Mr. Keating was writing notes down for his English class on Monday. He was writing the last line of poetry on scrap paper when he was interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Come in," he said.
One of his students entered, "I'm sorry to bother you."
"You're bothering nobody Ms. Autry. What can I help you with?"
Maggie sat at one of the desks, "Well, I'm really uncomfortable with this poetry assignment," she admitted.
"Why's that?"
"I really don't like to talk in front of a class." Mr. Keating looked at her sympathetically, "I also don't feel confident in writing any poetry."
"I think you and Mr. Anderson share the same concerns," Mr. Keating smiled.
Maggie sighed, "There's no way I can avoid this assignment, is there?" She looked hopeless.
"Unfortunately, no. But, if you want to run your poem by me first to feel more confident, I'd be more than happy to hear it."
Maggie smiled at his gesture, but didn't feel any better. She got up from the desk and was about to thank her teacher until she thought of a possible loophole, "What if I read my poem in French?"
Mr. Keating looked up confused, "In French?"
"I speak fluently, technically it's my first language. I'll give you the English translation so you know I'm not speaking any gibberish." Mr. Keating thought about this for a minute, unsure if he should allow it. "Mr. Keating, the poem I have in mind is kind of personal. I don't want the boys in class to interpret it in any weird way, please," she begged.
"Alright. But I want an accurate translation."
"Thank you!" Maggie expressed and headed to the door. Mr. Keating chuckled and went back to his work.
"Hey stranger," Charlie said as Maggie left the classroom.
"What are you doing here?" Maggie smiled.
"Hmm," Charlie placed his hand under his chin to ponder sarcastically, "I kinda live here."
"I know that, dummy. I meant why were you waiting for me outside of Keating's class."
"I saw you go in while I walked by. I thought maybe we could hang out."
"Well, what do you want to do?"
"How does a walk around the lake sound?"
"A walk sounds nice," she chuckled, "but cold."
"Well... we could run!" Charlie then bolted out into the courtyard.
"Charlie!" Maggie yelled and then ran after him.
He laughed maniacally, "Come on Autry! Beat me to the dock!"
Maggie caught up to him and picked up her speed to sprint ahead, "Ha! I beat you!" She bragged as she stepped onto the dock.
"Eh," Charlie waved his hand, "I let you win."
"Uh huh," she laughed.
"Hey buddy!" Evelyn shouted from across the lawn. She and Neil were walking to the dock.
"Hey pal!" Maggie yelled and waved.
YOU ARE READING
TEN DEAD POETS
Fanfiction"Maggie watched through her second floor window as the boys started rushing into the building. They finally said goodbye to their parents and were entering the school as they had been for years. Although this time, there were two new additions."
