The Project

Chapter 19

Kate's Point of View

"Kate, I need to talk to you about the new student we have arriving tomorrow," Mrs. Peters explains once I walked back into her classroom from the office where Johnny was.

"Ok," I respond, sliding into the desk in the front row.

This was making me late to my last hour, but I figured, and hoped, that Mrs. Peters would write me a pass.

"She's moving from a different school after having some trouble there and I figured she could use a friend and someone who could help them adjust to the school," she continued.

"And you thought of me?" I question, surprised that out of everyone, Mrs. Peters would suggest me to do this.

"Of course, you're a good student and a good friend," she says. "I know you helped Benny with his project a while ago."

My eyes widen. How could she have possibly known that?

"It's okay," she assures upon seeing my expression. "You're admirable, Kate. That's why I thought of you."

A shy smile rises onto my face. I shrug.

"Okay, I'll do it," I agree.

"Great, just meet here tomorrow before the first bell and you two can meet," Mrs. Peters instructs.

I nod, standing up in the desk. She jots down a quick note and hands it to me.

I debate going to the office and checking on Johnny again before going to last hour, but figured there was no point because he wouldn't tell me what happened to him.

It was frustrating, and I know it's not fun to talk about getting beat up, but if I was his girlfriend, shouldn't that mean he can trust me with anything?

Trying not to dwell on it, I go to my last hour without Johnny, math.

-

"Hey, why are you leaving so early?"

It was the next day, and I turned my head and see Benny coming out of his house, jogging over to stand beside me.

"I have to get to school early before the bell rings to meet the new girl," I explain quickly.

I honestly didn't want to spend so much time talking with Benny. I don't know how we were right now. I don't know if he was mad at me or if I was mad at him or anything.

"What new girl?" Benny wonders, following me as I began my walk to school.

It was normal for us to walk together on our way to school, but again, I don't know how we stood with each other currently. He was acting like things were fine though.

"I don't know her name, but I'm supposed to help her adjust to school and be her friend and stuff," I explain.

"Did you volunteer for that?" Benny wonders, eyebrows raised. I guess everyone was surprised I was doing this.

"No, Mrs. Peters recommended me. I don't know why," I respond. "She knows that I did your partner's work for the project a while ago."