Great. This is just great. I’m late, beyond late. Well not that late, just a few minutes but as I glance in the small window it looks like the teacher has already started talking and everyone is quiet. Once I walk in, all eyes are going to be on me, the loser that couldn’t find her way to a History classroom. I take a deep breath and dry my hands on my jeans. Maybe no one will notice and I can just slip in. Oh, who am I kidding. Just go. I push myself and open the door.
And just like I expected, all eyes turn to me. Even the teacher stops and stares.
“Hi.” I say, hoping to melt the awkward. “Is this American History? Are you Mr. Benton?” A few chuckles go around the room.
“I am and you’re late.” He says, his voice deep but not rude or bitter thankfully.
“I know. I um, I’m new and got a little lost.” I confess. Great, now at least thirty people know I’m the new kid.
“No worries. What’s your name?” He asks.
“Sophie.” I answer.
“Nice to meet you Sophie. Welcome to the class. Just find a seat anywhere.” He says and I glance around quickly to see the only seat is towards the front of the room. I amble over and sit down. I hear a few more laughs and wonder what the hell is so funny. I glance back and see the same guy that ran into me in the hallway. He’s surrounded by a bunch of guys that look equally as big and muscular as he does, maybe even more. They must be on some kind of sports team. He sees me looking at him and gives me a curt nod with a smirk on his face. I frown at him and flip him off before turning back to face the board.
For half the class I’m completely lost. I take as many notes as I can on Abraham Lincoln but this teacher talks way too fast. I look around and see that not that many people are taking notes. Maybe they’ve just given up on trying to take notes and just listen to him. After a while I do the same because my hand starts to hurt.
“Alright guys, it’s time for your semester project.” Benton announces. Everyone, and I mean everyone, in the room groans. Even I do. “Yes, I know, fun stuff right. But this time you’ll be able to work with a partner.” A couple cheers erupt and I can see people being happy about that. It eases the workload but not when you’re the new kid. Who the hell am I going to work with? Who the hell is gonna want to work with the new kid. He starts handing out the assignment sheet and dear Lord there’s a lot of words. I know that sounds stupid but that means a lot of requirements, which means a lot more work to get a good grade. “Now while you are able to choose your partner, please make sure you choose wisely. This project will be worth fifty percent of your grade.” I literally want to drop my head on the desk. Fifty percent? Is that even allowed. Apparently so.
“Why are you looking at us?” A guy says. I look over and see he’s sitting next to Green Eyes. He has messy brown hair that’s in desperate need of a hair cut. A couple people laugh.
“Because you guys are exactly what I’m talking about. Choose wisely.”
“You have such little faith in us.” Green Eyes jokes, making the class laugh. Ugh, not only must they be the jocks of the school but they also must be the beloved class clowns.
“I do. In fact, Seth why don’t you work with Jacey because she’s smart.” Benton says, making Shaggy Hair or Seth slump his shoulders and Jacey groan. Aww that poor girl. “And Colton how about you work with Sophie.” My heart stops and I look up pleadingly at Benton.
