Saintwood: Homecoming ✔️(Wattpad version)

I can't believe we're juniors

The new semester started with us diving into our core classes for our major, which meant none of us had levels together for the next two years. It was fine. It also said I had more papers to write and books to read, which did I mention I love my major.

For once, none of us woke up late, and we made to classes on time. Yep, this was a first for us. We all had early levels this semester, and the six of us walked up to the building.

"I can't believe we're juniors," said Frazier.

"Well, I can't believe you're a junior," remarked Jordan.

They started arguing. Ryan was holding my hand, shaking his head, "Psh, some things never change."

"At least, they're consistent," I smiled.

"Yeah, consistent with being idiots," he mumbled, which made me laugh.

We all went to our classes, and I sat down in the back. I couldn't wait to dive right into the classics. Pride and Prejudice were my absolute favorite amongst them. Who wouldn't mind a man like Mr. Darcy in their life? I let out a sigh.

The professor came in, whose last name was Huck. I silently giggled at the fact that it was the nickname in Mark Twain's book. I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried. He was an older gentleman who looked to be in his late fifties.

He lectured through the hour, assigning us a novel to read, Grapes of Wrath. I've read it twice. I enjoyed John Steinbeck.

As I was leaving, Professor Huck called me over to him.

"Miss Hartley, I presumed," he mentioned to me.

"How did you know my name?" I asked him.

"I've learned to know all my students' names before the semester starts. Especially ones with a mind like yours. So, tell me, Miss Hartley, what you think of the book I just assigned?"

"I think Steinbeck brilliantly captures the desperation of Pa Joad during the Great Depression. His pride destroyed by having to hand over leadership to Ma Joad, leaving him a broken man," I explained.

"Interesting perspective, but why?" he asked me.

"Years ago, they considered the men's heads of the family where they supported their families while the woman stayed home, caring for family and home. Steinbeck reversed that, which for that time was unheard of," I reasoned.

"And with today's society, it's changed. What do you think Steinbeck would think with the modern man and woman, knowing what the future holds now?" He questioned me.

I gave it a thought for a minute. "I think Steinbeck would be outdated as a writer, not realizing how different the future would regard the current dynamics between both sexes," I answered.

"That did not answer my question," his voice became gruff.

I narrowed my eyes. I knew what the teacher was doing. He was goading to me, but I didn't give him the satisfaction. "To answer your question, sir, it would shock Steinbeck. Not because the rolls of the sexes have reversed, but because his sexist attitude wouldn't accept in today's society. He only showed how things were in one perspective without realizing how things have changed over the years, but then again, he could have adapted with the times. Would he have the same impact? Maybe he did only capture humanity in time, not accounting for the changing of the times and people evolving into who they are today," I said further.

I saw a small smile form on his lips. "Miss Hartley, I think you will do well in this class if you continue with that way of thinking. I'm looking forward to more ways of thinking like yours."