Apples Don't Just Mean School [in process of rewriting]

Romeo And Juliet

A/N: Whoo! It's been one heck of a ride, huh? We've discovered Mattie's dark secret! So let's go on, shall we? Allons-y! (Doctor Who, anyone?)

Matthew's POV

I arrived in Silver Creek High with about half an hour to spare, so I lounged in the Staff Room, rearranging my table.

It was notably the most toy-infested and messiest table in the 'Office'. I had placed little Lego figurines EVERYWHERE and rubber snakes, spiders and even plastic cockroaches around. One corner was piled up with papers and beside it was a mountain of useless junk (like unused whiteboards, used cardboard boxes, that sort). The walls of my divider (dividing the different tables) were studded with Teachers' Day presents.

I picked up my favourite rubber frog. "Hmm," I mused. The frog didn't like the tarantula, and vice versa, so I shrugged and plopped it on Jenna's divider next to me. "There!" I pronounced. "HEY! Matthew William Harper, get this frog off my table!" Jenna shrieked. "Nope!" I declared, popping the 'P'. "You're a terrible man, did you know that?" she accused. "Yes, I did!"

I arranged the snakes in an aesthetically-pleasing position and lined the sides my my table with the cockroaches, stuck on with Blu-tack. Then, I pushed my slippers under the table, out of view, and draped my old college jacket over my chair. Finally, I cleared a space for my laptop. It's still messy... Oh, never mind, I'll get down to it one of these days... Oh, shucks, time for stupid assembly with that idiot Alexander Steinfield!

Emily's POV

I stepped into the lift confidently on the dot of seven, bumping into no one else but... you got it, Matthew. I immediately forgot the apology I had prepared mentally in the car. "Umm, I-I'm sorry M-Matthew, for being silly and insensitive and stupid-" I babbled before he cut me off with a smile (a little forced of you ask me).

"No, Emily, it wasn't your fault and it just brought back some bitter memories, that's all..." His voice trailed off. "But I was the one who asked..." I whispered. This lift ride is awfully long... "It's not your fault, I'm fine now. Thanks for your concern," he insisted, smiling widely. He is definitely not okay... Why is he hiding? It is a bad memory, I guess.

We walked to the hall, watching the students file in one by one, sitting close but not too close. Why do we even have to come here anyway? We're only here to listen to the principal make dumb and useless announcements. I think I know why Matthew hates him now... I rolled my eyes at Matthew dramatically, pointedly gesturing at Mr Steinfield.

He smirked and nodded in agreement, face palming at him. "What an idiot. Did you know that he wants my family to sponsor the school, but when I refuse he tries to bribe me with raises and such? It's utterly infuriating... The man can't get hints," he muttered to me. I spluttered out a laugh, then clamped a hand over my mouth. I think he's cheered up a bit more. He's joking around, so he should be fine, right?

Matthew's POV

Sarah. Sarah. Sarah. The words repeated over and over as I talked to Emily. Emily reminds me of Sarah. But she is nothing like her! Except their sense of humour. But we are friends. I love Sarah, she's a married woman. This is wrong. I... I'm thinking of her in the wrong way, she is not an object! Wake UP, Matthew, face the real world! I shook my head to clear it. "Matthew? You okay?" Emily broke off to ask. "I'm fine, just a little sleepy," I lied.

"Did you stay up gaming?" she teased. I put on a expression of mock horror. "Would I ever do that?" She eyed me. "Yes, yes you would." Why is she just like Sarah? No, I'm over-thinking it. Sarah. Sarah. Sarah. Stop thinking about her! Move on, man! You hopeless, emotional... Brick! "I'm hurt, Ms Fox," I complained jokingly. "Poor, poor Mattie," she cooed condescendingly. "Meanie," I accused. "Am I? Oh yes, I am, aren't I? That's the point," Emily smirked.

Emily's POV

I led the students back to class: It was English. After they had settled down, I asked, "Did you bring our literature book as I requested?" All chorused 'Yes' and I nodded approvingly. "Good, we don't need to waste time while I scold. Flip the book open to the first page." A hand waved in front of me. "Victoria Haley, was it? Yes?" She stood up. "Miss Fox, why are we doing Shakespeare this year? Usually, we do classics but this time, it's different. Why?" she asked.

"Good question, Victoria. Well, the school thought it would be interesting to let you all read poetry this time. Time to up the ante, if you understand. And Shakespeare is nice, especially our book this year," I explained, holding up my worn copy of Romeo and Juliet to let them see. "Now let's invite someone to read each part. I need a few volunteers. Chop chop, come on 9R, don't waste our time!" I said impatiently. There was a short silence before Joseph, Jessica, Raphael and Olivia all stood up at the same time. The girls sat after realising the first act was a man's role.
Joseph began. "Gregory, o' my word, we'll not carry coals."

"No, for then we should be colliers."

"I mean, an we be in choler we'll draw."

"Aye, while you live, draw your neck out o' the collar."

I held up a hand. "Alright, that's enough. Next two, please! And ladies, it's fine to read a boy's part... Just stand!" Charis and Veronica stood.

"I strike quickly, being moved." Charis read.

"But thou art not quickly moved to strike."

"A dog of the house of Montague moves me."

"To move is to stir; and to be valient is to stand: therefore, if thou art moved, thou run'nest away."

Just then, the door banged open, revealing a panting Matthew. "Wait, Em- Ms Fox? Why... Isn't it my lesson now?" I sighed. "Mr Harper, it's English now, or have you befuddled your brain? Since you're here, and you're free, William, pass him your book. Please demonstrate for the students!" I smirked at his horrified expression. "Umm..."

A/N: Hooray! Happy now! Chapter Five will hopefully be funny as we look at Mattie's failed attempt at reading. Or did he fail? :)

Matthew: I am awesome, I won't fail!

Emily: Open to question...