Thread: "The Final Exam" - JesseYoung & Awesomist

141 PM EST The smell. For God's Sake and all things precious, why did it always smell. Every day, he went to work, only to leave eight hours later feeling as if he needed to buy more aerosol cans to freshen the air of his work-space. It was beyond ridiculous. As the sweaty teenagers entered his room, he simply kept typing away on his computer, finishing some emails before the bell rang. He looked up a few times, noticing the regular faces of his all-senior class. There was Trevor, the track-and-field specialist who was destined to play sports and be an athlete for the rest of his life, but just in case, Turner King was preparing him to take on the business world through his teaching of accounting and business. Then there was Stephanie, Trevor's ex-girlfriend who decided to date the all-star quarterback, which only resulted in her becoming pregnant, and then aborting the child. Finally, there was Jason in the back, a shy, compassionate kid who really never talked. He was strange around his peers, but Turner treated him no different and gave no student a break in his classes he was serious, business-oriented and let nothing come in between him and his teaching. Without warning the shriek of the bell shouted through the halls, as Turner King shut the door, standing just in time to shut the door as the bell stopped its horrendous ringing. He walked toward the front of the classroom where his podium stood firmly. He wasn't even sure why he had a podium... he never used it, nor stood behind it he found it to be a sign of weakness to stand behind it while teaching or speaking, but, he was required to let students use it during their presentations. Just another one of the many restrictions he had on his teaching style. Alright. Heads up, eyes on me. This is crunch time, ladies and gentlemen, said Turner, his eyes wandering around the room, locking eyes with various students, judging their interest levels. Most of you are bright students, and most of you have done well so far in this class, and for that, you deserve to congratulate yourselves. It wasn't often that Turner rewarded his students by giving them permission to be proud of their accomplishments. It must have been due to his previous professional experience as a Senior Vice President of a financing business in Chicago. After a moment of hushed voices and a few laughs, Turner took control once more. BUT, this is crunch time. In three weeks, you'll be taking THE HARDEST senior final exam you'll ever take at this school. This test is worth 45 of your grade, and failure to show up for it means I get to hold you back from graduation for another year. Failure to get a 75 means I get to deduct an additional 10 from your final overall grade. This is serious business folks, and its time to crack down. He gave a stern face as he looked at his students, their eyes widening, in realization of the seriousness of this exam. The room was silent and Turner King paced in front of his students before stopping in his tracks. He turned toward the board, his back to his students, and spoke. But... before that..., he said calmly. A moment passed, the students looked on, confused. Suddenly he turned around, and smiled, before that, we're going to Six Flags as a senior class trip for all of you! He beamed from cheek to cheek, glad to get the serious attitude trip out of the way. He loved teaching, loved his students, and cared about them. He was a hard-ass all year round, and now... he finally got a class trip approved for the first time in seven years, and it was time to go on that trip... a much needed vacation! The class exploded into cheers, as the door opened and a pizza delivery man walked in. Alright, but, why wait? Lets have some fun today, and we'll get back to work next week. Eat up, turn on some music Trevor, and lets have a party, Turner said, lifting a solo cup into the air. ---------- 345 PM EST The sun was recessing toward the horizon as Turner answered the phone in his athletic office. Not only was he the business and accounting teacher for Valley High, he was also the swimming, tennis and basketball coach as well. He sat at his desk, spinning relentlessly in his office chair, phone in hand, cord winding around and around wildly. He stopped abruptly and froze. Are you kidding me, Dale? You said you'd be able to help... shit, what am I going to tell the kids? The trip is in two days!! Are you kidding me? How am I supposed to find a new co-chaperone? Oh, yeah, sure it's easy for you to say... you just royally f... oh, okay, I'll talk to you later. The phone clicked as Turner slammed it down on the receiver. Damn it, he yelled! Just then, he noticed someone standing in the doorway. END - TBC Awesomist