(COMPLETE) The Teaching Elective - A Logicality Fanfiction

Chapter 1 - The Dream Class

Hello and welcome to Chapter 1 of my new book! Just finished writing Chapter 23 so thought I should publish this soon enough XD. 

Summary: Patton hears about a class that seems like his dream come true. In order to fund it, there needs to be students in the class. Luckily Patton's friends know of a quiet nerd that would take any class he could get.

Patton was one of the sophomores that knew exactly what they wanted in life after high school. They wanted to work with kids. Ever since they were a child themselves their mom had run a day-care, so he was often helping take care of little kids after school and on weekends. And it was his dream – running around with children who had such wonder and amazement at the world around them.

That's why he chose to do the Child Development elective as soon as he entered sophomore year. Usually, only juniors and seniors interested in a related college major took the class, but with a flutter of the eyelids Patton managed to get into the class. He wasn't struggling with the material, nor was he struggling to make friends. He was quite sociable anyway.

"Piaget? More like we-are-gay!"

"Maybe leave the puns to Patton babe."

Two of Patton's friends in this class were the juniors Janus and Remus. They were boyfriends and high school sweethearts, could never be seen without holding the other's hand, and Patton had been besties with Remus' little brother since kindergarten. The two were polar opposites but suited each other quite well – Remus was excitable and quite chaotic, always the one to bring snacks to class and then try feeding them to the rats in the dumpsters after classes. Janus was introverted, always had a book in his lap and his dream was to go into law school. Remus supported that dream so he could be a trophy husband and sugar baby.

As the lesson ended the teacher, Mrs Torres-Rosario, brought everyone's attention forwards again. "Now, I've got something to request of you sweeties. This isn't as important for the seniors but please listen up!" Patton's attention was on the board already, but his eyes widened even more when he saw the words: 'Education Placement' written on the board. He'd love to actually interact with kids as part of his high school experience! "This is the other class I lead, where I take a few high schoolers of any grades to the local elementary school down the road to do some work with the kiddos! I'd highly recommend taking the class next year if you want to work with children."

This was Patton's dream class! He'll be a junior and will have even more experience with children under his belt. Of course, there was a caveat to Patton's perfect elective. "We are under the expected numbers of those needed for the class to be worthwhile, so if you know anyone else interested in working with children please tell them to sign up! Otherwise, I will have to cancel the class for the year."

*******

At lunch period, Patton was desperately trying to persuade his friends to take the class with him. "Patton, you are allowed to take fun classes in senior year too, that's what most people do." Janus piped up to interrupt Patton's five minute presentation into how taking this class will guarantee everyone's success in their future career options.

"Ssh Jan! I want to see Patton explain how running after children will help me in my gap year exploring all corners of my pillow with my head." Patton felt like such a nerd when he realised that slide was the next page of his presentation. Because going overboard in social interaction would indeed help Virgil's head reach the pillow once senior year came around if exhaustion was cumulative.

Luckily Roman still seemed to be processing the information already given, staring at the slide about how teaching drama and art would help him reach his Broadway dreams. "Well, I appreciate the effort Pat, but I think you're prophesising to the wrong audience." Patton sighed, collecting all the pieces of paper he made during study hall. "There are plenty people trying to graduate early though that might take the class – like there's this kid in my AP Literature that won't stop asking for extra credit after every homework is set."

"Is that the same guy in my philosophy class Ro? The tall one with brown hair and glasses?" Janus interrupted. Roman nodded excitedly at the description as Janus seemed to have an idea of a plan. "Oh yeah, he'd definitely say yes to this class. It seems like an extra credit goldmine." Patton hadn't heard of this boy before – but he might be the answer to Patton's prayers! "I think his name is Logan or something – there's only 10 of us in that class – do you think he'll put up with Patton's..." A side eye transferred from Janus to Patton's, "extroversion though? He literally never speaks in philosophy unless he's told to."

"We have to try!" Patton couldn't contain his excitement anymore; he could even gain a new friend in his group! Plus, Patton wasn't that bad with introverted people. He met Virgil in seventh grade and they hadn't left. "Where is he?"

"Library." Roman and Janus said in unison – and just like that Patton was off (eventually with Roman following him so he didn't just walk up to random students). He was going to find a new friend and classmate for September.

*******

Logan was one of the sophomores who knew exactly what he wanted to do in life after high school – to move far away. He hated being stuck for eight hours a day with all these reckless, loud people that socialised in these weird ways Logan just couldn't understand. So, after high school Logan will breeze through college where everyone was a little more adult, and then retire at twenty-two to a small village and live alone in the quiet, reading and writing books to pass the day and make money. So far, the library was the closest he could get to that dream.

Unfortunately, he was disturbed by his peace by whispering, from a particular student Logan recognised as being in his AP Literature class. The boy was nice, a bit more interested in the dramatic side of literature compared to the composition, and he displayed his confidence by loudness. In general, though, he left Logan alone - so he was in his good books. Until now.

"Hey, you're Logan right? You're in my AP Lit?" The boy said, Logan nodded. Roman and a friend with him, a blond curly haired boy practically jumping on the inside, sat opposite Logan in his safe corner. "Good to meet you, my friend Patton and I were just wondering if..."

"Would you like do an extra class with me?" Patton practically screamed, the excitement exploding out of him and making Logan flinch. Of course he visibly flinched at that, because he can't just be startled like a normal person. Logan pinched the closest part of his upper arm to calm himself. "It's like the best class ever – for an hour a day we'd do down to the elementary school and help kids learn! Isn't that so cute? Do you want to work with kids?"

Working with children seemed to be the opposite of what Logan was comfortable with. Children were loud and rude and startled Logan way too much. It made Logan overwhelmed just thinking about it. Still, he had to put on a strong face.

"I'm not interested in working with children, thank you for offering though."

It didn't seem like that was the end of the conversation. "Are you sure? It seems like a pretty easy class, it could really help your GPA if it wasn't high enough already." Roman tried but was met with a quick shake of the head from Logan. Both boys sighed at that and looked at each other for a moment. "Can you at least tell your friends about it maybe?"

Logan didn't have any friends to speak to, he mostly just glided through his classes as Mr Nobody. And it's not like he was in any extra-curriculars where friends were usually made. Wait... He didn't have any extra work outside of school. That's important for college, right? He would hate to be rejected from a college just because he has no social life – and at least this class can knock two birds with one stone in that regard. The two boys were standing up and getting ready to leave – but he might as well ask them. "Does this class count as an extra-curricular?"

Patton's smile was wide and somehow calmed Logan from his worries. "It's an elective, so I assume so! It's definitely something that you can put on your resume as work experience."

Logan nodded, making Patton hopeful that he will be able to do his dream class in junior year. The quiet boy held tightly onto the sleeve of his jacket, looking away from the two people he was speaking to and admiring the texture. "I'll think about it. Who should I contact if interested?"

"Oh, just Mrs Torres-Rosario in room 312!" The school bell rang, indicating both Roman and Patton needed to head to their math class. Logan also stuffed some books in his bag for the rest of his day too. Patton was just excited to possibly make a brand-new friend after some adjustment. "See you in September!"