This is Part 2 !
* * *
Carmen saw Gabriel across the hall surrounded by the usual suspets talking around him she couldn't help but to observe they were talking around him not to him. Their talking included the punching, shoving and the occasional headlock to emphasis a story. Carmen had really gotten into the Romeo and Juliet project and had a full list of ideas and cool ideas for the poster but, the only problem was Gabriel's lack of attendance in class that week. She was going to have to take initiative something she happened to be very bad at. So she decided to take the cheaters way out. Instead of talking to him she was going to make him talk to her. Carmen had timed it perfecly. She picked up her books closed her locker keeping sure that her Romeo and Juliet book was on top. She then made a beeline through the crowds and purposely knocked right into Garbriel.
"Sorry, I - oh, hi" She said looking him in the eye
" Hi, Cameron right. Man we have to do that project don't we "
She nodded her head while thinking in her head My name's Carmen actually.
"Here is an idea how about you come to my house in the morning like 8 AM it's my only free time on Saturday." He suggested.
More nodding by Carmen. "Let me write the directions for you." He looked around for a piece of paper but, opted to take Carmen's hand and write directions across her arm. As he did this Carmen began to wonder why popular guys were so oblivious about the psycho looks they get when they do stupid stuff, like putting directions on peoples arms like they are Google Maps or something.
"Okay, I have to go." She said and hurried off.
Once safely on the bus she looked at the directions and copied them on to paper. The direction went to a a neighborhood Carmen was familiar with. It was the part of town that had million dollar homes overlooking water.
The bus stopped at her house and she got off and went inside to greet her mother. Cameron and her mom, Delia Tolson had a very special realtionship. They were close and Carmen shared almost everything with her, they had the type of realtionship you only read about or hear on T.V. Carmen knew it was partly due to the fact that she made excellent grades, loved learning and never given her mother a reason to doubt her or not trust her. One of Carmens biggest fears in life was lying. She used to think she was under a spell like in Ella Enchanted but, she didn't know. Carmens mom had an online business selling handmade candles but it hadn't really picked up so her mother also worked as a, sales associate in Neiman - Marcus.
"Mom, I need to talk to you" Camren said going into her mother's home office which was really a spare room in their townhouse. The office consisted of 8 hot plates and 5 cupboards, a mini showcase and a radio. Lying on the floor was her mother uploading photos of her new rose scented candle.
"What's going on, Car ?" She said her eyes glued to the Hp in front of her.
"Well, remeber that project in English lit . . " She began
"Right, Romeo and Juliet, did that partner of yours ever come around" Delia asked
"Yeah, his name is Gabriel Fisher actually . . . He wants me to go to his house in the morning. Here are the directions he lives in Sapphire Lake . . . can I go ?" She asked
"Sure, it's not to far." Her mother conciented. "What are you going to wear ?"
"Mom, I'm just working on a project."
"Okay but we just got a beautiful Nanette Lapore top at work, if you change your mind." Her mother tempted. " From what I hear about Gabriel Fisher, popular . . . talented . . . mysterious you should be more excited . . . you can get in with a good crowd."
"Mom, it's not some cheap teen movie I'm not going get a sudden makeover from like his sister get, in with his crowd, have a throwdown with his ex and then happily dancing at prom." She explained logging on to the HP desktop.
"I know it says 250 but I think I can get it for you for a better price . . . like borrowed." Her mother explained already knowing what website Carmen was logging on to
"Okay, but . . . only because he lives in a nice area and I want to dress the part." Carmen explained as she typed Nanette Lepore in the search engine.
* * *
"What light through yonders window break" Tim whispered into Johns ear.
"Dude, seriously knock it off" John said sitting as the desk in front of Tim with his head down.
"You say that a lot" Tim said " 'Dude, seriously', very catchy Anyway back to monolouging ---"
"Dude seriou -, I mean look." John said, fusturated picking up his book ,"Alas, that love, so gentle in his view, Should be so tyrannous and rough in proof" said Benvolio in the 1st act. If you can translate that for me then we will talk . . . maybe." John said putting his head down again.
There was a silence for a while.
"Varks is a jerk, I mean if he had things his way we'd all be numbers he could correlate on a graph with atomic numbers.I know you sport people hate missing your little practices and I want you to think I'm a jerk" Tim explained ". . .and not just saying this because you could rip my face off with one hand tied behind your back." Tim joked
'
John turned around towards him, "You know you aren't funny right ?"
"I've heard that but, I went to comedy camp so - "
"You should probably get you your money back" John interjected. "Although that thing about ripping your face off got me thinking. . . that is what made that play last. The violence, blood, guts, body counts."
"Like football, right ?" Tim said.
"Not funny, because that is actually true. Now, stop making jokes for like one second. We have to get serious" John ordred. "Now what do you think of my idea ? Our theme is blood"
" Look, I wasn't really listening so whatever you say goes. Trolar bear" Tim told him
John rolled his eyes and put his head back on his desk
***
5551936.5551936.5551936. Cameron repeated the number to herself in her head. She was about to call Gabriel Fisher to certify their meeting that morning. She finally mustered up the courage and dialed the number.
"Hello?" She heard a deep voice say on the other line
"Hi Gabriel it's Carmen from English Lit "
"Oh, hey whats up ?"
"I just wanted to make sure we were still all squared away for this morning" All squared away ? She asked herself why did she say that. She never said that. Nobody ever said that.
"Oh, Cameron I meant to call you. I can't do it can we just talk about it over the phone."
Cameron felt a little disapointed she had hoped she'd be able to see Gabriel's home.
"Okay fine. Well I thought first we could say the theme is society rules and how ineffective they are in keeping structure and then do like all the society rules from the play. "
"That sounds great. You can get started and then I'll catch up with you later. Okay ?"
That was just barely talking and the project is due Monday. Hmmm, What can I say, She thought and then gave in
. "That's fine" She lied
"Alright bye then" He told her
"Bye" She said.
Cameron had the feeling she had when she felt like someone was walking all over her. She didn't know what to do so she went downstairs to talk to her mother. She found her mom at the computer as usual and told her about the conversation.
" Well, you have to do what you have to do to finish this project and tell Ms.Collins about him. Poeple like him are stuck up and think they rule the world and run over good people like you and me. Besides you are to smart to need a partner." Delia told her daughter.
"You're right, I guess I have work to do before Monday morning" Carmen agreed.
***
On Monday morning Genivive was walking to class when Monroe grabbed her shoulder and turned her toward him.
"What is your problem ?" She said under her breath.
"I'll tell you what my problem is, our project is due in let me see . . . oh right 3 hours I tried to find you all week, all weekend what are we going to do. " He said sarcastically
"Hey, Don't blame this on me Monroe It's just one project. I guess . . . I have been slacking to but, we can do this . .. We have 8 minutes until the bell rings for 2nd period so you go to the art department and steal some poster paper and like some markers and draw whatever and I'll con my 2nd period teacher, Calvin into letting me use his computer and find some info. Meet me after second and we can slap it together for last period."
"Genivive, we have the same second period." Monroe said to her aggrivated "For the 6 billionth time" he whispered under his breath.
"Right sorry . . , okay go!" She said and ran quickly to Mr.Calvin's classroom.
"Mr.Calvin I need to use your computer for something for another class" Genivie said walking up towards her history techer.
"Sure, Genivive after the test today. " He told her.
"Mr. Calvin what are you talking about ? There is no test today. We are just reviewing for the test today that's what you told us last class because of . . .daylight savings." She told him. "Remember?".
"Oh, really. . . I . . .okay sure you can use my laptop" He said and passed her a notebook computer with a Navy and Orange skin on it.
"Thank you" She said and took the computer to her desk.
As Genivive started googling everything possible about Romeo and Juliet she kind of felt guilty about what she was doing. Not just because she had ignored Monroe all week but, because in reality they had a history test today. Genivive had simply taken advantage of Mr.Calvin, not that it was hard or others hadn't done it before.
Grayson Calvin was an Jefferson Alumni all - star football player at Jefferson in his day. He even got a full 4 - year scholarship to UVA his junior year and actually led the team to championships in his sophomore and junior years. By the time he was a senior he was a draft pick for the New York Jets. Halfway throught that year he suffered a career ruining injury. It left him picking up the pieces of his curved 2.0 GPA with no choice, but to finish his degree in American History and sure enough the day of graduation he was accepted back into Jefferson Magnet to teach and assistant coach. It was a combination of jock - ish stupidity and maybe one to many hits to the head that made him one of the easiest teachers to get around. He made a point of never writing anything on paper and was often confused.
To him the best part if his job was all of the jocks who basked in his former glory. Calvin had even taken the time to redecorate his classroom to his glory. He had swapped out the standard wooden teachers chair for a Navy and orange swivel chair, all the desks had Cavalier stickers on the back of the chair, There were a total of 12 action shots from his games at UVA framed, Team photos of himself since 6th grade he had a copy of his uniform in a reinforced frame behind his desk, A collage photo of all the past studnets and team members not to mention all the other UVA and Jefferson paraphenalia tacked to the walls. And on his desk were even more photos of himself. On top of that the standard grade TV and DVD for each classroom was replaced by a plasma screen and PS3 , microwave, fridge and even a couch screaming garage sale. If you didn't know any better you'd think he lived in his classroom. Their was a rumor that somewhere in the classroom behind a poster is his College diploma but that had never been confirmed by anyone.
"Working kinda late aren't you ?" John Troder said from behind Genivive making her jump
"It happens" She hissed. Genivive had a low tolerence for boys in general ecspacially the ones who worshiped Mr.Calvin.
" Class is in like 3 hours, I don't think you're going to make it" He told her affectionaltely
"Please , okay. " She said and then after a pause and added "And atleast I can pass this class the first time around"
"Sorry" He said, he started to walk off and then turned back around and said " Hey if it's any constellation me and the guy I'm working with did ours in detention."
"Tim, he is sooo annoying" Genivive said
"He's not too bad."
"Whatever, he was in like all my classes last year telling all those lame jokes . . I mean who does he think he is Chris Rock ?." You can leave me alone so you don't fail this class a second time around."
Then he walked off to his seat in the front where all the jocks sat, just in time for the bell.
"Okay class" Calvin began "So today we - " At that moment Monroe came in.
"Sorry" Monroe said under his breath
"You're late I'm going to have to mark you, man" Mr.Calvin said and walked over to his desk to mark him in the book.
Genivive grabbed him by his jacket, " What took you so long ?" She asked
"I didn't know what colors to get. I guess we'll have to do it after the test." He said
"No, I told Mr.Clavin the test is next class."
"You know one of my friends told me you can only pull that on Mr. Calvin like twice a year. And to think I thought you were so innocent"
" Trust me I'm not. People tell me I have a huge attitude." She said laughing a little.
I've noticed. He though to himself.
"I guess that's why you're kind of a loner" He said
"What are you talking about ?" She said as she cut and pasted some material on to the poster to the background of Mr.Calvin reviewing colinization as people laughed and talked in the background.
"We'll I hate to tell you this but, alot of girls don't like you. And you always act like you never want to have to do with anyone here ya know."
"Well most girls are jealous and to be honest I don't want to be here, anyway" She said
"Why not ?" He asked her, "The school isn't that bad. It;s kind of cool" He told her as he drew on detail to her paper cut outs.
Genivive stopped cutting and looked at him. "My dance studio went to the American Ballet Theater in New York City over the summer to see Don Quixote and then we got a tour of the facility. At that moment I really wanted to go to the American Ballet School I got all the info . . . but my parents never let me audition. I wanted so much to live there and be tutored, I wanted it so badly I think I could be a really great dancer and I actually thought it was going to happen. . .Then they said no, and I had to come back to these halls of math, science, english blah, blah , blah .
" Yeah but, that won't make you any money as a dancer anyway." He told her
"Says the artist. You're in like alot off Honors Art Classes and, I bet you have private lessons" She said. "Whats your plan ?"
"Well, I may got to art school l but, I'll probably be a commercial artist designing the new soda can or something. I know corporate America . . but, I don't want to be working at the Blender the rest of my life."
"Okay . . . anyway I got this thing on symbolism off line so I thought we could use that." She said, changing the subject.
"Alright" He agreed.
It took them the whole period but, they finally had something that was atleast presentable for Ms.Collins.
* * *
Gabriel Fisher , stood outside of Ms.Collins room waiting for Carmen. He spotted her walking towards the classroom with her head buried in Lord of the Rings.
"Um hey do we have a project ?" He asked her.
"Yeah, I finished it on Saturday" She told him. Without any input or help from you, She thought to herself
"Cameron, I'm really sorry I didn't do my part I just had stuff . . ." He said
It's Carmen, you moronic idiot.
" It's just you know things happen" He said " I owe you , really why don't you sit with me and you can show me what you did." He said and walked into the classroom and she followed behind him.
You think you are doing me a favor by letting me sit next to you don' t you Gabriel Fisher. Well, whatever I want you to like me so I'll let you cheat off me this one time but, I'm going to make you do all the talking in front of the class. She thought to herself and began to explain her ideas to Gabriel and what parts he was going to read.
As Emily walked into the classroom wheeling a cooler behind her, she was more than happy to see what the class had for her. She noticed some groups sitting together like Viv and Carlos and even Gabriel and Cameron.Interesting. Some were sitting as far away like John and Tim and some were sitting in their usual seats apart but, kept trying to look at the other when the other wasn't like Monroe and Genivive. Emily sat dow the cooler and walked to the front of the class.
"Okay everybody it is presentation day. Now, I had a teacher in high school who used to have a mini - barbeque every presentation day to sort of relax everyone. But, I'm a vegetarian know and making a teachers salary , I just got us some Cokes. Feel free to grab one and lets begin" She said with a confident smile as she sipped on her own piping hot Cinnamon vanilla latte.
The first people up where Tim and John who gave a morbid account of the death count in the enitre play. Their poster was a collage of red and black paint over block letters. Their presentaion took a total of 3 minutes Emily wondered if the presentation took longer than the actual project - making
. Next was Monroe and Genivive who practically stumbled over their project looking at each other before the other said a single word. Emily also couldn't help but to notice their pictures didn't match what they said although it was nicely decrorated But, it alteast beat Tim and Johns by being 8 minutes long.
She was semi - impressesd with Viv and Carlos but, there project lacked anything appealing to the eye. Among all of the projects she was actually very impressed with Gabriel and Carmen.
During all of the presentations she took intent notes and by the time all the projects finished they had a good 30 minutes.
"You guys, I think we need to talk about these projects" She said sitting on her desk. "I'm a little unimpressed ." They all stared at her, some exchanged looks of guilt.
"Everyone thinks we are supposed to be like all smart but we aren't. You can't expect much more we tried." Tim told her breaking the silence. "
"Okay you guys I think we are going to have imunity I want us to all be honset about how we felt like we did." She said and turned to Tim.
"Tim, how much time did you and John spend on your project ?" She asked him
" Uh, to be honest we did it when Tim was in detention." John answered
"Just to clarify we were both there."Tim corrected, "It was convinient"
" It's just I was so busy so it was . . . convinient" John agreed.
"Interesting." Emily said
" Genivive, how did things go for you ?" Emily asked
" I guess we had scheduling issues too " Genivive said, but instead of leaving it a that she added
"And some of us just don't click. I mean it's hard when we have to suddenly spend time with someone who we usually don't know and then fitting them in our schedule"
"Okay well yes, you could have easily done this on your own or over the internet but, from my own experiences I know it's important to share your ideas with others in person." She explained
" What kind of experiences, Ms. Collins ?" Viv asked.
"Well, I went to a school kind of like this. Except it was this big art school and I just happened to live in the area. Well our teachers were big on working together so I worked with everyone from concert pianist to sculptors to singers in my academic classes. And you know what I learned ? I can get along with everyone."
" If you wanted us to learn that you kind of ruined it . . . and I'd like to think Trod and I got along" Tim quipped
" And I also figured out two heads are better than one." Emily continued. " You learn and have alot more fun when you really work together for a common goal. You know it's very important for that 'Real World' you guys hear so much about . So, we are all going to redo the project this time put some effort make a sacrafice and learn something and I will promise this will be one of the few group projects." Emily explained "Can everyone deal with that ?"
There was a murmer of agreement. "I'll give you guys sometime to work something out, impress me and there may be something in it for you. " She said.
"Let's hope Varks doesn't give us another detention" Tim joked to John across the room.
"Excuse me ?" Emily said giving him a strange look
."Oh, nothing just a joke" Tim explained.
"Gabriel, Carmen can I see you at my desk ?" Emily said as she walked back over to her desk. They both walked over to her desk. Carmens mind was racing more than usual. Oh no ! She knows I did all of the project and Gabriel will think I told when I didin't . If she asks I can lie, yes I can lie there's a first time for everything. I'll say Gabriel did the photos. But what if my eyes tell I'm lying ? I wont look her in the eye I'll look at a something on her desk.
They got closer to her desk. Okay I'll look at that , uh . . . box okay whoa that's a really nice jewelry box. Why would she bring that here ? Maybe it's her old class ri ---
"I was really impressed with your project" Emily said interrupting Carmen's thoughts. " I'm not going to make you do yours over. If you want to go ahead but, I won't make you. You guys did a really good job." Emily told them. Carmen and Gabriel exchanged glances and then turned back to her.
"That's all guys" Emily said.
The two students walked back to their seats." Cameron I feel really badly about this. So, maybe I'll just redo it or something or whatever. By myself ." Gabriel told her. Camen thought. That doesn't make any sense it is a group project. Maybe we should redo it together. Or do you only want to redo it because you want him to notice you. How long have you been thinking ? He want's an answer.
"Or, we could redo it together, maybe ?" He asked because she wasn't responding.
Yes ! She thought. He wants to do it together. It sounds perfect okay say yes or sure or some sort of affirmation before he thinks you are an idiot.
"Cameron ?" He asked
"Okay, sure" She said, finally
"Hey Gabe !" John said walking over to Gabriel and Carmen." Look, Tim and I are going to the Cafe after school and Sasha, Fredrick and Lana may be there too, you should come hang out with us. They took this class last year you know. " He said
"I don't know I'm not really in the mood." Gabriel told him.
"Dude, seriously. Come on. You haven't hung out with us in forever. Just come you can work on your project. " John said. "Come on"
"Cameron how does that sound. You want to come?' Gabriel asked her.
Now what do I do ? Should I say yes ? I mean what Cafe are they talking about. Probably the Blender Cafe, but I've never eaten there what If I don't like the food. I only have 5 dollars in my pocket what it I can't afford it. And what will I talk about with Juniors and Seniors ! This could be so cool ! But wait isn't Sasha Gabriels ex, what if he ignores you.
"Is she okay ?" John asked
"Yeah, she does that alot." Gabriel explained. "Cameron ?"
She thought. Just don't say yes or no just say something.
"I - I don't know if I have a way of getting their. I don't drive." Carmen said, finally
"I'll drive you after school. Is that okay ?" Gabriel offered
"Okay" she said, without thinking
"Okay fine. We are there." Gabriel said.
" Yes !" John cheered. "See you later man."
As John walked off the bell rang.
"Okay, you guys, Romeo and Juliet part 2 let's have it in one week." Emily called out as the students walked door.