The Roommate | zdh ✓

Fourteen

EDITED 7.11.2020
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Zach's p.o.v

It's 3pm, and I'm sitting in Miss Hart's this office, the dean of this school. How'd I get here you ask? It's a funny story actually.

*2 hours earlier*

I'm minding my own business, taking the notes the english teacher had projected onto the screen. She passes out our last papers, and I grow anxious by the minute. I worked on that paper for hours. I researched a ton, and felt good about the end result. I need to get a good score. English is not my best subject.

She hands me the paper face down, which I learned in high school is never good. When a teacher hands you your test upside down, it's likely you failed. So what did that mean about a whole paper? I slowly turn the sheet over, and completely feel my body weaken. I got a D. How could I have possibly get that low of a score?

The class dismisses, and I rush down to catch the teacher before she leaves. She stares at me as I walk closer to her, not saying a word.

"Miss Carson? I have a question about my paper. I don't see why I got a D. I researched and put a lot of work into the paper." I say wearily.

She stares at me annoyingly. Jeez, what's her problem? "Look, Mr. Herron. I have been teaching here for almost twelve years. Do you honestly think I can't tell if a student did actual work or not? You are not fooling anyone."

Ouch.

I'm about to cut her off to defend myself, but she continues talking.

"Every year I have boys like you. You're troubled, and you don't try. Waste of my time. I wonder why you all even go to college."

Oh, she crossed the line. "Miss Hart, all due respect, but you're way out of line and wrong about the whole thing. I tried very hard on this paper. I put hours into it to make sure it was acceptable for you. I know that I was troubled in the beginning of the year and disrespected you, and many other teachers, but I've changed. I'm getting my act together. Please, I deserve a better grade than a D on this paper."

I wave the paper in the air and sigh as she just shakes her head.

"Enough," she says. "Go to the dean's office at 3 today, understand?"

I want to just scream, but I can't get into more trouble. I didn't even do anything wrong. God, why doesn't she believe me?

*present*

I get done talking to the dean, and Miss Carson around 4pm. Thankfully, the dean noticed my change in attitude, and let the whole paper go. I can tell Miss Carson is thrilled.

After, I finally make it back into the apartment to find Ben and Nick sitting on the couch, watching a movie.

Fine, I'll admit they are pretty cute together.

I clear my throat. "Hey, sorry to disturbed the moment, but have you guys seen Everly?"

Nick shakes his head, and still continues to watch the screen.

Ben shrugs his shoulders and says, "I'm not sure, Zach. Sorry. Maybe you can try the coffee shop across the street. She goes there to study on Thursdays."

"Right, I'll try there, thanks."

Before I go out the door, I turn to both of them and say, "Be good you two." I wink at Ben before shutting the door, and chuckle to myself.

I spot Everly in the far corner of the café. It's mildly busy, but not crowded. I sit across from her, pulling up a stool from another table. She smiles, pulling out her earbuds, and closing her laptop.