Two: The Two Boys

                                    

                                          
"To start this unit, I'll be handing out novels for you to read over the next month. You'll be writing an eight to ten-page essay on this story discussing the main idea and theme," Mr. O'Sullivan told the students, his Irish accent strong, while handing out their new novels.
                          
He took no notice of the fact that his class had just gotten back from summer vacation: and the last thing they wanted to do is read, let alone write a paper of the book.
                          
When he got to Katia's desk, he dropped a novel in front of her, making her jump. She looked at the cover and groaned inwardly.
                          
Not...
                          
"Call of the Wild, yes. I see some of you are looking at me like I've just handed you a bomb, but this book is worth the read. And the paper," the teacher told them, winking.
                          
Katia sighed and opened it up to the first page.
                          
"Not so fast, Ms. Hall."
                          
Katia looked up, surprised. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Daniel's smile widening and she couldn't help but smile as well. His lips were magnetic.
                          
"I know you're excited about this story. But first, like any other good reader should do, we must analyze the story."
                          
Mr. O'Sullivan hopped in between Katia and Daniel and patted them on the shoulder.
                          
"I can tell you two are going to be trouble. Please. No note-passing."
                          
Katia frowned, wondering what he meant by note passing.  When she saw the piece of paper lying on her desk and Daniel trying to look innocent, she understood.
                          
Ain't that cute. Katia quickly caught herself. No! Not cute. 
                          
She shook her head and unfolded the piece of paper.
                          
Hello fellow senior. How may you be doing on this fine first day of school?
                          
She read, barely making out the words written in Daniel's messy handwriting.
                          
She picked a pen out of her brightly coloured pencil case, unable to stop herself from smiling, and replied.
                          
Feeling like a rebel. I'm disobeying the teacher with all this note passing.
                          
When she cautiously passed the piece of paper over to his desk, she heard him stifle a laugh. Mr. O'Sullivan stopped his lecture about the bravery of the dog and stared at Daniel.
                          
"Is there something more interesting than my lecture, Mr. Cortàl?"
                          
Daniel nodded his head, "Well, of course, there are many things like wearing a pot on your head and banging it with a wooden spoon, but not at the present moment, no."
                          
Katia burst out laughing with the rest of the class and even Mr. O'Sullivan could barely contain his smile.
                          
"I like your imagination, Cortàl, but please contain it to your writing and let me do my job without getting interrupted."
                          
"Now why would I let you miss out on such an opportunity?" Daniel said, gesturing with his hands.
                          
"Good question! Now, if you'll let me get back to my book, and will you please follow along and stop passing notes to your classmate?"
                          
Katia blushed and covered her face with her hair.
                          
"Now..."
                          
~~~
                          
Katia stood in line with Aleks and Alice, waiting for her food. She grabbed a dirty tray and wiped it with a paper towel.
                          
"You'd think with all the money we pay they'd be able to afford a dishwasher," she commented, grimacing at the grimy plates.