The Boy and the Bookstore

Chapter 3 - I Want To Be Different

Charlie had just left the cafeteria on campus and was hurrying his way to his next class when he heard someone call his name from behind. Charlie stopped and turned around and noticed Marcus in black dress pants and a white dress shirt sitting on a bench that he had just walked by.

“What brings you to campus today?”

“I thought I’d attend a class today and see one of my favorite teachers.”

“And you dress up like this to attend class?”

“Well let’s just say that I’m a part of a panel in today’s lecture. I’m trying to leave an impression.”

“If you shaved that would have left a good impression.”

“I never said I wanted to leave a good impression.”

“I don’t have time for your mind games today. I’m running late to class.” Charlie said turning around and walking away. Marcus got up and followed.

“You didn’t read your email for class today did you?”

“And you did?”

“Actually I did. English 112 section 2 with Mr. Waymire. Today he has a panel of teachers to come in and speak to his class with the section of students who are on the education path. You are supposed to have some questions to ask. Don’t worry though I plan on doing a lot of the questions.”

“You don’t really think that they’ll just let you into our class as a student and the teachers will allow you to antagonize them? You better be ready to be kicked out once you start mouthing off.”

“Oh Charlie Garner how closed minded you are.” Marcus said stopping.

“You give up already?”

“No. I can’t walk in with you. I don’t want you to get in trouble for what I’m about to do. You still believe in America’s society of proper education. But you won’t soon.” Charlie was at the classroom door and walked in. Marcus counted to ten and then walked in. There were three chairs on one side in the front of the classroom and another solo chair on the other side. Three adults who looked to be the teachers were all talking right outside the classroom doors when Marcus walked in and sat down on the solo chair away from the other three. He glanced at his pretend watch and then slapped his hands on the table next to the wall.

“Quiet down class and let’s get started. Mr. Waymire is running late and he asked me to step in and hold this discussion today. My name is Mr. Aurelius and as soon as our teachers stop smoking their cigarettes outside of the classroom and decide to join us we will get started.”

A kid in the back of class asked if they should turn in their homework for the day but Marcus told them to hold onto it. The three teachers walked in and sat down in the three chairs at the front of the room. Marcus had a smirk on his face. Charlie had a funny feeling about this and didn’t even take out his notebook or books. He had a feeling this was going to end quickly and abruptly.

“Let’s start off with something simple. Tell us your names, where you graduated, and when was the last time you took an SAT or ACT.” Each teacher stated their name, where they currently worked, where they went to school, and kind of laughed and gave an awkward answer as to when the last time they took their SAT was or ACT exams.

“Interesting. And would any of you be willing to take this exam again for us in the next week or so?” All three teachers looked at each other in a disturbed fashion. One of them managed to ask if this was the reason why they were here.

“No. Actually you are just the only ones misfortunate enough to agree to come in on such short notice. You must not be very important teachers or else you wouldn’t have been able to make it.” One of them attempted to cut Marcus off but he just spoke over him.