Is A High School Story

Chapter 16

Richard's POV

Feeling nervous, frustrated, worried, and lonely at the same time, I walked home. No one was really bullying or bothering me anymore so I guess people stopped caring about that. I made my way into my apartment and sat on the couch, trying to think rationally about the situation. 

There are obviously some red flags considering the way Matt was acting. Could he be cheating? That's usually the most common thing associated with these type of red flags. No No No...I can't think like that. What's much more likely is: Matt is hiding something. That must be it! While I'm no detective, there is one thing I can do that will prove if Matt is hiding something or not. Yeah...I can definitely do that! Feeling more pumped and energized, I went out and took a nice jog around the neighborhood to get rid of my access energy. Then ate, showered, changed into pajamas and laid in bed. I wouldn't want to believe that Matt is lying, but this is just for insurance. To confirm or deny my suspicions.

When I arrived at school and went to Mr. CrockerPot's class, nothing was out of the ordinary. I greeted Mr. CrockerPot and sat in my seat and got my stuff out to do some work. As usual after a few minutes the normal amount of kids came in and went to there usual seats. Matt was also with them, and he sat at my table group as usual but he wouldn't look at me. I hadn't messaged or called him on purpose to see if he would, and he did not. Seems like whatever he's hiding he's not ready to tell me yet. That's fine. I just have to do one thing to find out the truth. So no need to worry for now. I focused back in on Mr. CrockerPot's lecture, and it was actually much less of a lecture, and more of an explanation.

 "So class as you know, the school year is swiftly coming to end. I know that January doesn't seem very close to June, but trust me, time will fly."

Students talked amongst themselves, probably about how the school year will drag on until the very end. I do believe what Mr. CrockerPot is saying, since time does actually fly during the end of the school year. 

"Anyways, as per usual, there will be a final project that you all must complete to pass this class. It will be about 79% of your total grade so even if you somehow have a straight 100 for this class, if you miss out on this project, the hit will be devastating. Now, before you start to panic, don't worry. You have from now, yes now, until June 1st to complete this project."

Everyone was shocked into silence. I'm sure all the professional procrastinators in the room shouted with glee in their heads. It didn't really make much sense to me. Why is he giving so much time to complete this?

"Now I'm sure your all asking: 'Why is my handsome and amazing English teacher giving us so much time to complete this horrid and dreadful project?' Well I'm glad you asked. The reason why you have so much time is because of the project itself. For this final project, you are required to travel to 5 areas that are not in this borough, and write at least five paragraphs of what this area means to you as a person and how it relates to how you did during this school year."

Everyone was dumbfounded. Including me. People were saying how crazy Mr.  CrockerPot was for this project and how it's too hard but it made sense to me. I just didn't know where I was going to go. 5 places in areas I've never been in huh...that means that I'll have to research the area beforehand before going. Maybe me and Matt can work together for this. After he stops avoiding me that is. Mr. CrockerPot was not done though. He raised a hand to silence the class.

"Alright alright alright. Before you flood the room with your excuses, there's really no need to. You have more than enough time to find at least 2 places or even one you can travel to. Depending on your situation, I will be more lenient on the amount of places you have to go to. However your parent will have to talk to me and confirm that. Depending on if you can't travel that far or can't go to to many places I will give you the appropriate task for you to complete. If you still have concerns or questions, feel free to ask now."