Half of Me Missing

6

"Here you go," Mr. Brooks, our biology teacher, was handing out a sheet of paper to each student that walked in.

"What the hell is this?" A familiar voice groaned behind me. "Mister Baker I will discuss it once everyone is present. So for now, I suggest you take your seat." He opened his mouth once again, "And watch the language young man." Justin huffed, "fine."

Mr. Brooks looked over to me, "I'm not sure if I could handle this boy's attitude for more than a week. So sorry for placing you next to him, Miss Weinfield." He chuckled slightly, glancing back to the annoyed student. "It's alright, I'm sure I'll be fine," I smiled faintly before taking my seat.

"Alright guys," he began as he placed the remaining stack of paper on this desk. "The paper I gave to all of you is a rubric. Surprise, you guys are doing a project!" The majority of the class complained.

Mr. Brooks cleared his throat, "As I was saying, you will have to research a cell, whether it may be a plant or animal. However, I want you to be more specific, like what kind of plant? What kind of animal? After that, all I need is a one to two page essay of the data you have collected including a drawing or picture of your chosen cell."

"Isn't that easy for an advanced placement class? Almost like busy work?" A student from the back interjected.

"Which is why I expect you to get a hundred percent on this project then," he smirked. "And to make this even easier, you will be working with a partner." Multiple hands shot up, "But I'll be assigning them for you."

It was my turn to roll my eyes while the many hands of students slowly returned to their sides. "Now you are at lab tables filled with four people, the person sitting next to you is your partner for this project." Justin's eyes flickered over to me as I kept my focus on Mr. Brooks. "Think of it as a bonding experience, almost." He flashed a bright smile at us.

Great.

"By the way, your test scores are graded. You can check them online, after class." I sighed, 'hopefully this day can still be salvaged with a happy ending', thinking to myself.

~

"Hey Dakota," Lily's Golden Boy nudged me on the arm as I was walking to my lunch table.

"Hey Daniel, wanna sit with us again?" "Sure."

I smiled at my other friends as I passed by their table. "So Dakota, when are you gonna ditch Lily to come sit with us?" Kaylee shouted out to me. "Probably not even when we are old and bitter," I laughed jokingly.

"Hey Lily," I set my tray down next to hers, Daniel following. "Hi.... Daniel!" She froze, knowing her I could tell that she was mentally punching me for inviting him to sit with us again.

"Hi Lily, you look nice today," he beamed. "Oh this? I just threw whatever I had that was clean." I flashed a face at her, "Seriously? Just say thank you," whispering at her.

He awkwardly chuckled, "Well either way, it looks good."

"So, how'd you do on your bio test?" She changed the subject. "Let's find out," I pulled out my phone. The two students on either side of me leaned closer to see.

After for what seemed like an eternity, my phone finally loaded with my grades.

"Mr. Brooks... biology..." I murmured to myself, searching for the test score. "An eighty-seven percent, that's a b plus!" I immediately hugged Lily, "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" After breaking the embrace, Daniel gave me a high five, "Great job Dakota! Pretty low for me but that's still good!"

"Sorry we all can't have straight A's like you Mr. President," I told him jokingly.

"Well at least I don't have to worry about another test like this until next trimester. Now I can focus on this freaking project."