Played.

2: "Finals."

"Come, take a seat over here." Mr Parker instructed, sitting down and pulling a chair so that it faced him.

I followed and sat down on the chair, placing my bag on the floor. I racked my brain trying to search for a possible reason for being called back. Was I getting in trouble? Was I getting rewarded? Oh God. Am I being moved into another class? All types of possibilities flooded my head.

"Maddison, you're failing."

I felt my stomach drop, and my heart miss a beat. My mouth fell slightly open, my eyes widening with it. I cannot be failing.

I quickly composed myself. "No, Sir, I don't think you have the right person. It must be someone else."

"Look," He took a deep breath, leaning closer to me. "If your grades don't start to improve within the next couple of weeks, I'm afraid you won't pass Finals."

My heart felt like it had stopped beating. My mouth was dry, and my palms, beginning to sweat. I have to pass those exams. I don't even want to think about what would happen if I don't.

I looked down to hide the emotions of disgust and shame on my face. "Mr Parker, I -."

"But," He paused, standing up and walking over to his desk on the other side of the classroom. "There is a way that you can boost your grades." He continued.

I stayed silent and watched him at his desk. He waded through the ocean of papers piled on top of it in search of what, I assumed, would be for me.

Pulling a sheet out from underneath a blanket of papers, he glided back over to where I was sat, his shoes clicking along the way, making me feel nervous.

"Here." He said, handing me the small slip of yellow paper. "If I were you, I would strongly consider it."

I reached out and took the paper. "Thanks." I whispered, barely audible, still in shock. I tucked the paper in my bag without looking at it.

"I'm so disappointed in you, Maddison. You were so great at Chemistry last year and now, you just don't care? I don't understand." Mr Parker said, shaking his head. "You need to start caring again, if you want to pass."

I sighed, knowing that he was right.

"It's not too late to change." He stared at me contently. "Go on, go home now." He opened the door for me to go out.

I stood up, picking up my belongings, and noiselessly walked out of the classroom and into the empty hallway.