One Night ✔️ Editing

Chapter Two

"That said, don't waltz in here thinking you'll get an A for reading off the monitor. This is an oral presentation and your classmates are the audience." Mr. Klein finished with a wave of his hand as he dismissed class for the day.

I had no idea how I was gonna do this since my last presentation completely flopped. If I could barely speak to someone I just met one on one, how could I speak to a class of twenty-four about American literature and how it's impacted my life?

"Mr. Klein-" The best teacher of all of Riverside. "may I speak with you about the paper?"

When I pushed through the double doors as a freshman, he was one of the few staff members waiting to greet the new class. Back then he helped me find my classes and over the years he's helped me find my way through many tough situations. I felt lucky to have been under his guidance for so long, and even luckier to have taken not just one but two classes with him.

"Of course," he answered, promptly scanning a sheet of paper with his glasses pushed down to the end of his nose.

"Do you, uh, think I can present it during a free period?" I asked, kicking the leg of the desk in front of me.

"Is everything alright?"

"Yeah, it's just the crowds. I'm scared I'll buckle again."

He put the paper down, giving me a weary look. "Sienna —"

"Please. I can even skip my lunch to do it. Who needs food, right?"

"You're not skipping lunch. Listen, I could let you present during a free period."

A flicker of hope ignited in my chest at his words.

"But what about your other teachers? If I let you off now, you'll expect them to do the same, and I don't think they'll be as cool as I am."

Then quickly flickered out as I slumped back into my desk.

"Kleeeiinn," I groaned.

"Believe it or not, I was just as terrified of public speaking as you are now."

At that, I straightened up in my seat. "But you're a teacher."

"Ironic, isn't it?" He left his own desk and made his way over to me. "The more practice you have with getting up in front of a crowd, the more natural it'll become for you."

"I've tried so many times, but I always choke and freeze up."

"You know, I'd always sink into my chair, praying I wouldn't get called on. I had to go up some time though."

Which is exactly what I'd do when it was time to present.

"Ultimately, it was a mistake because that gave me enough time for my nerves to quadruple."

"What happened when you were finally called up?" I asked.

"Long story short, it was about 12 years ago. I was in my sophomore year of high school and I got through exactly six words before I threw up all over the podium." He brought a hand to his face and scratched the shadow of stubble along his chin. "In front of the woman who is now my wife, might I add."

My eyes almost bugged out of my head. "Amelia was there?? You never told me that."

"Yeah, well it isn't exactly a regular school-day conversation."

"True... and I've never asked you about public speaking until now. But I mean, if she thought you were the one even when you sprayed the class with vomit, then that is a prime example of true love."