~~Creativity~~

Mr. Lancer's POV, Words: 500

Clipboard in hand, I made my rounds around the park as the students set up their booths. Great Expectations these kids would be the death of me. After scolding the teens in charge of the balloon stand for messing around and resolving a crisis at the snack booth, I returned to my list. I internally groaned when I realized who was next.

Daniel Fenton.

The Winter Festival was one of the biggest events that the high school put together and I didn't want to entrust anything too demanding (or important) to my most troubling student. Unfortunately, Mr. Fenton was tardy the day my homeroom received their tasks and were just about finished dividing up duties when he arrived. The only job that didn't require showing up to meetings or team practices was providing a centerpiece for the baking contest table display.

I wanted to trust Daniel, but he couldn't always be trusted to bring his homework in, or show up on time, or stay awake during class. It was heartbreaking; he was a good student at the beginning of the year. But a few weeks into the first quarter he changed, started getting into trouble, his grades started falling and he always seemed so tired. I sent a silent prayer to the great playwrights that he would come through.

My prayers were answered.

Standing center on the reinforced table was a three by three foot ice sculpture of an impossibly intricate snowflake set inside a circular banner reading "Casper High's Winter Festival". Mr. Fenton and Ms. Manson were chatting away as they appeared to be just finishing setting it in place.

"-looks great." Ms. Manson, or 'Sam', was saying.

Mr. Fenton blushed from his 'not girlfriend's' compliment, yes, even I knew about their 'not relationship', "Yeah, it was a pain to get right. But I'm happy with the way it turned out, it's one of my best sculptures yet."

"YOU did this?" The words flew out of my mouth before I could stop them.

Daniel spun his head around so fast I was afraid he would break his thin neck, "HI Mr. Lancer! How long were you standing there, exactly?"

"You made this ice sculpture?" I was ashamed at the disbelief in my voice, but the idea that Daniel created this masterpiece was outrageous.

"Uh yeah! It's a hobby I don't talk much about and would really appreciate if you never ever mentioned to anybody ever again that would be great."

"Why would you want to hide a talent like this? This is by far the most creative centerpiece I've ever seen! You could have a career in this if you wanted."

"I-I could!?"

"Of course! You have real talent, Mr. Fenton."

Daniel looked shocked, and then he gave me a genuine smile. Something that has only been seen by his friends and family, and lately hasn't been seen at all. He thanked me and went off with his 'not girlfriend'. Hmm, maybe there was hope for him after all...