For Joan and Dan with gratitude for your many kindnesses
One It’s quarter to three on Friday afternoon and Ms Burke is droning on and on about the major battles of the War of 1812 Four seats back one aisle from the window Dane Pierce is fighting a battle of his own a battle to stay awake The only thing keeping Dane from falling asleep and sliding out of his desk onto the floor is Penny Vaughan Penny is sitting one row ahead of him and one aisle over which means Dane has a clear view of her As always Penny looks as fresh as a daisy with sunlight streaming through the window onto her hair Penny is one of the smartest people in his grade and unlike Dane she’s managing to pay attention Dane realizes the room has gone silent He turns to look at Ms Burke who’s staring right at him 1
She seems to be waiting for something He sits up not sure what to do He coughs He doesn’t really need to cough but he feels like he should do something Dane the teacher asks Yes Ms Burke Dane responds eyes widening He tilts his head to indicate he’s not quite sure what she’s getting at Do you know the answer she asks patiently Dane swallows Um can you repeat the question Ms Burke lifts an eyebrow and waits a long moment Dane feels everyone in the room turning to look at him The lesson might be boring but now that there’s a chance to see someone getting embarrassed embarrassed the class is starting to show some interest Prashant Dane’s best friend lets out a low whistle That’s enough Prashant says Ms Burke The question is Dane in which city did the Battle of the Plains of Abraham take place Ummm says Dane Chicago The room erupts with laughter Not even close says Ms Burke Perhaps if you spent more time listening and less time staring at Penny you’d pick up some of these details 2 Tom Ryan
Dane drops his head onto his desk and groans From behind him Prashant leans in and whispers whispers Don’t worry Dane love is the greatest lesson of all Cut The laughter abruptly stops and I sit back up in my seat A short man with a cool haircut dressed all in black hurries up the aisle from the back of the room Chill Bill Lee stands next to Ms Burke and turns to speak to the class Nice work guys he says Let’s run through it one last time and then we’ll break for lunch Then he looks right at me Good job Aiden This time try to make Dane look even more lovesick when he’s staring at Penny okay He makes a goofy goggle-eyed face and we all laugh He turns to Anais who plays Penny Don’t worry Anais he says with a wink He’s just acting She rolls her eyes and turns around to grin at me I smile back trying to look like I’m in on the joke The thing is I’m starting to wonder if my crush on Anais ummm I mean Penny really is just acting 3 PoP quiz
