"Today, we're simulating the effects of neurotransmitters on the brain." Mr. Kaplan announced to the masses. Brandon's hand it set over mine but I can only focus on Brendon's intense stare. He shakes his head slowly in the corner of my eye and I risk a glance at him.
"Quit it." I mouth.
"No." He mouths back. I turn back to Brandon and he smiles subconsciously.
"You'll be working with your lab group to use chemical reactions to symbolize the effects chemicals, stress, and emotions can have on your brain." My Kaplan continues.
"Mr. Kaplan?" Kevin asks, raising his hand.
"Yes?"
"Could you explain?"
"The process? You'll be using chemicals and observing the color they turn to determine to emotional state of the brain. The reason I have you do this is for two reasons. One, it teaches proper lab etiquette which is always good to know. Second, it creates a neurotransmitter. Once you read the lab and visualize the symbolism of the reactions, then your brain creates a link, a neurotransmitter that associates that chemical color with that emotional state. Trust me, it'll help you on the test."
"Okay..." Kevin replies doubtfully. Mr. Kaplan goes on explaining the lab but I can only pay attention to Brendon.
"Are you ready?" Brandon's question interrupt our stare down and I break into a comfortable smile.
"I am." I get up and follow the class into the lab down the hall.
"What were you trying to accomplish?" I ask Brendon quietly while we shuffle down the hall.
"Just trying to make you squirm. You don't have to tell me if I succeeded. I know I did." He smirks. Brandon tugs on my hand numbly and I press against his body as we walk into the lab. I sit at the chemical sink by the window, claiming it for the group.
Hurley and Kevin trailed behind and take a moment to sit down.
"Who wants to read?" I ask.
"Nose goes!" Hurley shouts and touches his nose. Brandon and I point to our noses and Kevin looks clueless.
"Kevin, my man." Hurley puts a pitiful arm around Kevin, shoving the paper to his chest.
"Oh no!" Kevin disagrees, shoving the paper back and Hurley. He stands apart from him and speaks. "If there's anyone who should do the reading, it's you. I have a 97 in this class. You?"
"79." Hurley mumbles.
"98 " I interrupt, "And Hurley won that fair and square." I take the paper from Hurley and push it into Kevin's hand.
"Ha-ha." Hurley laughs at Kevin, who looks like he just failed a test. Kevin begins the directions and we divy up the work
"And boil the Corn Starch for 8 minutes and the Corn Syrup for ten minutes." He reads.
"That's us." I tell Brandon and we place the test tubes in a tight clamp. Walking to the front of the room, Brandon and I hold our test tubes out. The beaker of boiling water is small and everyone has to crowd around it. I pick a spot and Brandon joins me. His chest touches mine as he get close to have room for more people.
"So we're going to be here a good amount of time." Brendon announces, pressing against my back to dip in his test tube.
"Ohhh God." I groan.
"It's only ten minutes." Brandon reminds me.
"Ten long minutes." I say.
"Ohhh it's not that bad. This stuff smells." Brendon jokes.
YOU ARE READING
Contact {#wattys2016}
Novela JuvenilI have been wearing glasses since 2nd grade. I know what it means to have to worry about sports and dancing and what happens when your glasses are knocked off and you have to blindly feel for them. So why am I incapable of contacts? I mean besides...
