The Miracle Clinic

Chapter 13 - Too Old To Be Able To Believe (1)

 The year; 1995. A young Aken Amnestor stands in his office as he looks out on the leaves, fall has finally begun to show its colors as the summer heat has died and some of the leaves have begun to change.

Unlike the tired and defeated Amnestor of the present, this one is lively and full of energy. His first year as a teacher has just begun, his face is clean-shaven, his eyes filled with enthusiasm, and even his hair is still all black.

"So let me get this straight," Amenstor says as he turns to look at someone in his office, "You failed the test on purpose?"

"Yeah, so what? You'll let me take it again right?" A young student questions with a cocky smirk before adding, "After all aren't I your favorite student?"

"I don't recall those words ever slipping off my tongue," Amnestor remarks as he organizes the test papers on his desk, "Besides I remember reminding the whole class about this test several times."

"Oh come on, don't you have a soul?" The student teases as he holds his hands together to pray, "You know that I had a fight that day, so you can't blame me for ignoring the test. Besides, if I don't retake it, I might just no longer have time for the world history club."

Amnestor is silent for a moment before caving in and handing the student a new test.

"Don't go telling anyone about this, otherwise I'll get in trouble," Amnestor remarks, "And you better not get into any more fights, especially on test days."

"Loud and clear Amny," The student salutes, "I'll have this test done in no time flat!"

As the student starts filling out the test, Amnestor can't help but appreciate the student's dedication. Despite his carefree nature, when handed any school work the young student would focus on it and let the passion he had for the subject flow into his own tests.

However, that appreciation Amnestor had would soon turn into a bitter regret. A regret that he'd have to deal with for several years.

THE MIRACLE CLINIC

The year; 2013. A now much older Aken Amnestor sits in his office drinking coffee. All the while the sounds of Alex, Marcus, Ronnie, & Elizabeth arguing fill his ears.

"Are you kidding me? How can you just decide to end our club!" Ronnie yells, "We haven't even done anything wrong!"

"I mean, we did get into two fights," Marcus murmurs.

"Yeah, but it was only twice," Ronnie whispers back.

"I was only aware of the cafeteria fight," Amnestor remarks before questioning with a stern look on his face, "What exactly do you mean by two fights?"

Ronnie & Marcus deflate a little before Alex interjects, "One of those was more of an argument that just so happened to have fists involved. And nobody could've guessed that lunch guy was a psycho!"

"The student handbook states that the kitchen is strictly off-limits for students for a multitude of reasons. While I'm not defending Mister Griffon's actions, I am not excusing your rule-breaking and negligence," Amnestor retorts.

"Look I'm sorry, can you just give us one more chance?" Elizabeth asks, "Please?"

Amnestor looks at her before stating, "Allow me to be frank with you, if Mister Ramirez wasn't there I'm afraid I'd be having a much different discussion. I cannot in good conscience allow myself to host a club that jeopardizes your health. Do I make myself clear?"

Marcus looks down at the ground before replying, "Yes sir."

Ronnie, Elizabeth, Alex, & Marcus all leave Mr. Amnestor's office, as they do so, Mr. Amnestor sighs as he takes another sip of his dark and bitter coffee.

_____________________

That night at Burrito Bistro, Marcus, Elizabeth, Ronnie, & Alex are sitting at a table eating some chips as they accept the reality of the situation.

"Well guys, it's been a fun month," Alex remarks as he lifts a tortilla chip with salsa up into the air, "Let's have a toast to our club!"

Ronnie & Marcus tap chips with Alex while Elizabeth takes a look at the time. As the three boys eat some chips, Elizabeth sighs as she slumps over.

"Well, it was fun while it lasted," Elizabeth laments, "But looks like this is gonna be the last time I can really hang out with you guys outside of school."

"What? How come?" Ronnie questions.

"Only reason why I've been able to spend time with you guys outside of school is because I was in a club," Elizabeth sighs, "Now that that's gone, I'm sure my parents won't be too keen on me just hanging out with you guys when I could be watching over my siblings."

"How long have you been doing that?" Alex questions.

"Like 4th grade-"

"4TH GRADE?!" Alex yells before sighing, "Isn't your brother in middle school, can't he watch over himself?"

"That's what I've been saying," Elizabeth laments.

Seeing that the situation has taken a bit of a sour tone with even Marcus looking glum, Ronnie looks around trying to find something to cheer up the mood. That's when he sees Mesto-Presto walking by with some empanadas on a tray, Ronnie snatches one before pointing it toward Marcus.

"Don't worry I'll give it back," Ronnie says to Mesto before turning his attention to Marcus, "Listen Marcus remember when you first went here and saw these?"

"Yeah?" Marcus recalls confused, "I didn't think they were anything special but when I had it I really liked it."

"Yeah, now we just gotta do the same to Amnestor!" Ronnie states.

Marcus, Elizabeth, & Alex all look at Ronnie confused. Mesto clears his throat causing Ronnie to give the empanada back.

"You want us to feed Amnestor an empanada?" Elizabeth questions.

"What? No, not that. What I meant is that we need to have Amnestor open his eyes a little," Ronnie replies with a smile on his face, "And what better way than to try and grant him his very own miracle!"

See You Next Chapter!~