Something Stupid

Why is my dad and Lance suddenly best friends?

Understandably, not many people had elected to take physics. Even less when it was my elective. I walked into class, being the last one there since, well, the obvious.

As soon as the final bell rang my dad spoke. "Class, I understand all," he paused to count the students in the class before starting again, "fifteen of you have chosen physics as your elective this year. For that, I applaud you and greatly hope it is not just for the extra boost on transcripts. I say this as lovingly as I can, I will not go easy on this class just because it's an elective. This will be a hard class. I hope you're ready."

I gave my dad bewildered eyes, weirded out by his scaring tactic.

My dad smiled. "Now that I'm done terrifying you about the toughness of this class, you can all breath. I assume you all are tired from your first day, it being sixth period and all, and want a break. Please, take this time to relax and look, if briefly, over the syllabus. We will really get started on Monday."

Choruses of "Sweet" and "Best teacher ever" came pouring out of my classmates.

"Oh, and one more thing," My dad started, "You may all call me Brian in class and Mr.Chester out. I thought it was always the coolest thing when teachers let me call them by their first name."

I looked around. One familiar face stood out and was staring right back at me.

He waved.

I looked at my dad who had not yet noticed him, then quickly gave Lance a scowl. I turned back toward the front, glancing back only a second to see his reaction. A full, jolly laugh. Alright then.

I made eye contact with my dad who had seemed to notice Lance since he raised one eyebrow at me. I shrugged my shoulders in return, acting like I didn't know what was Lance's problem either, even though I full well did.

My dad returned to his desk chair and suddenly, Lance got up. My eyes followed him as he was walking to my dad and oh frick. He was starting a conversation.

Quickly getting out of my chair, I raced to the front.

"Hi, dad. Bye, dad," I said, before grabbing Lance's arm and trying to pull him away. It didn't work.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Lance started, pulling his arm back, chuckling at me. "What's the rush? Anyways, like I was saying Brian, my mom would love for you guys to come eat dinner at our house soon. She makes a mean lasagna, being Italian and all."

"I'd certainly enjoy that, as would Raina here, I'm sure. Just let me know when," Dad said, standing up from his chair.

I looked between them. Here they were acting all buddy buddy. They just met two seconds ago! How does Lance do this?!

"Absolutely, sir."

"Eh, eh, eh! Brian." My dad said, bumping into Lance's shoulder like old pals and winking. Unbelievable.

I threw my head back in defeat and dragged my feet back to my chair.

"Buttercup!" My dad called to me. "Lance is co-captain of the debate team! Isn't that neat?" I forced a smile and nodded my head.

He literally went from being the cool teacher to embarrassing dad in a span of two minutes. How does he do it?

Lance winked at me before turning around. If this is him trying to get on my good side, well, he's got something coming for him.

Finally, the bell rang, dismissing the school. I stayed behind, as the other students walked out of the classroom.

"Dad," I started as soon as the last kid walked through the doorway. "This is Parenting 101 on How to not Embarrass Your Daughter on the First Day of School. Rule One: Do not call her cheesy nicknames. Rule Two: Do not point out that you're her teacher. Let the students figure that out for themselves."