Note: italicized words = thoughts and /or to make an emphasis

Chapter Two: Here's Your Assignment

Thursday

"Alright class, I hope you all had a great spring recess, 'cause now the fun really begins. Starting today you'll have think of something you would like to present for show and tell on next Monday." Mrs. Thomkins, Shayla's fifth grade teacher says while handing out a sheet of paper to her class. "I have a show and tell requirement sheet summarizing what you'll need and the grading scale as well. Look over this sheet and take the assignment seriously as this count for a good portion of your grade for this class."

Shayla instantly goes into a daydream about what could she possibly present as her show and tell project. "I haven't a clue as to what I'll do for show and tell; it's not like I'm talented in building models or whatever. Man, this is an easy fail for me! Nothing I have at home is good enough for this….. Wait a minute! I wonder if we can show someone? Why not my dad? He's perfect, the one and only Ultimate Life Form! Yes! Shadow the Hedgehog for the win!"

After the breakthrough brainstorm, Shayla slowly turns her head to the right to face her best friend Jessica with a Cheshire cat worthy grin. Jessica with a look of confusion asks, "What's up with the high beam smile? You have your show and tell project in mind already?

"Do I ever! It will blow this little assignment out of the water! It's perfect!"

"What's this monumental project you're gonna do Shay?" asks Jessica.

"Uh, uh, uh, no hints. I want to see the look on your face as it's presented." "I hope he'll do this for me; he can be such a 'stick in the mud' I can't get him to do this, I'll be laughed right out of the class."

"Come on Shay, a little hint?"

"No"

"Please?"

"NO! You'll have to wait; it won't kill you! Sheesh!"

"Don't make me beg Shay; you know I'll do it!" Jessica whispered just loud enough for Shayla to hear.

"I guess I can give her a teeny weeny hint for suspense…" "Alright Jess, ONE hint. It's taller than I am."

"Huh?" asked a baffled Jessica.

"One hint, it's all you're getting; take it or leave it."

"Are you gonna get your parents involved in building this 'taller-than-you-are' project of yours?"

"Well, at least one…" Shayla is cut off mid-sentence for the bell signaling class dismissal sounded to her relief that she didn't have to risk spilling her secret to her best friend. As Shayla and Jessica along with the rest of the science class filed out of the room, the girls are stopped by Ryley, the 'rich kid', class clown, and nuisance.

"Hey girls, whatcha gonna do for show and tell huh? Let me guess? Show your limited edition Barbie Doll collections?"

Jessica steps forward and shoves Ryley who is taken aback by her sudden approach. "Ryley, get a grip and focus on YOUR own project, if you'll even HAVE one!"

"Well Jessica, for your information, my project will be tops in the class! It's gonna take all week to put it together. In fact, it's gonna be so big and awesome, your projects won't even fit inside of the class! HAH!" Ryley proudly proclaims while standing with his arms crossed on his chest. Shayla scoffs and lets Ryley blow around his intentions while giving him a look that says what he has won't even compare to the project she'll bring in.

"Ryley, please! After my presentation, even YOU will have to bow down to me. In fact, if my project gets a higher grade than yours, I want you to bow in front of the class and say, 'I'm not worthy! I'm not worthy!' Shayla then makes hand gestures and bows to accentuate her point. "Are you game, RYLES?"

"Whatever, SHAY. We'll see whose project will rule science class. I suggest you get your mommy's, your daddy's, and all of your family's help with your projects, girls. You'll need em' if you think you'll have a chance against MY project! Later!"

To the girls' relief, Ryley finally makes his way out of the classroom.

"I am not worried about him; he's all talk and can never back up his words anyway" Jessica says as Shayla grunts in agreeance. (A/N: Reminds you of anyone?)

The two girls make it out to the schoolyard and give each other a hug goodbye then go their separate ways to their homes.