Sacrificed

An apple for a teacher

Last week was quite a whirlwind.

"Reason 1, Friends."

What was Fay trying to say? I don't quite get it. She did say she was giving me 18 reasons to stay in school. Still, how is it going to persuade me to love my new life.

As I wonder, I finally realise that the clock was about to strike 8.

Yes, it might sound like a typical Cinderella catchphrase, but my point is, I'm going to be late.

Without even caring about my appearance, I jetsetted out my room and went into the kitchen. I wasn't shocked to see another 'Read Me' note on the table.

"To my dearest Flo,
  Grab the apple in the refrigerator and give it to the first subject teacher of the day. Smile warmly and say "For you." when you hand it to her.

With all my love,
Fay

Wow. Another weird thing to do. Weird and scary. Scary because my first subject teacher is Mrs Hensler, my maths teacher. I already hate maths because I'm an idiot, now I'm petrified all because of my ferocious teacher. Great, now I'm going to die as an idiot.

I arrived at school and put on my most relax and calm face possible. Yes, I was going to get eaten alive, probably. But, I promised Fay that I'll do everything she tells me to do just so at the end of the day, she'll give me weird reasons to stay in school.

I entered the classroom which was as silent as a graveyard. Anyone can hear a pin drop. Literally. I walked carefully to the teachers table and found myself face to face with Mrs Hensler.

"Smile warmly and say "For you." when you hand it to her."

"Here goes nothing-"

"Excuse me, Mrs Hensler." I alerted her.

Every student started staring at me in fear and some even mouthed "Don't do it."

"What is it, Miss-" She stopped.

"Hadwin. Florencia Hadwin. But please, call me Flo. I-uh, (clears throat). For you." I said smiling warmly.

She raised an eye looking at the apple I presented her.

"Thank you, Flo. It's very kind of you to remember me." She said, smiling warmly.

I smiled back to her as she patted my shoulder. I took my seat and left some student's mouths agape and some staring in disbelief.

I never really thought that a saber-toothed tiger can actually smile.

At the end of the lesson, something she said really surprised me.

"Thank you everyone and before you go the homework is due tomorrow. Flo, please see me."

Oh god, what now?

I tried, I tried toughening myself up and facing the saber-toothed tiger and what do I get? That's right. Being called after class.

"Yes, Mrs Hensler? You wanted to see me?" I asked, my whole body shaking.

In that split second, I started thinking if I accidentally gave her a poisonous apple like from Snow White or something. Pretty sure she's going to eat me alive this time. Pretty sure.

"Yes Flo, actually I've been going through the homework assignments you handed me and I have to say, I'm not that quite impressed." She said, depressingly.

"I'm sorry Mrs Hensler, I'm very weak at Maths and I don't really have anyone at home to help me." I replied.

"What about your parents? Siblings?" She asked.