Finding Connection

Chapter 1

Third period was almost over. The teacher gave us an assignment at the beginning of class to work on individually and expected us to be finished with it by the time class was over.

The teacher sat behind her desk, grading papers it seemed and would periodically look up and scan the room to ensure we are working and not goofing off.

The AP biology teacher, Mrs. Finch, is a very strict woman and wouldn't tolerate any disturbances in her class. She would literally have you leave her class and go straight to see the principal.

The assignment itself was related to a recent topic we were learning about. Ecology; the study of organisms and how they interacted in the environment. It wasn't the most exciting topic I have to admit since I've read books about it a couple years ago when I was still home schooled. Though, it isn't bad to hear someone tell you things you already know... what am I kidding. It was just boring.

I finished my assignment pretty early, which happens often enough to the point where the teachers allow me to work on other assignments from other classes as long as I am not a distraction.

I set my pencil down, finishing another assignment from a different class. The majority of the assignments I've been working on are things we haven't gotten to in class yet. However the teachers would give me the assignments ahead of time so I'd have something to keep me busy.

"BRRRRING!!" The school bell chimed. Third period has ended.

Mrs. Finch stood from her desk. "That's the bell. Turn in your assignments before you leave my class."

Students groaned while shuffling from their seats and made their way to the front of the class, soft chatter can be heard throughout the classroom.

I stuck the assignments I worked on in there respected folder and stuck them into my backpack before getting up, assignment in hand and waiting in line to hand it in.

A few moments had passed and the majority of the students have filtered out. I made it to the front of the class and set my assignment on top of the rest.

"Ah Mr. Rodriguez, the person I needed to see." Mrs Finch says as she gathered the the stack of assignments. "I have a message to give you from the office. The principal would like you to meet him in his office after you had lunch." She sad without much emotion in her tone.

"Alright. Thank you for heads up." I say while pulling my bags shoulder strap over my head, across my chest. "I'll check in with the front desk."

"Excellent. Be sure that you do." She said as she sat back down and began going through papers again.

I walk towards the door and twist the door knob, pushing the door open. "Oh one more thing." She called out to me. "Umm, yes Mrs. Finch?" I ask.
She looked up and made eye contact with me,"Good work on last weeks assignments."
I gave her a nod. "Thank you Mrs Finch." She gave me a slight smile before giving her attention back to her desk. I exited the classroom, into the busy hallway. To lunch I go.

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In the cafeteria, I found an open table near one of the big windows letting in natural light from outside. I set my trey down on the table while taking a seat.
Sigh. I wonder why the principal would want to see me. I didn't do anything wrong. At least not to my knowledge anyways. And even if I got into trouble, what would it even be?

I picked up the apple that sat on my trey and bit into it. Yum!! It gave a pleasant snap of crispness and was sweet with a mild tartness to it. I was a little proud of myself for picking a good one this time. The last apple I had was rather grainy and didn't have much flavor at all.