the substitute | l.r.h.

o n e

First period English class wasn't the worst thing in the world. That is, if you enjoyed the subject, like me. However, my peers didn't share my affinity for learning or reading a book without pictures or subscription packages.
  I sat quietly at my desk, observing my classmates. The jock boys were standing in a circle, discussing last nights football game. Calum Hood and Ashton Irwin, the two best players, were laughing about god knows what. But, I can't complain. They're both gorgeous, especially when they laugh.
  The popular 'Barbie-esqe' girls were sitting in the back of the classroom, gossiping and giggling. Probably about which couples are broken up, which couples are together, and who's cheating on whom.
  Now, I'm not one to partake in gossip or any type of drama, but I'm not one to shy away from listening to it. And I can't help it if someone speaks loud enough for me to hear.
  I tilt my head to the side slightly, listening to Amber Johnson's nasally voice.
  "Yeah, it's true. During holiday break, Mrs. Pennington slipped on ice outside her house and broke her hip. She'll be gone the rest of the year."
  What? How terrible, I thought. She was my favourite teacher.
  "I heard we're getting a new teacher," Kimberly Mitchell, Amber's second-in-command added. "He's transferring here from an all girls school a couple miles away. My cousin goes there, and she said he's a total babe!"
  "What's his name?"
  "Mr. Hemmings," a deep voice spoke from the door. Everyone turned their heads, greeted by a strange sight.
  A very young and handsome man stood in the doorway. His intense blue eyes were the first things I noticed. Then my eyes traveled to the silver glint near his pink lips. A lip ring, how unusual for a teacher. He was dressed in black dress pants, a white dress shirt and black tie.
  His face was scruffy, his dirty blonde hair a perfect mess. In his hand, a red leather briefcase. A small golden plate on the front read 'LRH'. Must be his initials.
  "And I don't appreciate being gossiped about before even arriving to class. That is extremely disrespectful. Two demerits for you, with the loud mouth." I snuck a glance at Kimberly, who's mouth was hanging so far it almost touched the ground.
  Calum and Ashton couldn't help but snicker quietly. But apparently, it wasn't quiet enough, because Mr. Hemmings glared at them.
  "Something funny, boys?" Mr. Hemmings stressed the word 'boys', causing me to mentally smirk.
  They both deadpanned quickly and shook their heads, shrinking into their seats. Mr. Hemmings slowly walked over to Mrs. Pennington's desk and sat his briefcase down.
  "I don't know how your previous teacher handled effrontery, but no matter. You're in my class now, and I don't tolerate anything. I'll be your permanent substitute for the rest of the year." Mr. Hemmings opens his briefcase and takes out some papers and other personal things. He starts arranging his desk, the room completely silent.
  Once he's finished, he walks to the whiteboard and writes with a marker. The Crucible.
  "Can anyone tell me what a crucible is? Hint, there are two definitions." He surveyed the room, no one raised their hand. I couldn't tell if they knew and didn't feel like saying anything, or if they were too scared.
  But, I knew the answer. Both answers. So, I cautiously raised my hand. We locked eyes, and he nodded his head.
  "Yes, Miss...?"
  "Dean."
  "Miss Dean, please, elaborate." I tucked some raven hair behind my ear and cleared my throat.
  "A crucible is a severe test or trial. But, in terms of chemistry, a crucible is a small bowl." He stared at me for a couple of seconds and blinked.
  "That's... correct. Very good, Miss Dean. Are you already familiar with McCarthyism?" I nodded my head. I've read The Crucible at least three times, seen the movie over a dozen times, and seen the play once. It's one of my favourites.
  "Well, in that case, feel free to work on something from another class. The rest of you, get our your textbooks and turn to page three hundred and ninety four." I looked down at my notebook, shocked. He was going to let me work on other things? I've previously read all the books set for this year, and Mrs. Pennington still made me read along and do the worksheets.
  Dazed, I grabbed my Algebra II textbook out and turned to the chapter on imaginary numbers.
  "Oh, and Miss Dean?" I heard his voice speak up. I looked up into his ice blue eyes, and I swear the corners of his mouth turned up, just slightly. "Don't read ahead. If more of my students end up like you, I won't have a job."
  I nodded and looked down again, my face heating up. I quickly started doing the problems from my Algebra textbook, drowning out Mr. Hemmings deep voice.

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So, did you like it? I hope you guys do, I put a lot of thought into this.
I actually really do like English class, and The Crucible is one of my favourite things to study. The Salem Witch Trials in general just fascinate me. If you're interested, watch The Crucible on Netflix, starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Winona Ryder. Or, watch Buzzfeed Unsolved Mysteries. They investigate the trials, and Ryan and Shane are hilarious. Also, if any metal/rock fans are in the house, go check out Motionless In White's song 'Abigail'. It deals with one of the main people in the SWT. It's also a dope song.

Also that picture. Like, fuck me daddy, am I right? XD

evangeline