Crazy Differences Between Us

Carter Ch.3

Everyone's head snapped up and turned to look up at the door.

"Sorry I'm late." Mackenzie told Ms. Redding.

     Just my freaking luck. Of course she had to be in my class.

"Ah, Ms. Marcus! Nice of you to join us. Please sit anywhere. As I was saying homework..." I stopped listening and instead started looking at my football playbook.

     Our first game was this Friday, and as co-captain I had to know the playbook by the beginning of practice today. If not, I knew I'd probably lose my title of being co-captain.

"Carter." Kaden whispered. I don't even know why he didn't just tap. Like why does he have to say my name?

"What do you want Kaden?" I said quietly.

"Just wanted to see the playbook. Is there a lot?"

"Yes there is." I said. Why the heck does he think there wouldn't be a lot of plays? Last years playbook was over 120 pages. And that was just the offensive one.

     "Oh ok." Was all he said.

     For the rest of class I pretty much sat there reading and looking at the plays, all while Ms. Redding was going over her rules, classroom expectations, and syllabus.

     "...and that is all! I hope we have a great year! You have these last few minutes to talk with your peers." Ms. Redding finished with.

     I automatically looked back down at the playbook. I'd read a good two-thirds in the summer and memorized the plays, but some were still a bit unclear. Coach had given us the book during summer workouts in July, telling us that he wanted us to remember every rule and play he had in there.

I kept studying until I felt eyes staring at my back. I slowly turned in my seat and saw that Mackenzie was just looking at me, even though she was having a conversation with Kaden. As I was about to turn back around, the bell rang signifying the end of first period.

I glumly began to walk towards Calculus, which just happened to be all the way in A building. As I was going through the hallways, a lot of people would say hi to me, or stare at me. Don't get me wrong, I now I'm a very good looking guy, but like com'n, I'm no animal in a zoo that wants to be stared at.

On my way to my class, I noticed a lot of freshman sprinting, as if they were going to be late. I remembered being one of them. Not a sprinter, but a freshman. I was dating Mackenzie at the time, and was sadly on the JV football team. We had met in 8th grade, and started dating in the summer between 8th and 9th.

I was lost in my thoughts and didn't even notice I'd already passed my class. I turned around and walked through the door. I wasn't paying attention and ran right into a crowd of kids.

"Dude what's going on?" I stated to the kid in front of me.

"I have no idea. Something about us sitting in alphabetical order." The kid replied. Damn, I'd heard stories about Mr. Davis being a great teacher, but making kids sit in alphabetical order just sucked. He also happened to have those desks that had two people per table.

The group of kids slowly decreased, as more kids were called up to go find their seats.

     "Vera. You will be sitting behind Turner and Ubehlor." Mr. Davis said lamely. "Wilson," my head snapped up. "you'll be sitting next to Vera.