Melanie

Eleven

Two days later, I felt it was time to return to school after missing it due to Amanda's death. It didn't feel the same as it once did. I felt strangely silent and out of place. Mom dropped me off on her way to medical school, which was what she was supposed to do. I shoved my hands into the pockets of my pants. I was dressed in jeans, a red shirt, and a black coat because the weather was becoming colder by the week.

Jake and I weren't speaking, but I was eager to spend the weekend at Lakeside with Melanie. I just wanted to get away from Dart Mount for a few days. Melanie contacted me every night to check if I was having trouble sleeping, but I allowed her two nights in a row, which resulted in me sleeping considerably more effectively than usual. Melanie recognized the anguish I was feeling. She was like my safe haven when I needed her, yet she astounded me. She told me a few stories about herself, and she had a really interesting life. She didn't mention anything about Kylie, but I didn't want to make any assumptions.

I walked to class, and everyone in my AP classes welcomed me and asked how I was doing. They were upset, but the teacher appeared dissatisfied with me. "Mr. Daxton," shouted a history teacher. I turned around and began approaching his desk. While Melanie was browsing through her texts, he stood up. She looked perplexed. "I'm quite disappointed in you."

"I know, I'm sorry," I admitted. I was mortified since I had never missed one of his lectures. This teacher was fantastic. I didn't mean to let him down that horribly. He gave me a harsh expression in his eyes. His glasses looked old-fashioned to me, but I could feel the small rage he was harboring inside his chest.

"You missed a lot of homework assignments because you skipped classes, and now you're getting lousy scores. This isn't you," he explained.

"I understand, sir, but I recently lost my girlfriend Amanda," I explained. He became immobilized and glanced at his desk. As he took his glasses, he shook his head.

"I realize Amanda is no longer with us, but it's your life to live," he said. He didn't feel sorry for me, but he recognized my agony and struggle. It had never occurred to me before. I was usually excited to study, but now I'm lacking motivation. "You have one week to complete all of your homework, and I have asked Melanie Quinones to tutor you for one week."

"Sir, I will have no issue helping him catch up because I have all of my notes for this class," Melanie replied as she listened to my and the teacher's conversation. The history teacher nodded and collected the stapled packet of papers. He placed it on my chest as I looked astonished. I didn't see it coming, so I kept my mouth shut. I couldn't afford to fail, yet I needed to pass this class as well as the rest of my Harvard courses. Harvard was an expensive college that I had always intended to attend.

Suddenly, a speaker appeared in the corner. Because of his loud Russian voice, most people were terrified when the principal spoke. Although not everyone loved the principle, he was a very hard worker. He altered the school for the better through a variety of activities, but he isn't interested in playing games with students who come to cause problems. As I listened to the radio, I peered at the speaker.

"Please come to my office, Daxton Nathanson. Second, and again, Daxton Nathanson, please come to my office," the principal urged. I'd never been to the principal's office. The bones within me tingle. My entire body turned into a noodle. I had no idea why the principal had requested this... Nothing went wrong with me. As I looked around at my classmates, I grabbed my backpack. They were all gazing at me, but Melanie also appeared to be puzzled and perplexed.

I abruptly exited the classroom and made my way to the principal's office. My entire body was tense as I approached the principal's office door. There were three officers standing there, as far as I could tell. What was the point of this? I'm hoping they didn't blame me for Amy's death.