I'm Fine

Chapter Twelve - Dalton

January

If I'm honest, English was my favorite class. Yes, everyone considers me a nerd, and yes, I do enjoy writing essays. But there was one thing that I liked the most about this class, Ava Grace.

Every day her emerald eyes greet me as I take my seat. She pulls her scarlet curls behind her ear before turning around to tell me good morning. It never fails; she always takes her time to welcome me to the class.

I don't think she realizes how much this makes my day. I'm in awe of her, I don't know what exactly it is about her, but I can't get enough of her. I always want to say something more than "good morning" back, but I can never think of anything.

However, every morning my daydream is cut short when the bell rings, and Mr. McKinley bounces to the front of the classroom. Don't get me wrong; he's a great teacher, but I'd rather daydream about planting my lips on Ava Grace's fair skin.

The class is the same every time. We start with a bell ringer where we have to fix the sentence; then we go over it as a class, blah blah blah. It seems lame, and I would never admit it out loud, but I can't wait to go to college and be able to be more academically challenged. I have to ask Mr. McKinley to give me extra credit assignments to provide me with some challenges, plus bonus points, of course.

The bell rings for the end of the period, and as I grab my bag, I hear her angelic voice speak to me again. "Hey Dalton, are you interested at all in joining the student council?" Ava, Grace asked.

"Yeah, you should. You would love it." Mr. McKinley interrupted before I could speak.

"I don't know; I'm pretty busy as it is." I halfway lied, knowing full well I was already trying to keep up with other clubs and extra credit homework.

"Oh come on, you've been dying to add stuff to your college resume. Joining the club will help, plus the people in it are great." Mr. McKinley continued to push as he made his way closer to Ava Grace and myself. The student council's welcome committee now cornered me.

"Also, on a more selfish side, I'm running my first student council meeting as the new president today, and I'm super nervous. Could you come to help cheer me on?" Ava Grace urged as she stared me down with her innocent emerald puppy eyes. Wow, she is my weakness.

"Okay," I finally answered. Ava Grace and Mr. McKinley both let out a sound of excitement.

"You won't regret it, I mean as long as I don't blow it up there." She said nervously. "It's in this room at three."

Joining the club worked out perfectly because I didn't want to go home today. I didn't want to go back home any day, but now there's a bonus, I get to keep looking at Ava Grace and be away from home.

Ava Grace grabbed her things and left the room. I tried not to be obvious as I watched her curls bounce out the door, but I couldn't help it.

"Hey, Dalton." Mr. McKinley stated, pulling me from my daydream again.

"Yes, sir," I replied as we made our way to his desk.

"I know you've been applying for different scholarships, and you enjoy writing, so I did some research and found a few different scholarships that simply require just writing." He stated as he handed me a list with different titles and web addresses.

"So, I just write whatever?" I questioned as I quickly skimmed through the different scholarship titles.

"No, they have guidelines and rules, as a normal essay paper would, but it can give you a healthy challenge while also increasing your chances of getting scholarships." He stated as he let me ponder over the list.

I've only talked a few times to Mr. McKinley about my interest in scholarships, and I guess I do ask for extra assignments quite often. It just feels good to know that he noticed these things and tries to help. I don't have anyone in my life doing that, and honestly, I don't know how to react to it.

"Um..thanks, sir. I will look into these tonight." I replied. He responded with a head nod before returning to his computer, letting me know that our conversation was over.

As I walked out of the room, I gripped the paper tighter than usual. It felt like this paper could be my answer to finally getting out of the foster house. Ultimately, becoming my own person proves that I can accomplish my goals no matter what the old man says.

"Hey, Dalton." Mr. McKinley stated from behind me as I reached the doorframe. I turned on my heels and gave him a puzzled look. "See you at three." He reminded me with a smile.