The Vortex

A Bundle of Mistakes

"Alright, class. Remember; your projects are due on the fourth. You will be graded on both presentation and effect." Mr. Dunmer went rambling on and on about the science project. We had 72 hours to create an invention that could change the world. Bonus points if you could create a semi-working prototype. The same boring assignment he gave every year, according to the upperclassmen. "Ahem. Ms. Jepsen! Are you listening?!" I was jolted out of my spacey state. "Erm... If I'm correct you were talking about the project, sir?" He nodded his head. "Pay attention in class. Now, as I was about to say..." Now he started talking about the periodic table and a bunch of boring shit we all learned years prior. Once he was finished with his fifth ramble of the day, Mr. Dunmer paired us up for a lab. "Fae Jepsen, you'll be working with Alec Eldridge." My heart sank deep into my chest. You know how every school has the "it guy"? The tall, dark haired, blue eyed, all around amazing guy that every girl wanted a piece of? That was Alec. Alec was the "it guy" of Chillhollow, Connecticut. Don't ask who named this dammed town, let alone settle in it. Mr. Dunmer told us to break off into the lab groups, and Alec made no hesitation to get to my lab station. I could feel the redness slowly seep into my cheeks. "Hey, Fae." Alec paused and made a weird face. "I didn't mean for that to rhyme." We both laughed, even though it wasn't really that funny. "It's fine." I said, still kinda laughing. "We should probably get started." He nodded in agreement. We worked on the lab, mixing different chemicals together until something went wrong. Alec and I were going of on a tangent, not really paying any attention to the chemicals on the Bunson Burner. "I picked up the guitar about a year ago and...- Fae your hair is on fire!" Alec shouted. "What?!" I leap up and see my reflection in the window in front of me. "Oh shit!" Mr. Dunmer grabs the fire extinguisher and douses my head with whatever is in those things. It wasn't until then that we realized the boiling chemicals were bubbling over and burning through the counter top like acid. Which was essentially what we had created. The entire class was in a panic. "Everybody calm down!" Mr. Dunmer shouted as he put out the flames. After all the chaos was over, he looked over at Alec and I, furious. "You two, office. Now." We reluctantly obeyed. We made our way to the office, taking as long as we possibly could. "I love how we're sophomores and we still are deathly afraid of the principal's office." I remarked. "I'm not so much afraid of the principal as I am of my mom when she finds out." Alec said. "That's pretty valid, too." I laughed. When we finally arrived at the principal's office, he brought us in one at a time. Alec first. I waited outside for a solid half hour before he came out. "Your turn. Good luck in there. She's brutal." I rolled my eyes. "Thanks for the confidence, Mr. 'I'll keep an eye on the burner'." He grinned. "Shut up." I laughed as I entered Ms. Regina's office. "Have a seat, Ms. Jepsen." I sat down in front of her desk. "I-" I started to explain myself, but was cut short. "I already know exactly what happened in that classroom. I was told by Mr. Dunmer and by Mr. Eldridge. I am afraid that I'm going to have to suspend you until next week." My eyes nearly popped out of my head. "What?! No! You can't! I won't be able to turn in my project on Friday! Not to mention my mother will kill me!" Ms. Regina didn't seem to care. "Those are all your problems. I'll have your mother pick you up. Go wait outside my office." I left the office insanely pissed off. Alec was waiting for me. "Well?" He asked. "I'm fucking suspended until next week." Alec's eyes were sympathetic. "At least we'll be suspended together." It was nice to know that we both had gotten suspended. In a weird way. The door behind us opened. "Fae Elizabeth Jepsen!" I rolled my eyes and turned around. "Yes mother?" I said, my voice drenched in apathy. "You lit the lab on fire?!" I shrugged my shoulders. "You say that like it was on purpose." I turned to Alec. "Well that's my cue to leave. See you later." My mom dragged me out of the school and drove me home. The car ride was teeming with awkward silence and anger.