Читать книгу Another Song For Me - Jean Castaing - Страница 9

I hate to admit it, but the idea had been festering in my head since the moment I left the hospital. My ticket to New Orleans had miraculously walked into my life. If I could get him to talk, an “A” on my term paper was in the bag. And for the moment, Oil Can was captive in a hospital bed and I was on my way to Mr. Silver’s class with a new attitude.

Shari Parker was seated in the far aisle, by the windows. I grabbed a seat next to the door, as far from Shari as I could get. Just as I sat down, a boy I’d never seen walked in and handed Mr. Silver a large envelope. Mr. Silver pulled out some papers and raised his eyebrows. So did I. This guy was something to look at.

Mr. Silver studied the papers. “Quinn Kennedy. You’re transferring schools in the middle of the year?”

“Yes sir.” Quinn shifted his weight. “My dad’s accepted a position here. He’s replacing the physics teacher that left.”

“Fine. Take a seat. ”

Quinn started to sit next to me, and then glanced across the room. Shari was pointing to an empty desk. “You can see better from here,” she said, which made absolutely no sense.

“That’s okay. I’m cool,” Quinn said.

I needed Shari Parker in my life like I needed a wart on the end of my nose.

Quinn slid into his desk and smiled at me. At me!

Mr. Silver stepped behind his desk. “Has anyone begun interviewing respondents for the term paper?”

No one raised their hand.

“May I remind you that the project is due the day after Memorial Day? I understand that may seem like a lifetime away, but the dragon will shake his bumpy head before you know it. Now, has anyone even found a suitable subject to interview?”

Shari Parker waved her hand. Her long fingers were covered with gaudy rings.

“Good. Would you like to share some details?”

She hesitated. “It’s like more of a question.”

Mr. Silver groaned. “Please stand.”

“Is it okay if the person is rich? I know it’s supposed to be someone who’s different from us, but I don’t know any poor people. I don’t even know where to meet a poor person.”

“Try hanging at Wal-Mart,” someone yelled.

“Yuck!” Shari’s mouth stretched clear across her face.

Mr. Silver narrowed his eyes. “I shop at Wal-Mart, Shari.”

Wordless for once, Shari sat down and Mr. Silver searched for his next victim. His gaze stopped on me. “Madison. Have you found someone?”

“Maybe. That is, if he’ll cooperate. I don’t know much about him yet, but that’s the point of the assignment, right? He’s definitely the most different person I’ve ever met.”

Mr. Silver slid his glasses down his nose. “All right, class. Listen carefully. Tomorrow I will expect you to bring a brief biography of your subject and explain why you feel this individual meets the criteria I’ve laid out. I especially want you to consider what impact you will have on each other’s life. And finally, bring a photograph of the person, one you take yourself. You will be amazed to find that the image will raise issues you otherwise would never have imagined. Any questions?”

Quinn raised his hand. “I just got here, Sir. I don’t know anyone I could interview.”

“See me at lunch time.”

Quinn looked at me. “Think he has an old uncle locked in his attic?”

I laughed. “That would be fitting. But, in case he doesn’t, I had someone lined up. I don’t think I have to use him now. He’ll be perfect.”

“Cool,” Quinn said.

The instant class was over and the bell rang, I grabbed my books and stood up. Short Stack came charging down the aisle, crashed into me and knocked my books on the floor. I fell face first into Quinn. As he caught my arm, I found myself looking at the greenest eyes and thickest lashes I’d ever seen. I hoped he wasn’t looking at mine. Mom was right. A little mascara wouldn’t hurt.

He picked up my books. “Seems we’re destined to know each other. Can you meet me after school and clue me in on this project?”

“Yeah. Definitely. We’re destined. I mean, I’ll clue you in.”

Quinn shot me a peculiar look and handed me my books.

“I guess I didn’t make much sense. I was tongue-tied. Don’t you think that’s an odd expression? Now, how does a person’s tongue get tied? What I meant to say was that I’ve got chorus last period, so meet me outside the auditorium.”

“Perfect. That’s my last class too.”

He gave me a thumbs up and took off. It was going to be a long day.