Polaroids of Us (on Hold)

2) I'm a Good Person. Right?

"Your cover letter and recommendations are great, I might even say perfect" Mr Weir shuffles through my papers, carefully scanning through the document.

I have been working on that letter for most of my holiday. It feels like I had rewritten it a hundred times. So when he tilts his head up and moves his glasses down his nose I know that's not a good sign.

"Why do I feel like there is going to be a but or an although coming my way?" Sinking into the chair is not a possibility as it is a hard plastic on that is supposed to help posture.

I can tell you from sitting in these chairs for five years, that they only increase your back pain. Especially after caring what feels like a baby elephant around all day in your bag.

"Well, your academic record is really good. Mostly A's except an odd B. All your reports have good comments from each teacher"

I restrain from telling him that I got a D in textiles because I refused to use the death contraption "I've always liked to make school a priority as I have high hopes for the future. I still need to pick a university but that's still a while away"

"It definitely shows on your record." He pauses and looks through my letter again "Besides school do you do anything else? Like recreational activities or volunteering somewhere?"

"I usually try to do something different each week with my friend. We do trial sessions and afternoon courses to keep costs to a minimum. Changing things up every once and a while keeps it interesting I find. Plus it's also a good excuse to get out of the house" I rub the small scar on my arm from canoeing

"I see" when he takes off his glasses I know this is getting serious "universities like to see you have a life outside of school. That you're being active and social in the community. I would like to suggest that you maybe join a club for the next year and actually stay there. And then wrote about your experience in the letter. Show them you're cultured"

"I guess I could find some time to spare during the week." I shrug considering the idea. Looking at my watch I see break is almost over. "Thanks for everything sir, I'll definitely keep that in mind"

He goes to hand back my documents when he puts a fluoro pick sheet of paper on top.

I raise an eyebrow curious about what he's about to 'suggest'/ guilt me into doing.

I read the pamphlets quickly which only makes me more confused. I look back up at my career teacher in conformation.

"Our school's drama club is putting on their annual play and I think it will be a fun idea to join in," he says with a tone that tells me that one way or another I will be doing this.

"Since when did we have a drama club?" I have never seen posters for a play being put up in the school before. Obviously, they need a better advertisement director.

Mr Weir just gives me a deadpan look.

Reminder: don't ask stupid or rhetorical questions to teachers as they are unlikely to respond.

"I'll consider it" I smile, hoping that it will prevent him from asking about it in the future.

All I get in return is a curt nod.

I let out a relieved sigh when I leave his office, well he was no help.

As I start to walk to homeroom and pair of footsteps fall in line with my own "On a scale from one to ten. One being a total bogan and ten being one with the world around me, how cultured would you say I am?" I ask

The reply I get is muffled by food. When I look over to Rayne she has a half a muffin stuffed in her mouth. Maybe she's the wrong person to be asking.