Note: It's been over two years, but I figure better late than never! Thank you to everyone who has stuck with me!
Chapter 2: Rivalry Week
"Man, Susie sure does look good today!" Calvin leaned back in his chair, admiring his crush, sitting three rows in front of him. Susie had started to grow her hair out, and it was pulled back neatly into a ponytail.
"This was the final class of the day: geometry with Miss Wormwood. Of course, Calvin's immaturity from first grade stuck with her; it was clear that she still resented him for all the trauma he caused her those 8 long years ago.
"Now, based on the Pythagorean Theorem, who can tell me what the length of side 'C' is? Hmmm…Calvin?" Calvin snapped out of his daze quickly; he was used to Miss Wormwood calling on him for answers to tough questions.
"Umm…121?" said Calvin, who hadn't paid attention during the lecture.
The class erupted into laughter, and to Calvin's dismay, no one was laughing harder than Susie.
"Wrong, Calvin. It's the square root of 41. Did you pay attention during any of this?" said Miss Wormwood sternly.
"Uh…sorry no, Miss Wormwood." Calvin sheepishly answered.
Miss Wormwood let out a long sigh. "Please see me after class, Calvin."
Calvin slumped back in his chair, far more disappointed at Susie's reaction to his wrong answer than for having to stay after class.
The bell finally rang, and Calvin approached Miss Wormwood's desk. "You wanted to see me, Miss Wormwood?"
"Yes. Calvin, I feel I've been very patient with you. But you need to start paying attention in class…or else." Calvin thought for an extra moment on those last words, not sure whether to interpret them as a warning or a threat.
"Or…or else what, ma'am?" Calvin replied questioningly, not sure what consequence his old nemesis had in store for him.
"Calvin, if you don't behave yourself, I'll send you to detention." Calvin thought for a second…then realized how grave that punishment truly was.
"But Miss Wormwood, that would give me three detentions this semester. I'll have to miss the game on Friday!" North Chagrin High School was opening the season with their rivalry matchup against South Chagrin. It was the biggest game of the year and as a starting wide receiver, Calvin saw the game as his chance to finally impress Susie. But Coach Wiggins had a very strict policy; three detentions meant a suspension for the next game.
"I'm well aware of that Calvin. You need to behave yourself; hopefully that will give you the proper incentive." Miss Wormwood picked up her purse and exited the classroom.
Calvin gave a long sigh, then walked out of the classroom himself. He headed down to the football locker room and put on his pads, thinking about Miss Wormwood's warning the whole time.
"Calvin! Get your butt up to the field!" Coach Wiggins barked into the room at Calvin, who was the last player still in the locker room.
"Yes sir, sorry coach. Coming!" Calvin snapped out of his thought and jogged out of the locker room. He knew that as bad as Miss Wormwood's threat was, he wouldn't even get a chance to play anyway if he didn't have a good week of practice.
An hour into practice, Calvin made another excellent catch along the sideline. "Great catch, Calvin!" yelled Kristen and Abbey from the sideline. They came out to every practice to cheer on their good friend. Calvin smiled and gave a quick wave to them as he jogged back to the huddle.
"White 20! Blue 16!" Jack Mannino, the quarterback, called out the signals. "Hike!" As soon as the ball was snapped, Calvin took off on a fly pattern deep down the field. He looked up to see the ball spiraling down towards him. He dove out as far as he could, securing the ball and tucking it into his chest.
"Atta boy Calvin!" smiled Coach Wiggins, as the rest of the team applauded the sensational play. "We'd better see some of that on Friday!
Calvin laughed and walked back to the huddle.
After practice, Kristen and Abbey approached him as he walked off the field. "Wow Calvin, you were great out there!
"Thanks guys. Let me just get changed quickly and we can head home!" Calvin turned around excitedly, only to see someone walking in his direction.
It was Susie, who had been watching the whole practice.