Comedy 101

Chapter 13: Words of Encouragement

After lunch, I head to math class. My teacher, Mrs. Filmore, was going over how to write percentages as fractions and vice versa. Then the intercom came on.

"Mrs. Filmore?" went the intercom.

"Yes?"

"Do you have Leo Price?"

"Yes I do."

"Would you please have him report to Mrs. Patterson's room?"

"I will," Mrs. Filmore says as she motions for me to go.

"Thank you." Click.

I walk to Mrs. Patterson's room, thinking about why she would need me. When I get there, I knock three times.
The door opens.

"Ah, Leo, here you are," she says, as she steps out of the classroom and shuts the door.

"Am I in trouble? I did the creative writing, I swear."

"Oh, you aren't in trouble." she says.

"Then...what do you-"

"I want to talk to you about the Talent Show. Auditions are today, right? 1:00?"

"Yeah..." I say.

"And you're trying out, right?"

I nod.

"Good."

"Good?" I ask. "Why good?"

She laughs. "Because you're a comedic genius, Leo! Your jokes are appealing to adults and children alike, AND they're never stupid, or obvious, or gross. You've made countless hilarious jokes in class, but, being a teacher, I'm not supposed to laugh at them. 'Disrupts the learning environment' or something. But they're funny! You're funny! I'm not supposed to have favorites, but Leo, this whole year, you have been my favorite. Providing comedy relief throughout the year, but still knowing what's funny and what isn't. You'll do great. I know you will. I just called you down to make sure you followed through with your plans to audition."

Whoa. That's a lot to take in.

"Uh...yeah, I mean...thanks. I am still trying out."

"That's great," she says, "I will be at the tryouts."

Oh, that's it. She just wanted to be like a mini support group. Cool. But what's even cooler, is that now I know I can do it. I mean, if a Social Studies teacher thinks I'm funny...then I guess I must be!