A Rift Between Us

Chapter 16 - Mindful Revisions

Mr Dodge's face slid from his palm as his elbow's support weakened in his sleep. His head twitched involuntarily as his face slipped, causing his eyes to flutter open. He looked lost, even confused, as if he had just woken from a disorientating dream. His swollen eyelids nearly engulfed his eyes, giving him a weary, haggard appearance. He scanned the classroom, his gaze sweeping over the students who were diligently working in silence, their faces focused and intent—just the way he liked it. His eyes finally settled on Alfie, whose back was turned towards him. A small frown creased his brow.

What's wrong with this boy?

"Alfie sit back in your proper space, what do you think you're doing?"

Alfie's head partially turned, enough to bring Mr Dodge into his peripheral vision.

"Sir, I'm focusing better like thi-"

"I said sit back in your proper space, don't argue with me."

Alfie grunted, the squawk of magpies outside breaking the silence. He got off his stool and slid it back next to Keiko. She gave him a smug grin. He looked away and adjusted himself next to her once again.

"I'll be having a word with your mum later today. Your behaviour has not been good lately."

Alfie's jaw dropped. How could Mr Dodge notice his so-called 'bad' behaviour but not recognise Keiko's? He grumbled and forced his attention back to his newly acquired revision sheets. Mr Dodge's head shook disapprovingly, the movement almost imperceptible. He lowered his head and briefly tousled his hair with his hands.

God, I really need to sleep. Every day it's 'do this' and 'do that.' I'm running all over the place like a madman. Half of these kids have no clue how privileged they are to get a free education.

The periodic bell rang, marking the end of the third period. Mr Dodge raised his head as a susurrus of paper and bags chased away the silence.

"Er, excuse me please?"

He shot up and walked hastily towards the entrance. His back softly boomed against the door, blocking everyone's path. With folded arms, he stared at the incoming students.

"Can I remind everyone that it's a double science lesson? Sit back down."

A deluge of moans arose from the students as they walked back to their desks. Some tossed their bags in frustration, others dragged their feet, while a few declared they had already completed all the questions. Mr Dodge narrowed his eyes.

"Not my problem. Your exams are coming up soon. Memorise as much as you can."

He dragged himself back to his seat, his upper body sagging as if it weighed a ton. Alfie answered another question, fully focused on his revision. Keiko's eyes browsed his sheet.

"You answered that wrong."

Easy for you to say. You've got a textbook right in front of you.

"I'm...revising. I'll correct myself later on."

"No you won't, nerd. You have to fix your answers now."

She placed her finger next to one of the questions, which explored the name of a column of elements in the periodic table.

"A vertical column in the periodic table is called a 'group' not a 'category'. No wonder you failed your past mock exams."

Alfie's grip on his pen tightened, accentuating the creases on his fingers.

"Oh and this, the hazard symbol with an 'X' represents something harmful, not something that's 'toxic'. I can't believe I have to spoon-feed you stuff you should already know."

Yeah well if you just shut your mouth for once, perhaps I wouldn't be making these mistakes!

"Uhm...thanks for showing me."

Damn it man...I can't continue dealing with her crap like this.