A Brother's Regret
A hallway of Kennedy High...
"Claaang!" the tardy bell sounded at Kennedy High.
Simon slammed his locker. "Great, just great," he angrily muttered, as he shoved his English textbook and notebook into his bag. He quickly ran toward his classroom. As he neared the classroom, Simon slowed down. He knew that Mr. Peterson wouldn't take the roll until after the morning announcements. "If I can only slip in, without Mr. Peterson seeing, I'll be in the clear," Simon thought. He glanced in the door's window. Smiling, "Good, his back is to me. I can slip in now." Slowly, Simon opened the classroom door. He cringed, as the door squeaked.
Simon quickly stepped in, as Mr. Peterson turned around. "Glad you could join us today, Mr. Camden. Won't you take your seat and we can get started?" Mr. Peterson said, a little irritated. As Simon sank into his chair, Mr. Peterson continued, "Mr. Camden, since you seem to be on top of things this morning..."
Several students chuckled. One shouted, "Way go to go, Camden!"
Pausing for only a moment, Mr. Peterson continued, "Would you please, start by telling your fellow classmates some of symbolism used in 'The Old Man and the Sea'?"
Humiliated and angered, Simon thought, "This guy's worse than Mr. Koper!"
"Mr. Camden, maybe you didn't under..."
"Good morning teachers and students," a voice over the intercom interrupted.
Mr. Peterson raised his hand, signaling his class to remain silent, as he sat down behind his desk. Simon realized that Principal Russell was starting the morning announcements.
...tickets can be bought at the front office before or after school, and during lunch." Simon heard Principal Russell take a deep breath before she continued, "I now have some unfortunate news to tell you all. I was informed earlier this morning, that two of Kennedy High's seniors were involved in a serious car accident last night."
Simon's head jerked up. "Seniors? Lucy may know them," Simon thought, as he continued to listen.
"From what we know, one of the students, Jimmy Moon died shortly after being rushed to the hospital. The other student, Shelby Connor, is currently in critical condition at Glenn Oak Hospital. I would like to take this time to have a moment of silence, in remembrance of Jimmy Moon."
As the room grew quieter, some students bowed their heads, while others figgeted with their pens, pencils and paper. The morning's heated shouting match flashed through Simon's mind, as he thought, "Jimmy and Shelby! Oh man, oh man, no wonder Lucy snapped at me this morning!" As he folded his arms across his desk and silently laid his head down, Simon thought, "Lucy, man I wish I could tell you that I was sorry."