Palm Print

Chapter 14

Mr. Rutherford walked to the window, placing his hands inside his pockets, and exhaled. He leaned against the glass, peering outside.

"A world in which the nonsensical was doctrine. Famine and disease were the works of devils and wickedness," he said, returning to the class. He turned the slide. "Destruction and war were daily endeavors. That was the medieval."

Several images appeared on the Smart Board. Each image was heart-wrenching, and it wasn't easy to breathe observing them. One showed someone flayed, and another depicted people fleeing from their homes, hoping death would miss them. However, the one that stood out most was a mother running with her child, trying to evade the barbarians.

The quiet hall began to fill with students and various faculty members. Mr. Rutherford finished up the final slide.

"That is all for the medieval section," he began. "The test is next Tuesday, so you have Friday, Monday, and the weekend, to prepare for it. That's all I have for you."

The class gathered their belongings and exited. I looked over my schedule and entered the test in my planner. I was doing well in my classes, but I regretted taking five classes. From now on, only four.

"Want to study this weekend?" Jasmine asked.

"Yeah," I said. "Everyone else coming?"

"Yeah, they'll be coming."

"OK, sounds good. See you then."

"Bye, Taylor."

I gathered my items. As I exited the classroom, Mr. Rutherford called me over.

"Yes, Professor?"

"I just wanted to give your paper back," he said. "Great job."

"105," I stated, confusedly. "Why did I get five bonus points?"

"This paper wasn't due until next week, and it was an excellent paper. I like rewarding those who take initiative in the class."

"Thank you. I want to be an English and history teacher. If I didn't apply myself, that would reflect poorly on me."

"Why did you write about Persia?"

"I've always loved Persia. They built such a grand empire with unique culture and architecture. They're just fascinating." I placed my paper into my backpack. "I've probably watched and read hundreds of documentaries and books about Persia."

"Well, I wish you luck on your journey. Keep up the good work."

"Thank you, Professor."

I exited the classroom and checked my planner again. I was doing well so far, but I wasn't sure about a few classes. I was confident about English and world history; however, the other three were going to test my resolve. My phone pinged, and I received a message from the Classic Literature Club. I decided to join last week, and they had been very welcoming. Today was my first day attending.

I walked downstairs and went outside through the garden on campus. Everything glowed. The marble fountain was being reconstructed; there was a party on campus and things got out of control. There was a fight, and the main perpetrators (who destroyed the fountain) were expelled. Anyway, besides that, everything was lovely.

The grass was vibrant. I took my shoes off and walked in the grass. The grass was cool and soft, and its thin blades tickled the soles of my feet. I couldn't believe it was September already; the school year was going so fast. My phone pinged.

Ethan texted: "Hey, gorgeous ❤️"

I smiled, answering: "🥰 Hey, clumsy."

He texted: "😂 How were your classes? Are you headed to the Literature Club?"