Sincerely, Jonah

Chapter 10

Thursday morning, I got to school early so I can turn in papers before the bell. Mr.Kitchen told me that if I don't come in and finish my quiz that I fell asleep on, he'll fail me for this cycle. I can't let that happen. The least I can do is be a good student for my dad and get my papers turned in. I'm not doing so well at that.

All throughout 1st period and lunch, I didn't say anything to Fin and V about it. I just can't. It was bugging me like a fly in a room but if I kill it, I'm afraid I won't be able to control myself and end up telling them everything.

Dad has decided to be a mechanic again and help out a little at the bookstore to get us by. Well, he really didn't have a choice.

But I didn't mean what I said about regretting moving here, because there are people here who care about us already, and if Dad would've let the town know sooner that he needed a job, they'd hire him asap.

"Bennett?"
I look away from the window at Mr.Kitchen. He grabs a pencil and fake write, gesturing for me to finish.
I got this. Just 3 more questions... plus the other 7 I skipped.
Fin helped me study so I don't know why I'm having a hard time.

I bounce my feet up and down. There's a few other kids in here. One girl gets up,turns in a paper, then trots out the door with her tote bag by her side. I quietly groan as I look at the clock and try to listen close enough to see if I can hear it ticking. 20 minutes until the 1st period bell.

I jump when someone knocks on the door. Mr.Kitchen looks away from his papers. The knock continues as he stands up. "Alright alright. I'm coming as fast as I can."

Mr.Kitchen walks with a cane. I remember him saying something at the beginning of the year about having hip problems. I feel bad. He should be retired and sitting on his couch eating cheese balls  for a living, not putting up with teenagers everyday.

"Vivienne...Fin...."
My face lights up.
They walk past him and up to me. "I'm sorry Kitchen, but we have more..important things to do right now."
I arch an eyebrow.
"What's more important than making up your class hours?" He asks, standing in the doorway.

Fin is standing behind  her, trying not to laugh when she nudges him to say something. He looks around, trying to think of something and his eyes land on the paper at the front, hanging on the wall.
I shake my head in disbelief.
"The college....student....association...?" He says, unsure.

V turns around and gives him a look.
Mr.kitchen looks at the paper then snickers. "I'm sorry to inform you but Jonah is a sophomore."
I jump in.
"Well what's wrong with figuring out what college I wanna attend early?"

V grabs my pencil & books & stuffs them in my bag.
"Yeah," Fin adds. "That way he'll know what classes to take."
"Yeah. And there's so many choices to choose from."
I smile to convince him until he sighs and gives in.
"Fine. Sit your paper on my desk. You'll have to finish it during class."

They both high five each other and run towards the door. I quickly put on my backpack, give him my paper and follow along.

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Long story short, we're inside the janitor's closet on the 2nd floor. We're standing in the darkness until Fin pulls a string and on comes a bright yellow light. I squint my eyes.
It looks like a regular closet with mops, brooms, first aid kits, and an old vacuum. The space is small and cramped.

I make a sour face as I take in the smell of sweat and bleach.
"What, are you guys trying to murder me or something?"
Fin smirks at me as  they casually take off their backpacks.

"We should go before someone walks in," I say, about to leave.
"It's fine. No one comes in here anyways. It's like an old storage closet."

I look around again. The Clorox and Lysol have dust all on them, and spider webs are all around the corners of the ceilings. I make an 'I don't wanna be here' face.