KISS: Casablanca High School

Ch 42: Whether I Like it or Not (Paul and Gene)

Paul

I looked at the study guide and let out a sigh. "Oh man, I'm so screwed," I whispered, staring at the rows and rows of physics formulas I had to memorize. And the pages and pages of physics formulas I had no idea how to do. With a sigh, I grabbed my phone.

"Hey, Peter, look, I know we're not exactly talking right now but I'm so lost on the physics study guide and I need to get like a 96 on the final to get a B, can you please help me?" I begged before he could say anything.

He let out a long sigh. "Look, man, I'm just as lost as you are in that class, okay? I'd help if I could, I don't hate you that much yet, but I've got no freakin' clue what I'm doing either. You're gonna have to ask someone else. Sorry."

"Oh. Yeah, okay, fine. Thanks anyway."

I stared at my screen, knowing what I had to do and knowing I absolutely did not want to do it.

(347)  197-4000

Just ten little numbers.

It rang, rang again, rang more until it went to voicemail. Come on, man, I need to pass this test next week.

I dialed it again and waited with bated breath. "What do you want?" he growled the instant he picked up.

"I...I need your help," I whispered. He burst into cold laughter for a long time. "You want me to help you with something?! Really? After everything you've done?"

"After everything I've done?" I started, feeling my anger bubbling up, before taking a deep breath. "I need a 96 on the physics final to get a B in the class. Please, man, I don't know what I'm doing, I need help. Can you just explain how to do it? Or even just send me a picture of your study guide?"

"No."

My heart dropped to my feet. "Gene, please! I'm gonna fail the class! Just send me your notes or something! Literally anything!"

"Hah, no. We're not on speaking terms for a reason. Time for you to learn that actions have consequences, man."

He hung up again and I leaned back in my chair, letting out a groan. "Come on, Gene. I'm gonna fail the class," I muttered to no one, before looking at the study guide again. "Yeah, this isn't going to get me anywhere."

Slamming my textbook shut, I rose to my feet, moving downstairs through the empty house while whistling to myself. I grabbed my guitar and threw myself into a chair, strumming it absentmindedly, fingers dancing along the strings as I stared at the wall. "Ah, Gene, you son of a gun, I hate your guts," I muttered. "Cause you've got great expectations!" A smile spread across my face and I decided to forget about physics and finals and scribble down what had the promise of being a good song.

It's not like my parents were home to stop me.

Gene

I stared at the clock in anticipation, waiting for it to finally hit eleven so I would be able to head to Cher's house. Talloman clapped me on the shoulder. "Alright, Gene, I'm letting you out early tonight. It's been so long since I've worked here, I'll take over the last twenty minutes of your shift."

"Thank you, sir!" I cried, grabbing my keys and wallet and heading for the parking lot out back. It was going to great to finally be able to get the jump on Cher. She always showed up to my place unannounced, payback was going to be sweet. Humming to myself, I kicked the car once before turning the key, listening as the engine finally jumped to life.

I practically skipped up the steps to her dingy-ass apartment, unlocking the door and letting myself in. The door to her room was closed and I could hear moaning. My heart skipped a beat and I stopped with my hand on the doorknob, waiting for a moment before flinging it open.