I'm Fine

Chapter Nine - Mr. McKinley

January

"Lisa, you don't get it, I'm torn." I mumbled as I finished pouring my second cup of coffee for the day. The teacher's lounge coffee is awful and is always lukewarm, but at this point, it's free coffee, so I can't complain.

"Both of the girls gave such a great interview, and I really don't know who to pick." I continued as I sat down at a table across from her.

Lisa was the first person to welcome me to this school when I started. She took time out of her day, every day, to check in on me and help out when needed.

Lisa has worked at this school for almost ten years but she made sure to work hard every year to help all of her students. I respect her and trust any advice she gives me, which is why I'm here, dreading having to pick the next student council president.

"Well, tell me about their interviews." She stated patiently as she took a quick sip of her coffee.

"Okay, so Ava Grace's interview was amazing. She brought up all kinds of ideas to do in the student council for the school and for just the club. She brought in so much passion and energy. I was thrilled." I stated with the same amount of enthusiasm that Ava Grace had at her interview.

"And Avery?" Lisa questioned.

"Avery's interview was almost like last year. She had a few ideas, but she seemed to want to do the same things she's done the last few years." I felt the enthusiasm slip away, but the security of a consistent year crept into my mind.

"Well, I don't see the problem." Lisa stated matter-of-factly.

"The problem is, I don't know who to choose. I want to try new things for the club, but I'm also scared that those things may flop, and the club isn't as successful this year." I panicked as I finally took a seat from pacing and swallowed another lukewarm sip of coffee.

"No offense Ethan, but it's just a club, so what if you have a year where you flop." She stated calmly as she took another sip.

"Because I have a lot of students who are seniors this year. This is their last year in the club, and they've been in the club throughout high school. Well, most of them anyway." I dreaded as I rubbed my head with frustration.

"I get that, but would you rather keep things the same or switch it up their last year. From what you've told me, Avery has a lot on her plate anyway, give the girl a break. She did great the last few years, but this year, she needs to focus on her future." She stated as she pushed herself out of her chair.

"And you need to try new things as well, Ethan. Good luck with Summer, she sounds perfect for you." She finished as she made her way out of the break room, leaving me to ponder this decision on my own.