Читать книгу Glitter, Paint and Homemade Cookies: One Girl's Guide to Surviving Middle School - Heather M.C. Paynter - Страница 4

At school, it’s the same old start to the day. My friends Jamie and Amie greet me at my locker, which I think looks super cool. Quite a variety for a 13-year-old I think. I cut out pictures of my favorite musicians and pop stars. I also have some super cute hipster outfits I found in my mom’s magazine. Shoe boots, frankenboots and military jackets are my current inspiration.

But back to my friends. Jamie and Amie are twins and so much alike, sometimes I can’t tell them apart. It’s cliché, I know, but the truth. Did I mention that they like to talk over each other in their excitement to share cool information? Not that I mind.

“Maggie, Maggie, hey, we got a substitute teacher in social studies and he’s a weirdo,” said Amie. “He tells us stories that nobody understands.” In their excitement to share the news, the two of them are practically jumping up and down. I didn’t get the excitement. It sounded terrible actually. Exactly how is social studies and topography going to help me with my life goals? There are no mountains to name or countries to point out at the department stores where I hope my clothes will one day be sold.

As I head to class, I’m thinking about the weekend ahead. My dad promised to take me roller skating and that is going to be so cool. He doesn’t live with us, but we do fun things together sometimes. Practicing the art of reality avoidance, my mind wanders to other things – my cute dog, the fact that I’m getting so great at rocking my guitar video game and the time I spent on my science project on clouds that I am really proud of. It wasn’t easy. The color printer at home wasn’t working so I had to improvise. I drew all the pictures on my poster. I must say, it looks nice.

I walk into class and take my seat next to the window. Amie was right, this teacher looks crazy. He’s wearing a mustard-yellow button down shirt, pens in the pocket, brown polyester pants and dusty boots. I think it’s similar to the leisure suits I’ve seen on those hipster nostalgia shows. Gross though. His hair is slicked back and his glasses are crooked. Though my senses were less-than-inspired, I’m willing to give anyone a chance.

He begins to talk about a story dating back to World War II. Ok, his chance has come and gone. Now, what does this have to do with social studies? I look around the class to see what’s happening. Dave on the other side of the room is intently studying a book behind his notebook. I do know he likes comic books, maybe that’s it. Jessica is looking in a mirror at her makeup and Lori leans over to say something that gets both of them giggling.

Most of the kids in class are sneaking glances on their phones and honestly, it looks like there’s a lot going on in this class that has nothing to do with the government structure in Beijing. The teacher pauses to ask the stupid question that teachers think is funny and clever. “I must be mistaken, because I hear talking,” he said. Well, he’s right about that at least. I sigh, it’s going to be a long day.