So, my writing has been as sporadic as rain in the desert summer, nut I am still going to try to crank out stories. And as I have been getting suggestions, I do have another for 'LukaGami After Dark'-but that will be written another day. Now, by request of xTHECONNORx, here is the first of a series focusing on Max and Alix, called 'The Geek and the (Speed) Freak'. So, if you don't like this pairing of story…you can go pound sand. I write for those who enjoy, not for those who want to bomb with hate. I don't care… Anyway, enough of that mess, here's your story! Chapter 1: Strange Bedfellows
"Miss Kubdel…your performance on this week's quiz…leaves much to be desired.", stated Ms. Mendeleev, the chemistry teacher as she lay Alix's paper face down on her desk.
Alix knew that tone, and turned the paper over. The sheet had been marked with red. Ms. Mendeleev went to the front and said, "Our highest score-which should come as no surprise-belongs to Max."
Max stood up, and like every time after a quiz or test, stated, "It was nothing, Ms. Mendeleev. It was simply the application of studious preparation that allowed me to achieve this academic acclaim. If the rest of you would devote your energy to preparing instead of other miniscule endeavors, you too could realize this kind of academic success."
Kim, Max's partner, said, "Sure was, buddy! Umm…what does that mean?"
Alix, with a low groan, replied, "It means that he got a good grade because he studies, meat-head!"
"I'm the meat-head, huh? Not according to our quiz scores." Kim smugly replied.
"Alright class, enough. We will review the quiz so you can see where you made mistakes. This will help you prepare for the test in two weeks." Ms. Mendeleev said, bringing the class to order. She walked to Alix's desk, and said, "Alix…please see me after class."
Soon enough, the bell rang to dismiss. And Alix walked up to Ms. Mendeleev's desk. The teacher said, "Alix…you began the year as one of the top students. Now, your grades have taken a tumble. Is there something wrong?"
Alix shook her head and said, "No, ma'am. Everything is fine."
Ms. Mendeleev then said, "This test is a sizable component of this term's grade. If you fail this test, I would have no choice but to inform Mr. D'Argencourt and he would…"
"Kick me out of sports? No!" Alix said.
Ms. Mendeleev said, "Well, there is still some time. If you find someone to study with, I'm sure you will do a great job in the test."
It was later in the day, and Mr. D'Argencourt was holding the P.E. class. He looked at a stopwatch and marked down times on a clipboard. He looked and said, "As usual, Alix and Kim are my two best runners…and in the rear, as usual…Mr. Kante, while your classmates are still freshmen!"
Max huffed and puffed, visibly struggling to reach the finish line. Once he crossed, Mr. D'Argencourt said, "Very good class. But, the school has a requirement that you meet the P.E. standards. So, you will be doing these same exercises…and it is a large component of your grade. So continue with your exercises and I'm sure we all will be shining stars!"
The bell rang for dismissal and the class dispersed. Max sat under a tree and took out his robotic companion Robustus. The robot said, "I hope everything is well, Max."
Max replied, "Hardly. Our PE class is doing exercises and if I don't do well, I won't have a good grade in PE. I'm doing well in all my other subjects."
Robustus replied, "Well, physical activity is important for your health."
Max then said, "Well, if only I could skip that."
Robustus said, "Why not get someone to help you ensure you reach the standards of the PE examination? Who are the best students in your PE class?"
Max said, "Well, Alix and Kim are the two best athletes in the class."
"I would consider asking them for assistance." Robustus stated.
As if someone heard that, a voice said, "Hey, geek! Got a minute?"
Max looked at the voice to see…Alix. He said, "It's Max, not 'Geek'. And what do you want?"
Alix said, "Well, I heard part of your conversation…and thought I could help you…or, rather, we could help each other."
"How could we help each other? I know I am lacking in physical prowess…and that you are the best athlete on the campus. But what can I do to help you?" Max said.
"My chem grades are bad. And if I fail the test in 2 weeks, Ms. Mendeleev will tell Mr. D'Argencourt and I'll get kicked off the athletic programs!" Alix replied.
Max silently thought. It wouldn't be that hard to tutor her…and she could help me with this PE test… "Alright, Alix. We have a deal."
"Really? Thanks, Max!" Alix exclaimed.
But those two weeks proved to be quite the challenge for Alix and Max. They both were frustrated in their own ways- Max, when Alix would miss an operation or even a digit; and Alix when Max complained about all the running and the push-ups and the sweating…
It was now the day before both of their big tests. And despite their frustrations, they had formed a kinship. And they would hang out under the tree near the school. Alix sighed, and said, "I'm not going to pass that test tomorrow."
Max said, "I'm going to do poorly on the PE exam, as well. You would think, that with our situations so similar, we would have been able to better assist each other."
"Yeah. It's too bad we couldn't combine our best attributes to help each other…could you imagine, jogging while listening to those chemistry problems…" Alix said.
Max exhaled…and then said, "Alix…that might be a solution!"
Alix replied, "What do you mean?"
Max said, "We've tried traditional study methods…but what if we combine what you're good at with what I'm good at? Meet me at the track after class and I'll explain then."
Later, Alix headed to the track where she saw Max and Robustus. Max said, "I've programmed him to ask similar questions to those we'll see on the test. He will also time me as I run."
So, with their unorthodox merging of studying, Max and Alix began to run along the track. And Alix would be asked the questions Max had prepared. They spent 2 hours at their studies. Finally, Alix said, "I think I got it, Max! I think I'm ready for the test tomorrow."
Max, in turn, replied, "And I think I have a chance to pass the PE assessment, as well."
Then, in a move that surprised both of them, Alix-tough, tomboy Alix-leaned in and hugged Max. She said, "Thanks, Max."
Max was stunned at this, but he returned the hug and said, "Thank you, Alix. I thought someone like you would ignore me at best…and mock me at worst. But…you looked past all that. And over the last two weeks, we did something better than getting ready for these tests."
Alix said, "Oh, yeah? And what happened with that?"
Max said, "Alix…we became friends. And no matter what happens…I am happy to call you a friend."
Alix smiled, and said, "Same here, Max. So what do you say we give it our best tomorrow?"
Max replied, "Sure. But since it is still early…would you like to accompany me to acquire some refreshments?"
Alix considered the offer-and took Max's hand and said, "Sure! Let's go, slowpoke!"
Alright, that brings this short to an end. I didn't want to make a romantic first chapter but I'm sure there will be some romance in later shorts! So if you like it, great! Leave a comment and suggestion for the next chapter! Until the next time!