Maya and I walked into class and sat down. My dad was already in there, writing on the board. He nodded at us as we came in.
"Hello again, Dad," I greeted him.
"Hello, Riley," he said quickly, turning back to the board.
I looked at Maya. She seemed to be enjoying watching him freak out over this. I rolled my eyes.
Lucas came in next.
"Hey, guys," he said, coming to stand by us.
"Good morning, Lucas," I said.
"Hey, Lucas," Maya added.
He sat down in his seat.
"You know, I'm glad things are finally going back to normal," he said with a smile.
"Me too," I said, smiling back. I turned to face the front and then saw Farkle walking in.
My heart skipped a beat and my mind was instantly filled with anxiety. What's he going to act like? Will Dad freak out? Probably. Should I act differently now toward Farkle?
Farkle smiled at me softly and I smiled back. He walked to his desk and I turned to look at him.
"Good morning," I said, still smiling.
"Good morning, Riley," he said, seeming to stare at me for a few seconds.
I broke the trance by turning around. I then saw my dad watching me intensely. His eyebrows were furrowed and his face reflected a mixture of confusion and irritation.
"Or maybe things aren't quite back to normal," I heard Lucas say. I turned around to look at Lucas.
"We'll see," I said.
"Alright, class. Let's start our lesson for today," Dad said.
I took a deep breath, trying to prepare myself for what was to come.
"The United Nations was formed in 1945, at the end of World War II. Does anybody know what the United Nations does? Anyone?"
I turned around to see Farkle's hand up.
"Anyone at all?" Dad asked, looking around the classroom. Farkle shook his hand in the air.
Dad scowled and then said, "Farkle?"
"The United Nations is a worldwide organization that works to create peace among all countries," Farkle stated matter-of-factly.
"Yes," Dad confirmed. "The UN started with the core four- the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, the United States, and China. They were allies during World War II, and they fought against Germany, Japan, and other countries on the side of the Nazis. What not a lot of people know, however, is that the UN actually came from another organization called the League of Nations. This was a group a lot like the UN, and they wanted world peace. The difference was that the League of Nations allowed another world war to go on. It was obviously ineffective. Now, the UN has managed to go on for over 70 years without a world war."
Farkle raised his hand.
"Yes, Farkle," Dad said.
"If the UN is so effective, why are there still wars?"
"Well, to begin with, not everyone is fully in the UN. Not everyone agrees with all the policies. And sometimes there are arguments that can't be resolved so easily. So what do you guys think? Is the UN a success?"
All of us in the class just sort of looked around at each other.
"That depends on how you define, 'success,'" Farkle said.
"That's right," Dad said, pointing at him. "To some, this organization is the answer to their prayers. To others, it's just like the League of Nations- overall ineffective. So that's your assignment. I would like a one-page report on whether or not you think the United Nations is successful. Obviously there will be differing opinions in the class, but I want you to fight for your side. Tell me why you're right. It'll be due next Wednesday."
There was a collective groan in the class, but I heard a "Yay," from behind me.
I turned around and Farkle had a grin on his face.
When he saw me looking at him, he smiled. I smiled back.
xxxXXXxxx
After class, Farkle walked out with me. I could feel my dad's eyes burning into the back of my head, but I just kept walking.
"So," I began.
"So," he repeated.
I sighed. "Farkle, I don't want this to be awkward. We can't let it be. Okay? Please don't let this get awkward. We've always been able to talk to each other. And I don't want that to change."
He smiled at me. "I don't want that to change either."
I nodded. "Good. I know things are different now, but I always want to be able to talk to you."
"That's one of the things I really love about us, Riley. We can always talk to each other."
I smiled and felt my cheeks turning a little red at him saying "us." I looked away, embarrassed, and opened my locker. I began getting my books out.
He grabbed my hand to stop me and I immediately turned to look at him. "No matter what, you can always talk to me," he said seriously.
I felt my blush returning as our hands touched. I took my hand back to close my locker.
"Thank you, Farkle. You can always talk to me too."
"Good. Because I was hoping maybe we could go get a smoothie and talk to each other after school today."
I saw he looked a little nervous and it made me smile.
"I would love to," I said, feeling the butterflies again.
He smiled at me and took my hand again.
I smiled back and we headed off to our next class.
Alright, I know that chapter was short. Sorry! But I figure since I just updated, it's not too bad.
First, just let me gush- RIARKLE! I love them. And side note: Congrats to the Broncos! And a pretty cool Superbowl halftime performance too!
Please review! :)
Stay awesome!
