Author Note: A surprisingly short chapter - which is actually very rare when I write. But in honor of International Pi day, I figured I would post a chapter, even though I'm doing terribly at sticking to my usual schedule. Enjoy!
Chapter 4
The school bell echoed in my head as I sat up quickly. Blinking profusely I rubbed my eyes and checked the clock. Already it was the end of the school day and I had just slept through my last class. Apologizing to the teacher, I collected my things and rushed towards the doors. Skidding around the corner, I bumped into someone sending both of our possessions flying.
“Sorry! I wasn’t watching—“ I started but saw it was one of my teachers.
“Mark, where’s the fire?” He laughed, punching me in the shoulder.
“Sorry, I fell asleep in my last class and I have to go get my sister—“
“I know it’s not easy for you to take care of her with your current home situation. But what about your plans after you graduate? You can’t watch after your sister and continue with your education at this rate. You’ll surely burn yourself out,” he said, starting to pick up his papers.
“I don’t really have any other options, Mr. Leland. Max can’t stay with our parents. They’re too busy getting drunk and having orgies,” I huffed, picking up my own things.
“Then why not get out of the situation? Take yourself and Max away from that. Get a great education and taken care of easily.” I stared at him blankly, trying to fathom exactly how something like that was even possible with my present position. His laughter—I’m sure—echoed down the hallway.
“What’s…?”
“The military. They’ll pay for your education, give you free room and board, and it’s a great experience. I got my best years of training there,” Mr. Leland said, slapping me on the back. “I can get you a few contacts I know that could help you in your circumstances. What’dya say?” He definitely wasn’t given me very long to think. But so far it sounded like a good idea. I mean after all, being able to get away from my parents with Max was a benefit already.
“Sure, why not? Sounds great,” I answered, managing to stuff the rest of my supplies into my bag where they should have been in the first place. Glancing up at the clock my eyes widened. “Sorry to rush off, but I have to go pick up Max. Thanks Mr. Leland!” I sprinted off down the rest of the corridor and into the crisp fall air.
“Sorry! I wasn’t watching—“ I started but saw it was one of my teachers.
“Mark, where’s the fire?” He laughed, punching me in the shoulder.
“Sorry, I fell asleep in my last class and I have to go get my sister—“
“I know it’s not easy for you to take care of her with your current home situation. But what about your plans after you graduate? You can’t watch after your sister and continue with your education at this rate. You’ll surely burn yourself out,” he said, starting to pick up his papers.
“I don’t really have any other options, Mr. Leland. Max can’t stay with our parents. They’re too busy getting drunk and having orgies,” I huffed, picking up my own things.
“Then why not get out of the situation? Take yourself and Max away from that. Get a great education and taken care of easily.” I stared at him blankly, trying to fathom exactly how something like that was even possible with my present position. His laughter—I’m sure—echoed down the hallway.
“What’s…?”
“The military. They’ll pay for your education, give you free room and board, and it’s a great experience. I got my best years of training there,” Mr. Leland said, slapping me on the back. “I can get you a few contacts I know that could help you in your circumstances. What’dya say?” He definitely wasn’t given me very long to think. But so far it sounded like a good idea. I mean after all, being able to get away from my parents with Max was a benefit already.
“Sure, why not? Sounds great,” I answered, managing to stuff the rest of my supplies into my bag where they should have been in the first place. Glancing up at the clock my eyes widened. “Sorry to rush off, but I have to go pick up Max. Thanks Mr. Leland!” I sprinted off down the rest of the corridor and into the crisp fall air.
No comments:
Post a Comment