I need to quit the team, sir."
"No."
No? Could Theo do that?
"I need to, sir. Wish I didn't, but I do." His voice was coated with a thin layer of remorse, speaking as though this was physically painful for him.
"No. You'll go to the Olympics next year, Nosch, you're not quitting."
A sigh of resignation escaped Braden's lips and he muttered, "See you later, Cora."
Moments later, Theo's door shut behind Braden and Theo was the second to sigh that day.
"You know what's up with him?" He asks, turning to face me.
I respond simply with a shrug and a shake of the head, my mouth still stuffed with bread and turkey. I ball up the Ziploc bag and attempt to toss it into the trash can across from me. With a pitiful thud, it bounces off the edge and finds its place on the floor.
"It's a good thing you're not doing any sports this year, Cora."
"Hey! I was so close!"
Theo laughs at my exasperation and picks up the litter for me. He grins, "Yes you were pretty close."
"How are things with Jessie?"
After a moment's hesitation, he tells me, "Things are... all right. She wants to live with her mom full time. I'd only get to see her on weekends if we're both free."
I can see the pain in his eyes. All he wants is for his baby to love him as much as he loves her.
"It's okay, Mr. Theo. At least you'll still be able to see her."
He nods and turns away, silent. I pick myself up and stretch briefly. I cross the room and wrap my arms around him. He seems so stiff, but after a minute he melts into the hug.
"It's okay, Mr. Theo," I tell him once more.
We stay there for a minute, breathing in the air of comfort, and I release him just before the bell rings.
"Jason's coming home this weekend. I'm sure he'd love to see you," I tell him.
"I wouldn't miss it."
