CHAPTER THIRTEEN
GIVING UP?
Timmy didn't respond; he just stared out the window of the classroom.
"Timmy," said A.J. "didn't you hear me? I said the letter may be forged."
"Yeah, AJ.," said the Timmy, "it's just...."
"Just what, buddy," asked his friend.
"I'm getting really tired of this hassle; every time I seem to get closer to Trixie, something blocks us. " He shook his head. "Maybe it IS time for me to move on. Maybe Trixie and I just aren't meant to be."
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Trixie was still hugging Tad when Chad came up. Chad looked a little bewildered.
"Trixe, Tad,?" said Chad, "what's going on?"
"I'll tell you what's going on," said Tad angrily, "Turner, the one you were JUST defending this morning just broke Trixie's heart."
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Mr. Crocker had been put on adminstrative leave almost immediately. Of course, when you're put in strait jacket and put in the asylum, you're clearly not going to be able to do your job for a while.
Geraldine Waxelplex just drew in a breath. Of course, this was NOW going to be a problem. As loony as Crocker was, he did have a sizeable class. This called for a substitute, but this time she'd be a little more careful.
She turned to Mr. Tang who was still there and spoke,
"Well, Mr. Tang. Is this sufficient?"
"Yes," said Jeff, "oh, and Miss Waxelplex, "I'll have you know that I do feel some pity for Mr. Crocker; it's a shame to see a man with mental problems." He stopped and then continued, "But my primary concern is for my daughter and her safety, and by extension the student body." He then turned to face the principal. "I trust you will NOW put the correct information into young Timmy's file."
"Consider it done, Mr. Tang," said Waxelplex.
"Good"
And with that, Jeffrey Tang left.
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"Timmy," said A.J., "that's not like you to give up."
Timmy just shook his head and said,
"I'm not "just" giving up, A.J. I've been trying to get Trixie to notice me for years. Maybe, I've just finally realised that this isn't just meant to be."
A.J. grimaced and then looked at this watch and said,
"Oh, man, look at the time. Both you AND I have to get to gym." He looked at Timmy and then added, "Look buddy, we'll talk about this later, okay."
Timmy just nodded and both boys headed for the gym.
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Chad looked a little mystified. Then he asked,
"Well, how did he break your heart? Did he refuse to go out with you?"
"He," said Trixie wiping her eyes, "I saw him with another girl. And he was hugging her pretty tight."
"You didn't ask him who the girl was?," said Chad.
"Chad," said Tad, "didn't you hear what Trixie said, Turner was making out with another girl; you don't interrupt that."
"No," said Chad, "she said that Timmy was HUGGING another girl." He shooke his head. "That could mean anything. Maybe she's just a friend."
"Trust me," said Trixie, " that was NO friend's hug."
Chad narrowed his eyes a bit and then looked at Tad.
"And you just "happened" to find Trixie here just after she saw this?"
"What are you implying, Chad?," said Tad a little annoyed.
"I' m not implying anything. I just think it's interesting that you showed up at the same time. That's quite a coincidence."
"Well," said Tad, "that's all it is; a coincidence."
"Okay," said Chad. Then Chad turned to Trixie. "I'm sorry about this Trixie; maybe you and I can talk later about it."
"Why?," Tad said very crossly.
"I don't believe I was talking to you, Tad." He narrowed his eyes at the person that just a few weeks ago, Chad would have called his best friend, and then added, "after all, we're both Trixie's friend; isn't that right? Or is there something more you're not telling us?"
"No," said Tad quietly, "there's nothing."
"Good," said Chad.
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When gym was over, Timmy, Chester and A.J. went to the English class that they had with Mr. Crocker. All three boys were stunned to see Mr. Bickle there. They took their seats.
"Okay, class," said Bickle, "Mr. Crocker is going to be out for ...for a while. He's having some problems."
"What sort of problems," said Veronica, always ready to spread the juiciest gossip.
Chester got a clock out of his desk, and set it to 11:00 A.M. and the bird dutifully came out and said,
"CUCKOO, CUCKOO, CUCKOO."
The entire class laughed. Timmy smiled a bit.
"Okay, Chester," said Bickle, "that's enough; everyone get your English books out, and we'll begin the lesson."
Still smiling a little, Timmy opened his English book. A.J. was glad to see that.
Suddenly the door to the class opened. Timmy looked up, and then looked down.
"Trixie," he muttered under his breath.
Trixie looked over at Timmy; A.J. could have sworn that the temperature of the entire class went down 10 degrees.
"Trixie," said Bickle, "You're a little late, but that's all right. Just take your seat."
"Yes, Mr. Bickle," said Trixie Tang and with that she walked to her seat. She walked in front of Timmy, her head turned away from him deliberately. Not that Timmy really noticed that; he was still looking down; almost scowling.
A.J. shook his head.
"Man," thought the young genius, "it's going to be a LONG day."
I know; a bit short. Hope this chapter isn't too dry!