"We have tried to make you understand, and do the work. But you don't seem to be that interested in being cooperative. I can tell you this though, if you don't start buckling down, you're going to end up repeating the twelfth grade. And if it's boring this year just think how it will be a second time around.
Is that what you want Venturi?" Derek sighed loudly, whether it was sincere or phony Mr. Cox couldn't tell. "Miss Casey Macdonald is your sister is she not?" Derek raised his eye level, "Stepsister, why?" "She's a straight A student, a good role model for the others. She might be able to help. I'll make you a deal Mr. Venturi, we'll forget this conversation ever happened if you allow Miss Macdonald to tutor you."
Derek sat up, "What subjects?" "Any you're drowning in nearly all of them anyways. What do you say?" Derek shrugged, "What if she doesn't want to?" "We'll bring her in and ask her when the last period lets out." Derek stood up, stretched, "Okay then, so this means I don't get the detention right?"
"Obviously, as long as you try to make an effort." "I will sir." "Don't make me regret this Venturi, I'm going out on a limb for you. Just get out of my office before I change my mind." Mr. Cox waved his hand, motioning for the door, and Derek stumbled out.
As soon as he was out the bell rang, and the students filed out. He looked over the crowd for some sign of Casey, but even when the last guy exited she still hadn't emerged. Finally the P.A. came on, "Will Casey Macdonald please go to Mr. Cox's office please. Casey Macdonald to Mr. Cox's office please." 'The verdict is about to come,' he thought to himself as he saw Casey passed through the hall, and entered the room.
He stood on the other side, and waited with apprehension.
"Miss Macdonald please have a seat." "Am I in some kind of trouble?" Mr. Cox shook his head, and chuckled. "No, no nothing of that sort my dear. This is concerning your brother Derek." Casey pursed her lips, "Stepbrother." Mr. Cox blinked several times before regaining his stamina.
"Well, Mr. Venturi is failing a lot of his classes, and finding that you are a model student I thought you would be able to tutor him. We will give you one free period from the class of your choosing. That teacher will give you the credit for the class. And for helping Venturi we will give you an extra credit point for your college resume."
Casey pondered, then said, "What if Derek doesn't listen to me? What if he's just doing this to get out of class and goof off?" I mean come on, it is Derek after all. "You will have the authority to put a suitable punishment on him."
Casey nodded. "Okay, I'll give it a shot." Mr. Cox clapped his hands in appraisal, "Bless you Miss Macdonald." Casey swung her knapsack over her shoulder, and walked out. Derek was still waiting on the other side of the hallway.
He sauntered over to her, "What's your answer?" She sighed, "I said yes, and you are going to do the work." "Fine, but you're going to have to be patient with me I can't help that I can't understand the stuff the teachers are talking about."
Things were quiet for the next few moments. "Want me to drive you home?" Casey shook her head, "I'm going to meet some people." Derek snorted, "Who? Emily?" "No, Emily and me have kind of just lost each other last year. She hangs out with Lauren Weller now. Besides I don't recall it being any of you business."
He shrugged, "Tomorrow at 11:47?" "Huh?" "Our session is the time okay?" "Yeah bring you chemistry book." Derek nodded, and muttered a see ya over his shoulder. Leaving Casey waiting outside the school.