Claudia

Chapter 8

Claudia's POV

By some miracle, I managed to survive my first week at Harvey High School. It had its ups and downs, but maybe this week would be a little more uneventful. Right now, I plan to just lay low and not cause any more drama, especially if it involves Polly and her friends.

I'm feeling surprisingly optimistic today. So far, things have been pretty good. I got an A+ on my AP World quiz, I don't have any math homework, and I got eight hours of sleep last night. Granted, I did wake up feeling as if I forgot something since I wasn't up so late last night.

And now that I'm sitting in Dr. Wilkins' classroom, the feeling has returned. But what? What could I have possibly forgotten to do?

I look over at another student and notice them pulling a piece of paper out of a blue binder. I lightly tapped Zach on the shoulder. "Was there something due today?" I asked him, feeling my stomach form a knot.

"Yeah, our character analysis on The Great Gatsby." That's due today?!

"I thought we had until next week to finish that," I stated, visibly confused.

"No, you're thinking the essay. The character analysis is due today." Great, just great.

Almost right on cue, Dr. Wilkins walked into the classroom and asked everyone to pass their assignments up towards the front. I knew the worse was yet to come, but I didn't think it would come so soon.

I also didn't know things would get significantly worse in a few short minutes.

Dr. Wilkins shuffled through everyone's character analysis and began writing in a big spiral notebook. He frowned as he checked through his notebook.

"Claudia," he began. The knot in my stomach got even tighter. I could feel my face beginning to flush and my heartbeat get faster. "Where is your character analysis for The Great Gatsby?" He was now looking up from his notebook and right at me.

"Well... uh, I..." I stammered.

"Let me guess, you left it at home."

"Uh... yeah." 

He sighed as he took a small pink piece of paper out of a drawer in his desk and began writing. "I expect for the character analysis to be completed and turned in tomorrow. However, I'm only giving you seventy percent credit." I guess that's not too bad. I honestly expected much worse.

"You will also have detention after school today." 

WHAT?! 

I have a rough idea of what it is: you sit in a classroom and stay quiet until the gym coach or something dismisses you. I heard of the rebellious and lazy students getting detention, but I didn't think I would be one of them!

"Well don't just sit there! Come up and get your detention slip!" Dr. Wilkins ordered in an exasperated tone.

I slowly walked up to his desk. I could feel everyone's eyes on me. Polly was doing her best to hide a smirk. Poor Zach was trying to avoid eye contact with the grey-haired man. 

Dr. Wilkins slightly lowered his voice. "Now, do you understand what is expected of you?" 

"Yes, sir." I took the pink slip from his hand.

"Thank you, Claudia." 

And thank you, Dr. Wilkins. Really. I appreciate that you decided to be kind enough to throw my plan to lay low COMPLETELY out the window.

I sighed as I walked back to my desk and sat down. There was no point in trying to argue with Dr. Wilkins. It would just make things worse. That is, assuming it could get worse.