Post by xero on Nov 8, 2005 15:20:52 GMT -8
Mmm. Okay, I'm in Honors Language Arts for the seventh grade, and the mimimum to write was two pages. I wrote....five, I think it was. Please don't mind the grammar mistakes, because this is the un-revised version. I'd really, really, appreiciate if you gave me a grade.
Acts of Kindness
They say violence is never the answer. Before you go accusing me of anything, I really believe that's true; you can't solve anything by hurting someone else. Now, they also say it's best to treat someone as you wish to be treated. Again, I think that's reasonable to believe too. But if someone acts up to you, they say not to respond with anger, but in kindness. That I don't agree with. How is it possible not to get mad at someone when they do something wrong? If you ignore them...won't it add up? And why...why would you be nice to someone who isn't nice back? Maybe....just, maybe-
" Gavin! Get up-you're going to be late and I do NOT want to drive you to school!"
I gave a loud noise, something between a groan and a incoherent mumble and threw the covers over my head, my previous train of thought whisked away. Wincing with the thought of school, I figured life was better without it. My older sister, Emma, apparently didn't think the same way and shoved me to the cold, hard floor. Ah, I couldn't tell you how it felt exactly. Maybe something like being pulled away from a nice soft matress and onto the freezing tile floor at 7: 15 in the morning. Looking up, I was greeted by the sight of Emma with a look of distaste on her face, her long blonde hair falling mid-waist. " What time did you get up?" I asked irritably, noticing she was already dressed for school. " Oh...about six or so," she answered," But anyway, hurry up. Mom's too tired to drive you, Dad already left for work half an hour ago, and Tom left fifteen minutes ago." After checking off all the possible people who could have drove me to school, or in Tom's case, accompany me for the walk, she turned around and disappeared down the hallway. Shaking my head and sighing dejectedly, I stood up and began to change.
Afterwards, I stood in front of the bathroom mirror and examined myself. I really didn't look too different than I did when I was a sixth grader. Sure, I was taller, but it was still the same short brown hair and grey eyes, and probably the only guy in all my classes to still collect a wide variety of baseball cards. Now fourteen after my birthday a few weeks back, the school year was coming to an end. Exams were coming up, and everyone seems to be really nervous, especially the eighth graders in my year. I mean, sure, it is a big deal, since if you didn't pass math or english you were held back while everyone else went on to be freshman in highschool. Actually, I think it'd be quite embarassing.
When I arrived at school, the bell had already rung. Running as quick as I possibly could to my first clas, math, I slipped quietly in between the seat of my two best friends.
" Late much?"Jake asked me in a low tone, raising a hand to ruffle his sleek, blonde hair. I internally rolled my eyes; I think he is a little to preoccupied with how he looked sometimes, but, whatever, it's his life. Even though I bet he combed his hair more than Alexis did to her jet-black hair. Apparently, he wasn't keen on getting caught talking because his lips were barely moving and he was mumbling. " We both know very well how Gavin is,"Alexis told him just as I opened my mouth to speak," Probably a late start, as usual." I flashed out my first grin this morning and shook my head, muttering," No one knows me better than you two."
It was at that precise moment that our math teacher, Mr. Anders, walked in and as usual pulled out his planner. " As you all well know," he began," tommorow we will have an exam that will take up a large portion of your grade. Today we shall be reviewing old material to see how much you remember. Now, if you'll get out your textbooks and turn to page one-hundred seventy-three..." There was an immediate shuffling and scraping of chairs as everyone began to dig inside their backpacks for their math textbooks. Sighing, I opened my own copy to the correct page and tried to follow the lesson.
Yes, I can honestly say I paid attention in class. Surprising, isn't it? For me it is, anyway, since I'm sort of on the verge of....failing. I never liked the concept of math, alright?! I supposed it couldn't hurt my chances of being able to graduate middle school too much, will it? I shook it off the nagging thoughts of failure just as class ended.
" Gavin, would you mind staying for a few minutes? I'd like to have a word with you," Mr. Anders' voice called out as the students began packing up for theit next classes they needed to go to. Wondering vaguely what he wanted, I walked up to his desk, awaiting an explanation. " I wanted to let you know this, Gavin, before the exam," he began sternly," that your grade has dropped severely. Your only way of passing-your only way of being able to graduate- is to pass this exam. I suggest you get studying. Do you understand?"
I gave a small nod, then added, " Yes, sir." After he told me I was excused, I hurriedly gathered up my belongings and headed outside, only to see Alexis and jake waiting for me. " Hey, what did Mr. Anders want?" Alexis asked me; I could just feel her hazel eyes searching my face for an answer. Ignoring this, I shook my head slowly, then replied," Nothing new. Just said some things I can do to pull my grade up, is all."
" Why, is it that bad?"Jake joked in a lighthearted tone, blue eyes twinkling. I turned around to face him, my annoyed expression explaining it all. " It's none of your concern," I snapped. He held up his hands in defense, more than slightly surprised at my reaction. " Sorry, it was just a joke," he tried to explain. I just shook my head and said," I don't want to be late for my next class," before walking away. " What's with him?" Alexis asked aloud. " I don't know,"Jake replied, frowning," Maybe something's bothering him."
Throughout the entire day, I wasn't able to concentrate in my other classes. And I know what you're thinking. Trust me, my other grades are perfectly fine, only math
is my weak spot. During lunch, however, was something happened I'd rather not think about. " Look, would you mind telling us what's your problem?" Jake confronted me," This is stupid; you're taking out your anger on us." I gave him a harsh stare, the told him," I don't know what you're talking about."
" Well, you should," Alexis spoke up," You're starting to make us worry. What's wrong?"
" Nothing," I answered bluntly as I turned around to walk away.
" Don't give me that!" Jake pulled me around with such force my shoulder hurt. " Lay off," I warned him, scowling. " What're you going to do?" Jake questioned me," Fight? You've never been in a fight in your life."
" There's a first for everything."
Just as I raised my fist to strike him a teacher came around the corner, giving my a threatening glare and yelling at me. I stood there, half-listening to the lecture. " Now go off to your classes, " she yelled after me, " And be glad I didn't give you detention!"
I kept glancing at the clock during my last class, counting down the minutes, then seconds, until the bell rang. When it finally did, I breathed out a sigh of relief and quickly left my science class. I didn't even stop to say good-bye to either Jake or Alexis, since I headed straight home.
" Whoa, slow down, shorty,"Emma told me as a skidded to a halt and ran to my room to set down my backpack and start on my homework. I winced at the nickname she gave me; I'm fourteen, she's seventeen, how can she NOT be taller than me!?
" Can you like, not bother me when I'm working?" I asked in a bothered tone, jotting down the answers to my homework. She stared at me, then crossed her arms and frowned. " You're doing your homework," she stated disbelievingly. " Yeah, I am," I told her with fake shock in my voice," I'm SO surprised you found out so quickly."
Emma noticed my sarcasm, and rolled her eyes. " No need to be such a brat about it," she frowned. I raised a brow at her, then said defiantly,"I am NOT a brat."
" Oh, yes you are."
"Am not!" I said, not looking up from my paper.
"Are too."
"Am NOT."
"Am not," she mimicked; I hadn't paid attention.
"Are too!"
" Haha, I tricked you," she laughed. I glared at her, and she gave an involuntary shrug and walked off to leave me alone. And so they had left me alone. I suspected Emma told the rest of the family I was serious about my homework, so they left me alone. Mom even came in quietly and left my dinner on the desk. As for Tom...well, he was different.
" What'cha doing?" he asked me loudly. I looked up from my math book and gave him a blank stare. " Studying," I answered shortly. " Ooooh, tell me what that means?" Tom asked excitedly, pointing to a complicated problem. " ...No," I answered, returning to staring at the pages. He pouted at me, then tugged at my sleeve. " Tell me! I want to know!" he whined. My patience was coming short with his yells at pulling.
" Look, you annoying child, you had better-"
" Gavin! Cut it out!"
I looked up just in time to see Emma standing over me with a furious look on my face. I supposed that might have had to do with my fist being inches away from Tom's face. "Tom, go to your room," she ordered," As for you, stay." ' Well, duh, it is my room,' I thought to myself. Tom obeyed and ran off to his room, not shaken by the fact I nearly punched him. " What did you think you were doing?" she asked me in a calm tone; a shock, since I thought she would yell. "You could have seriously hurt him; adding, he might have never looked at you the same away again. You'd hurt him physically and mentally."
" Oh, look who's talking!" I replied angrily, " All you've ever done to me was bully! The relentless name-calling really is annoying!"
" But you don't hate me for it, do you?" Emma asked, " I can tell you always shrug it off. But Tom's just a little kid; he's too young to take words not to the heart. And I spoke to your friends today, Jake and Alexis. Apparently, you caused a bit of a scene at school."
" It's none of your business," I told her stubbornly, remembering she wanted to become a social worker for young teens. Why, why did she have to make so much sense!? " Actually, it is," Emma replied, " You're my little brother, and I have to watch out for you. Reluctantly, mind you. Anyway, I suggest you make it up to Tom, and apologize to your friends. They really do care about you." She then walked off again to my buzzing thoughts. My thoughts like to argue, I noted.
'She is right, you know.'
'No she's not! I don't need to apologize to them!'
'But you went mental on them. They didn't do anything wrong-'
'Except bother me!'
'Because they care.'
The stubborn part of me was stumped at that point. They did care. And I....I wasn't right to be so mad at them like that. Slowly, I made my way over to Tom's room; he was reading the newest 'Harry Potter' book. " Hi, Gavin!" he said brightly when he noticed I was standing in the doorway," Emma said you might be coming. But I thought you had to study with those weird numbers mixed with letters." 'How did she know I was going to visit Tom?' I asked myself. I gave a small chuckle. "It's called Algebra," I corrected him," And yeah, I'm supposed to be studying. But how about I read you...say, two chapters, and then I go back to studying, okay?" Tom nodded eagerly and handed me the book," I'm on chapter six."
The following day seemed a lot better than yesterday. A nice plus, was that my old alarm clock woke me up on time. I was a bit surprised, since I hadn't put in new batteries, or a set time to wake me up. 'You can thank me later-get to school!' read the note near it. I grinned- it was Emma's handwriting.
When I arrived at school, shockingly, I saw Alexis and Jake waiting for me outside class. "About yesterday...," I started off awkwardly," I'm really sorry. I didn't mean for that to happen."
" Or almost happen. Seeing as, you didn't get a chance to hit me," Jake smiled," It's alright; I already talked it over with Alexis. We know how you can get sometimes with pressure." Alexis nodded, then asked," Did you study for Mr. Anders' test?" I have a half-hearted shrug. " I think I'm ready," I said.
The bell rang across campus loudly, the ringing echoing in the crowded halls. Alexis and Jake already started to go into the class room. I hung back, watching them and the other students in my class file in. I took a deep breath, then thought it over. If I did fail, which I'm sure I won't...I'd still have my friends. That I knew for certain. " Are you coming or what?" Jake called from the classroom. Nodding, I walked to them. " So you really think you're ready for the test?" Alexis asked again. I gave another shrug and a small grin. " As ready as I'll ever be."
The End
Acts of Kindness
They say violence is never the answer. Before you go accusing me of anything, I really believe that's true; you can't solve anything by hurting someone else. Now, they also say it's best to treat someone as you wish to be treated. Again, I think that's reasonable to believe too. But if someone acts up to you, they say not to respond with anger, but in kindness. That I don't agree with. How is it possible not to get mad at someone when they do something wrong? If you ignore them...won't it add up? And why...why would you be nice to someone who isn't nice back? Maybe....just, maybe-
" Gavin! Get up-you're going to be late and I do NOT want to drive you to school!"
I gave a loud noise, something between a groan and a incoherent mumble and threw the covers over my head, my previous train of thought whisked away. Wincing with the thought of school, I figured life was better without it. My older sister, Emma, apparently didn't think the same way and shoved me to the cold, hard floor. Ah, I couldn't tell you how it felt exactly. Maybe something like being pulled away from a nice soft matress and onto the freezing tile floor at 7: 15 in the morning. Looking up, I was greeted by the sight of Emma with a look of distaste on her face, her long blonde hair falling mid-waist. " What time did you get up?" I asked irritably, noticing she was already dressed for school. " Oh...about six or so," she answered," But anyway, hurry up. Mom's too tired to drive you, Dad already left for work half an hour ago, and Tom left fifteen minutes ago." After checking off all the possible people who could have drove me to school, or in Tom's case, accompany me for the walk, she turned around and disappeared down the hallway. Shaking my head and sighing dejectedly, I stood up and began to change.
Afterwards, I stood in front of the bathroom mirror and examined myself. I really didn't look too different than I did when I was a sixth grader. Sure, I was taller, but it was still the same short brown hair and grey eyes, and probably the only guy in all my classes to still collect a wide variety of baseball cards. Now fourteen after my birthday a few weeks back, the school year was coming to an end. Exams were coming up, and everyone seems to be really nervous, especially the eighth graders in my year. I mean, sure, it is a big deal, since if you didn't pass math or english you were held back while everyone else went on to be freshman in highschool. Actually, I think it'd be quite embarassing.
When I arrived at school, the bell had already rung. Running as quick as I possibly could to my first clas, math, I slipped quietly in between the seat of my two best friends.
" Late much?"Jake asked me in a low tone, raising a hand to ruffle his sleek, blonde hair. I internally rolled my eyes; I think he is a little to preoccupied with how he looked sometimes, but, whatever, it's his life. Even though I bet he combed his hair more than Alexis did to her jet-black hair. Apparently, he wasn't keen on getting caught talking because his lips were barely moving and he was mumbling. " We both know very well how Gavin is,"Alexis told him just as I opened my mouth to speak," Probably a late start, as usual." I flashed out my first grin this morning and shook my head, muttering," No one knows me better than you two."
It was at that precise moment that our math teacher, Mr. Anders, walked in and as usual pulled out his planner. " As you all well know," he began," tommorow we will have an exam that will take up a large portion of your grade. Today we shall be reviewing old material to see how much you remember. Now, if you'll get out your textbooks and turn to page one-hundred seventy-three..." There was an immediate shuffling and scraping of chairs as everyone began to dig inside their backpacks for their math textbooks. Sighing, I opened my own copy to the correct page and tried to follow the lesson.
Yes, I can honestly say I paid attention in class. Surprising, isn't it? For me it is, anyway, since I'm sort of on the verge of....failing. I never liked the concept of math, alright?! I supposed it couldn't hurt my chances of being able to graduate middle school too much, will it? I shook it off the nagging thoughts of failure just as class ended.
" Gavin, would you mind staying for a few minutes? I'd like to have a word with you," Mr. Anders' voice called out as the students began packing up for theit next classes they needed to go to. Wondering vaguely what he wanted, I walked up to his desk, awaiting an explanation. " I wanted to let you know this, Gavin, before the exam," he began sternly," that your grade has dropped severely. Your only way of passing-your only way of being able to graduate- is to pass this exam. I suggest you get studying. Do you understand?"
I gave a small nod, then added, " Yes, sir." After he told me I was excused, I hurriedly gathered up my belongings and headed outside, only to see Alexis and jake waiting for me. " Hey, what did Mr. Anders want?" Alexis asked me; I could just feel her hazel eyes searching my face for an answer. Ignoring this, I shook my head slowly, then replied," Nothing new. Just said some things I can do to pull my grade up, is all."
" Why, is it that bad?"Jake joked in a lighthearted tone, blue eyes twinkling. I turned around to face him, my annoyed expression explaining it all. " It's none of your concern," I snapped. He held up his hands in defense, more than slightly surprised at my reaction. " Sorry, it was just a joke," he tried to explain. I just shook my head and said," I don't want to be late for my next class," before walking away. " What's with him?" Alexis asked aloud. " I don't know,"Jake replied, frowning," Maybe something's bothering him."
Throughout the entire day, I wasn't able to concentrate in my other classes. And I know what you're thinking. Trust me, my other grades are perfectly fine, only math
is my weak spot. During lunch, however, was something happened I'd rather not think about. " Look, would you mind telling us what's your problem?" Jake confronted me," This is stupid; you're taking out your anger on us." I gave him a harsh stare, the told him," I don't know what you're talking about."
" Well, you should," Alexis spoke up," You're starting to make us worry. What's wrong?"
" Nothing," I answered bluntly as I turned around to walk away.
" Don't give me that!" Jake pulled me around with such force my shoulder hurt. " Lay off," I warned him, scowling. " What're you going to do?" Jake questioned me," Fight? You've never been in a fight in your life."
" There's a first for everything."
Just as I raised my fist to strike him a teacher came around the corner, giving my a threatening glare and yelling at me. I stood there, half-listening to the lecture. " Now go off to your classes, " she yelled after me, " And be glad I didn't give you detention!"
I kept glancing at the clock during my last class, counting down the minutes, then seconds, until the bell rang. When it finally did, I breathed out a sigh of relief and quickly left my science class. I didn't even stop to say good-bye to either Jake or Alexis, since I headed straight home.
" Whoa, slow down, shorty,"Emma told me as a skidded to a halt and ran to my room to set down my backpack and start on my homework. I winced at the nickname she gave me; I'm fourteen, she's seventeen, how can she NOT be taller than me!?
" Can you like, not bother me when I'm working?" I asked in a bothered tone, jotting down the answers to my homework. She stared at me, then crossed her arms and frowned. " You're doing your homework," she stated disbelievingly. " Yeah, I am," I told her with fake shock in my voice," I'm SO surprised you found out so quickly."
Emma noticed my sarcasm, and rolled her eyes. " No need to be such a brat about it," she frowned. I raised a brow at her, then said defiantly,"I am NOT a brat."
" Oh, yes you are."
"Am not!" I said, not looking up from my paper.
"Are too."
"Am NOT."
"Am not," she mimicked; I hadn't paid attention.
"Are too!"
" Haha, I tricked you," she laughed. I glared at her, and she gave an involuntary shrug and walked off to leave me alone. And so they had left me alone. I suspected Emma told the rest of the family I was serious about my homework, so they left me alone. Mom even came in quietly and left my dinner on the desk. As for Tom...well, he was different.
" What'cha doing?" he asked me loudly. I looked up from my math book and gave him a blank stare. " Studying," I answered shortly. " Ooooh, tell me what that means?" Tom asked excitedly, pointing to a complicated problem. " ...No," I answered, returning to staring at the pages. He pouted at me, then tugged at my sleeve. " Tell me! I want to know!" he whined. My patience was coming short with his yells at pulling.
" Look, you annoying child, you had better-"
" Gavin! Cut it out!"
I looked up just in time to see Emma standing over me with a furious look on my face. I supposed that might have had to do with my fist being inches away from Tom's face. "Tom, go to your room," she ordered," As for you, stay." ' Well, duh, it is my room,' I thought to myself. Tom obeyed and ran off to his room, not shaken by the fact I nearly punched him. " What did you think you were doing?" she asked me in a calm tone; a shock, since I thought she would yell. "You could have seriously hurt him; adding, he might have never looked at you the same away again. You'd hurt him physically and mentally."
" Oh, look who's talking!" I replied angrily, " All you've ever done to me was bully! The relentless name-calling really is annoying!"
" But you don't hate me for it, do you?" Emma asked, " I can tell you always shrug it off. But Tom's just a little kid; he's too young to take words not to the heart. And I spoke to your friends today, Jake and Alexis. Apparently, you caused a bit of a scene at school."
" It's none of your business," I told her stubbornly, remembering she wanted to become a social worker for young teens. Why, why did she have to make so much sense!? " Actually, it is," Emma replied, " You're my little brother, and I have to watch out for you. Reluctantly, mind you. Anyway, I suggest you make it up to Tom, and apologize to your friends. They really do care about you." She then walked off again to my buzzing thoughts. My thoughts like to argue, I noted.
'She is right, you know.'
'No she's not! I don't need to apologize to them!'
'But you went mental on them. They didn't do anything wrong-'
'Except bother me!'
'Because they care.'
The stubborn part of me was stumped at that point. They did care. And I....I wasn't right to be so mad at them like that. Slowly, I made my way over to Tom's room; he was reading the newest 'Harry Potter' book. " Hi, Gavin!" he said brightly when he noticed I was standing in the doorway," Emma said you might be coming. But I thought you had to study with those weird numbers mixed with letters." 'How did she know I was going to visit Tom?' I asked myself. I gave a small chuckle. "It's called Algebra," I corrected him," And yeah, I'm supposed to be studying. But how about I read you...say, two chapters, and then I go back to studying, okay?" Tom nodded eagerly and handed me the book," I'm on chapter six."
The following day seemed a lot better than yesterday. A nice plus, was that my old alarm clock woke me up on time. I was a bit surprised, since I hadn't put in new batteries, or a set time to wake me up. 'You can thank me later-get to school!' read the note near it. I grinned- it was Emma's handwriting.
When I arrived at school, shockingly, I saw Alexis and Jake waiting for me outside class. "About yesterday...," I started off awkwardly," I'm really sorry. I didn't mean for that to happen."
" Or almost happen. Seeing as, you didn't get a chance to hit me," Jake smiled," It's alright; I already talked it over with Alexis. We know how you can get sometimes with pressure." Alexis nodded, then asked," Did you study for Mr. Anders' test?" I have a half-hearted shrug. " I think I'm ready," I said.
The bell rang across campus loudly, the ringing echoing in the crowded halls. Alexis and Jake already started to go into the class room. I hung back, watching them and the other students in my class file in. I took a deep breath, then thought it over. If I did fail, which I'm sure I won't...I'd still have my friends. That I knew for certain. " Are you coming or what?" Jake called from the classroom. Nodding, I walked to them. " So you really think you're ready for the test?" Alexis asked again. I gave another shrug and a small grin. " As ready as I'll ever be."
The End
