Before I Sprouted

Prologue

7:30 AM at Mr. Greedo's English 9 Class at Saint Thomas High School.
Ray

I'm sweating and my heart is racing. My laptop is closed because I'm waiting for Mr. Greedo to release the test scores. This class is hell. Don't get me wrong, I like him as a teacher, but his class is challenging for me. I'm Ray, an international student from Nanchang, Jiangxi, China. English is not my first language. So, reading lengthy chapter books is challenging...

*Tap Tap Tap*

My fingers won't stop shaking. I'm scared that I will fail again.

"OK, I just posted the scores for Act 2 of Romeo and Juliet. Make sure you guys see my comments."

It's no accident that Mr. Greedo was directly looking at me when he said that. I open my laptop... I failed again. Most of my answers are wrong and my short answers don't make sense. My fave starts to burn. I cover my face with my hands. I'm disappointed in myself.

"Ray, I have something for you. Can you see me after class?"

I look up at Mr. Greedo. "Yeah."

*RING RING*

All my classmates get their phones out of the phone pouch that's hanging on the whiteboard and hurry out of their class. I pick up my bag and walk to Mr. Greedo's desk.

"So, Ray, you are at risk of failing my class soon for the first quarter. What's up?"

"Mr. Greedo, I try to study but this material is hard for me to grasp."

"I understand English is not your first language," He leans back and strokes his chin. "I'll tell you what. How about one of my students from another class help you out? Would you like that?"

"I would like that. Yes. I just... don't want to fail. I don't want to leave this school."

"Ok, I'll get back to you on that, but you're not going to leave the school, buddy." He chuckles. Why did I say that? Obviously, I'm not going to be kicked out of this school. I just don't want to go back to China. I laugh nervously then walk out of his class.

10:50 AM at Mr. Greedo's English 11 Honors Class
Rose

"Hey, Rose, after class can you see me?" Mr. Greedo states as I walk into his class. I nod and then sit down. I assume it's probably me getting the only 100% on a test that no one has ever gotten. He always praises my work.

*RING RING*

I get up from my seat as my classmates hurry to the phone pouches and then out of the room like the world is going to end. I walk to Mr. Greedo's desk.

I cross my arms and raise my eyebrow. "What, did I get another 100% no one has ever gotten?" I say sarcastically.

"Haha, No. I have a freshman named Ray in my English 9 class that is struggling. He is an international student. I was wondering, do you want to help out a freshman? Like, you're above my AP kids! You could practically teach my course!"

I ponder what he's asking me. Tutoring job? I get it. I'm amazing at English. However, my participation grade in all my classes is horrible except for English because he lets it slide. Part of me doesn't want to do this. I don't enjoy talking to people.

"I'll think about it," I tell him. He nods his head.

"Okay, well get back to me if you decide to do it. You'll be helping someone out, and that will make them very happy."