The Right to Remain Silent

Chapter 4: Zachary

Okay, so I skipped out on lunch. I couldn't take it. The school was okay. The people were friendly. I just felt restricted. I needed to get out and so I did. I got on my motorcycle and was about to pull out when my homeroom teacher came into my rear- view mirror with his arms crossed. I killed the motor and got off to face him. "Yes, Mr. O'Connell?" I ask.

He raised an eyebrow at me, "Nice ride there man."

I nod at him, "Thank you sir."

"You heading off somewhere?"

"No sir." I say putting my helmet in the back compartment. I cursed in my mind, so close! 

"Good, come have lunch with me!" He said and headed back to the school's entrance not turning back to see if I was following. I followed him after a moment of hesitation. We went back to his classroom and he motioned for me to take a seat. I reluctantly sat in a desk right across from his desk.

"Did you want something sir?" I ask curious. No teacher had ever told me to have lunch with them, unless it was detention.

"I just want to get to know you better," He says opening a drawer in his desk and taking out an apple. Great he's one of those kind of teachers. The kind that get into their students private life, I've had a few of those but they usual gave up on me later.

"Uhmm okay," I respond.

"Relax dude," He takes a bite out of his apple and speaks with his mouth full, "mind if I ask you a few questions?"

"No sir," I say, "ask away."

"First question," he swallows his food, "how long have you known about your gift?" He says it like I'm supose to know what in the world he was talking about.

"Sir," I look at him with suspicion, "I have no idea what you're talking about."

His eyes widen, "I'm sorry. I thought you knew. Forget that I asked that question," he waved his hand and something happened.

"I'm sorry sir did you say something?" I ask not remembering if he did or not.

"Yeah," he said bitting his apple again, "how are you adjusting to life here?"

I scoff, "I'm adjusting well I guess. It's different from Cali, but at least I still got the beach."

He laughs, "Good, that's good. You gonna play any sports for us?"

I nod, "Yeah. I was thinking of playing basketball if it wasn't too late to join the team."

"Well, you're in luck kid. You're looking at the head basketball coach for the boys team." He says and leans back in his swivel chair, "What position you play?"

"Uhmm, power forward and shooting gaurd sometimes," I tell him. I had played forward since I was in seventh grade because of my height (right now I was at 6'4"), but about two years ago during my sophomore year I started playing shooting guard and I liked it.

Mr. O'Connell nods, "Good we need some height," he says. We continue our talk about basketball through out lunch until the bell rings. "Alright, Mr. Stevens. It was good getting to know you," he stands and shakes my hand. "I suggest you head to your next class," he motions to the door and I show myself out. 

So this place isn't as bad as I thought. 

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