Operation: Move On

Chapter 11: Partners

KATIE MILLER

         

          “CLASS!” Mr. Hill’s fist came down the table hard, instantly silencing the blabbering mouths of the students in his Trigonometry class, the last one for the day.

          He stared at us for a little while before finally announcing, “I just finished checking yesterday’s pop quiz.”

          The students groaned loudly. I had to groan along with them. That pop quiz was freaking hard! Well sure I managed to remember all the formulas, but that doesn’t really promise a good score.

          “Quiet!” Mr. Hill’s gray mustache twitched. He adjusted his wire-rimmed glasses and rustled the wad of papers in his hands. “If these test scores are a reflection of your finals next week,” His voice boomed against the four walls of the classroom. “I’m sorry to say that you may not make it to College.”

          More groaning. Louder this time. As seniors, we were expected to give our best for the last stretch. After all, we only have a few months to go in this place.

          Mr. Hill started distributing the papers while roving on and on about how education is important and how students valued it during his time. I really didn’t care about what the kids of the seventies valued. I just wanted to know my score.

          The old man hands me my test paper. “Well done, Ms. Miller.” I didn’t know whether he was congratulating me or mocking me. With that ever-present sarcasm in his tone, it was hard to tell.

          I let out a gush of air and peered at my test paper.

          Holy smokes. I got ninety-one out of a hundred. NINETY-ONE. Out of ONE HUNDRED.

          For the first time in a very long time, I couldn’t help but feel real proud. So proud I felt like bursting into tears. Seriously. This was probably the first good score I got this year.

          Take that, Jack. Look who’s smart now. Ha!

“Given the unacceptable grades you turned in, it seems like we have a lot of work to do if you want to pass your Trig finals.” He ogled at us with arms crossed. “I will be giving each of you a review quiz which you will pass later today. In order to prevent this kind of disaster again, I will be assigning you a study partner.”

Sigh. Great. Now I have to interact with someone in my class. I guess I could take that. As long as I won’t be doing all the work. 

Our teacher started reciting the names of the partners. I tuned him out. Instead, I continued to stare at my paper unbelievably.

 He was still calling out names. I wasn’t really paying attention, but it’s like my ears perked up when he mentioned my name.

“Miller and Moore.”

Wait, WHAT?

My blood ran cold and I froze in horror. I swear I nearly snapped my pencil in half.

No. This just cannot be. I cannot work with her. I don’t want to work with Cameron Moore. Why would I help the girl who took my boyfriend away from me?

          Mr. Hill finished assigning all the partners and still I’m frozen. He looked at his wristwatch. “Alright.” He passed sheets of paper around the room. “Now scurry on to the library and pass me the quiz immediately.”

          People started meeting with their partners and disappearing to the hall.

          I was left dumbfounded on my seat. I couldn’t move my legs.