Homer sat quietly in the middle of the classroom, surrounded by students who were only taking the algebra class in the summer because they were smart and were planning on taking much harder classes while attending high school. He felt so old around all of them, especially one kid in particular, a freshman named John Frink who was the biggest brainiac he had ever met, even smarter than Artie Ziff. It made him glad to see someone smarter than that know-it-all and was nerdy enough not to have a girlfriend.

He was the only one from his senior class retaking it in hopes of graduating. So far, he had done well in his homework assignments, his grades on his tests could have been better though. He blamed that on the fact that since there was only three months in these classes, everything was going by much faster, so it was harder to learn in such a short amount of time.

Miss Swartzski was teaching him once again and Homer dreaded every day coming here. Miss Swartzski was never afraid to assign heavy amounts of homework and on occasion start a pop quiz. Frink of course was the only one who loved getting pop quizzes and wasn't afraid to show how smart he was by waving the graded paper at the class for all to see. Everyone of course rolled their eyes as they prepared for the new subject that they were being taught that day.

But besides taking a large amount of homework home every day, Homer still had Remedial Science to worry about, which was also getting a large amount of homework from Mr. Randall. But Homer was determined to finish high school and he would spend many hours at night finishing both assignments, sometimes waking up in the morning on his desk with drool all over it and a large spiral mark on his cheek after sleeping on his notes. He had no time to spend with Barney and his job had to wait until after he was done with school since the weekends were filled up to study. Abe was not fond of this; he wanted his son to get a job so he could get out of the house sooner, but apparently his only son was taking his sweet time with that and making it quite difficult for that dream to be accomplished.

But Homer tried his best; so far he was retaining a B average in Remedial Science, but a C average in Algebra, he had to be careful with that one. One minor slipup and things could go downhill very fast. He also had to make sure he got on Miss Swartzski's good side; she always seemed to be looking for an excuse to make his life miserable whenever possible. He could not wait for the class to finally be over, then he could at least say he finished high school, maybe one day college, but not in the near future.

So Homer sat there listening to the teacher, wishing he had had better things to do like working or chilling with Barney at his house maybe watching a movie or just chatting about random things. Things that would be more fascinating than algebra and would not require more than a few brain cells to discuss since it was only drivel. But drivel that both he and his friends believed made enough sense to make the day fun and enjoyable, not like this stupid class.

What sucked even more was that the class hadn't even started yet; he was only sitting there waiting patiently for Miss Swartzski to start as the class began to walk in. She was sitting at her desk scribbling something, her wrinkled jowls swinging back and forth to the movement of her writing, almost like silly putty or goo left on a railing to fall slowly to the ground. Only this type would not do so for another ten years, if she lived long enough for that at least.

Finally after several minutes of waiting, Miss Swartzski, left her chair and moved to the front of the class eyeing everyone in the room with an angry fierceness. Her upper lip quivered and her hands tightened their grip on her pointing stick that she used to usually get a student's attention. For a long moment she stared at the students with a heavy fierceness before finally speaking.

"Today I am going to teach you in a different style, something you all have not done in many years. Why am I doing this you may ask? Well it's because I like to see how well you all can handle pressure. You need it for the real world. Especially you, Homer Simpson!" Miss Swartzski said as she pointed her stick at Homer.

Homer stood still in his seat, unable to move and wondering what horrible plan Miss Swartzski had put on him. He looked around the room while Miss Swartzski made it up to the board and began scribbling something on it. For a few seconds Homer waited, until Miss Swartzski turned around and motioned him forward.

Homer got up and slowly walked to the board, everyone watching him with great curiosity and Miss Swartzski standing beside the board tapping her foot and waiting for Homer to come up and solve the problem. Once Homer reached the board, he grabbed a piece of chalk and stared at the mathematical problem that Miss Swartzski had given him to solve. All he could see were a jumble of numbers, along with some letters that looked like they belonged in a fraternity in college. For a long time he stared, unsure how to solve the problem until Miss Swartzski finally lost her patience and hit Homer on the head with her stick.

"Mr. Simpson, don't tell me you don't know how to solve angle sum relations, one of the most important trigonometric formulas, I have been teaching you this formula for weeks now!" Miss Swartzski said with an angry growl.

"Uhh…I thought this was algebra?" Homer said in a confused voice.

"You thought this was algebra? Where have you been in the last month? Visiting La La land no doubt," Miss Swartzski replied.

"No I swear, you were teaching us how to solve A + B, not how many kegs the fraternity house has drunk," Homer said.

"Ah but this is not about the fraternity house Mr. Simpson," said Miss Swartzski.

"Then what is it about you old hag?" Homer asked angrily.

Miss Swartzski backed away in surprise for a moment, she could not believe Homer Simpson had just said that to her. But no matter, she had him in the palm of her hands now. "What this is about Mr. Simpson is whether or not you really want to put that pig in a blanket while you leave the whale on the roof."

Homer stared back at Miss Swartzski, eyebrow raised and wondering how she had lost her mind in the few minutes he had been standing up there staring at the strange numbers he was not smart enough to solve. Numbers that now seemed to be melting off the blackboard and onto his new converse shoes. What the hell was happening here?

"Do you want to finish high school or do you want to become a circus clown?" Miss Swartzski asked.

"Uhh well being a circus clown right now sounds better than solving this goop," Homer replied.

"Then here, have a pie in the face," Miss Swartzski replied.

Homer looked up just long enough to see Miss Swartzski throw a custard pie straight at his face.

Back in reality, Homer awoke with a start. The sudden pie to the face was only a dream, along with the horrible trigonometry puzzle he had never seen before. He let out a heavy sigh and lay his head back on his pillow, he knew he had to get up soon; he had an algebra final today. Hopefully it was algebra, that dream really scared him silly now, he suddenly felt like he had forgotten everything, but he had spent all weekend studying hard for it, hopefully a quick glance would refresh his memory.

Homer picked up his notebook he left on the floor near his bead and stared at the problems he had been solving all night and day. They were still familiar to him, thank goodness, there was hope for him yet, he could finally finish school. With a heavy sigh he turned to his clock to check the time to see how much longer he could get some shuteye, apparently he woke himself up before the clock did, a rare feat for him to do. He turned to the clock and jumped in surprise. Either the clock was wrong, or he had slept in on the day of the final.

This was not good at all, if that was the case he was now up thirty minutes later than he should be, he had no time for a hearty breakfast and no time for a quick shower to wake himself up. He had to be at the school in ten minutes to get to the final on time and Miss Swartzski was not kind to those who showed up late for a test. As quickly as he could, he put on a pair of pants and a shirt, combed his hair and ran out the door and into the kitchen where his father was busy reading the morning newspaper and sipping a cup of coffee. Ignoring him, Homer put on his shoes as quickly as he could, of course though this was not without Abe noticing.

"What's the hurry son?" Abe asked.

"I'm late for class, I have to be there in ten minutes," Homer said as he struggled to get one shoe on.

"So you'll be a couple of minutes late, no big deal," Abe said as he continued to stare at the newspaper.

"It is a big deal Dad, today is my final and I have to be there on time, I told you that last night that its finals week, I will finally finish high school, remember?" Homer replied.

Abe set down his newspaper for a moment before taking a quick sip of his coffee and staring off into space, almost like he was trying to remember every event that went on the day before. "Oh yeah, if you pass this means you will finally be out of my hair. You better get to school on time then, don't want to disappoint your old man by living in my basement for the rest of your life."

Abe then turned back to his newspaper and took another sip of coffee, while Homer rolled his eyes as he grabbed a quick drink from the refrigerator. He then started running out the door.

"Thanks for the support there Dad!" Homer said sarcastically as he slammed the door behind him. Abe simply turned the pages pretending nothing had happened only a few seconds ago.

Driving to school was never easy on a Monday morning, everyone was in a hurry to go to work and the stop lights always seemed to stop you at the right moment. Homer knew this and he of course was in the middle of it all, getting more agitated every second he was at a red light. He knew he was going to be late but he hoped that Miss Swartzski would give him some wiggle room to slide in and start the test a bit late. He hoped and that was what made him continue to the school, as long as he tried he would at least finish his studies.

He was eight minutes late when he finally reached the school, he parked in his usual spot and got out of his car with lightning speed before running toward the door as fast as he could. He passed Principal Dondelinger, who yelled at him to not run down the hall, but Homer paid him no heed, he kept running as quickly as he could before finally sliding to a stop in front of the door to Miss Swartzski's class. Feeling relieved that he finally reached his destination he took a quick sigh before opening the door.

To his horror though the doorknob would not turn, it had been locked shut. This could not be happening! Homer peeked into the door and saw the class taking the test and Miss Swartzski at her desk, her old wrinkly nose in some book and paying no attention to anything else. Someone could easily cheat if they wanted to. He knew he had to get her attention though and as softly but loud enough to hear, he knocked on the door. It was enough for Miss Swartzski to lift up her head and stare at Homer who was looking at her pleadingly to let him in. For a long time she only stared, her jowls making her look angrier than normal. The class had now stopped what they were doing and were looking up at Homer knowing full well what the outcome was probably going to be.

Finally after what seemed like an eternity, Miss Swartzski left her seat and made her way to the door. But instead of letting him in, she stepped out of the class and stood in front of the door, glaring at Homer in a way that made him back away.

"Can I help you?" she asked with a sneer.

"Uhhh…I'm here to take the test," Homer said with a nervous grin.

"You are aware that the test started ten minutes ago?" Miss Swartzski asked.

"I am ma'am, my alarm did not go off and I tried to get here as soon as I could, I'm only ten minutes late," Homer replied.

"But what did I say about coming to the final late?" Miss Swartzski asked.

Homer gulped, he knew full well what Miss Swartzski had said, yet he really did not want to repeat it. It seemed more like a death sentence to him now than anything else. He looked up at her pleadingly but she only stared back with angry eyes like a hungry hawk.

"Well?" she asked.

Homer let out a deep sigh and began to speak. "Failure to show up for the test once it has been distributed, even if I am at home hugging the toilet or dying in a hospital bed means automatic…failure on the final. No ifs…ands…or…buts," Homer finally replied.

"And since you are ten minutes late this means…?" Miss Swartzski asked.

"…That I have failed the final," Homer responded dejectedly as he stared down at the floor.

"Good, now get out of my sight," Miss Swartzski said with such hate that Homer cringed at the sound.

"Can't you reconsider at all, I worked hard in that class, I did better than during the actual school year, don't you think you can give me a little wiggle room especially since I am supposed to be graduating," Homer pleaded.

Miss Swartzski said nothing but slammed the door behind her, leaving Homer standing in front of the door feeling very rotten and unhappy with the outcome just now. He could not believe someone could be that cruel and vicious. It was totally unfair, he wanted to graduate, he did not want to wait another year just to do so. He did not want to shame his father, he wanted to show his father he could do something right and he knew he could settle this if he went to the right person. And the only person he could think of to help him right now was Principal Dondelinger.

At least he hoped so any way as he made his way down the hall toward the old principal's office. He knew he had to be there, he nearly ran him over as he ran to the classroom, hopefully he wasn't leaving for the day even though it was still early in the morning. But he would find out soon, Dondelinger was actually standing out in the hall conversing with Homer's old freshman English teacher. He stopped in front of them, waiting for both to stop talking and not wanting to interrupt, he probably angered Dondelinger enough today. Luckily for him, both stopped talking and stared back at Homer curiously.

"Simpson! What was the hurry this morning?" Dondelinger asked.

"I was late for my algebra final but now Miss Swartzski won't let me take it, is there anything you can do?" Homer asked nervously.

Dondelinger nodded to the English teacher, who got the message that he needed to leave for a moment. Dondelinger then opened his office door and motioned for Homer to enter. Homer went in with Dondelinger behind him. He shut the door and went over to his desk.

"You were late this morning?" Dondelinger asked.

"Yes sir, by eight minutes, my alarm didn't go off," Homer replied as he twiddled his fingers.

"That's not too bad, even for you," said Dondelinger.

"I know, and I really tried to be here on time but you know how traffic is here in this town," Homer said.

"Oh I do indeed," Dondelinger replied.

"So is there any way you can talk some sense into Swartzski?" Homer asked with a pleading glance.

"I could try, don't know if I can though, I know her rule for the final, you have to be there on time or get an automatic zero. I never liked that rule, happened to me once in college, almost punched the professor in the face for it," Dondelinger replied.

"Then you know what it's like to be told that you have failed the class just for being late!" Homer said.

"I do indeed, but the rules are rules, Simpson I'm sorry," Dondelinger said.

Homer sat there staring into the man he often gave hell to over his four years in high school. He could not believe that even though he had gone through the same thing himself he was not going to help him in any way. It was really unfair and he wanted to cry, but he knew better than doing that, crying was for sissies and he had to be a man to find his way out of this. But then he thought about something, he had given the man hell for four years, could he stand another year of Homer Simpson's antics. He was going to find out.

"Principal Dondelinger, I'm surprised you won't help, after all, if I fail this class, it means you have to endure another year with me, another year of my annoying antics, another year of giving me detention, and another year of having to see my handsome face roaming the halls. Do you want that?" Homer asked.

Dondelinger stared at Homer who was looking back with a raised eyebrow and a hopeful look in his eye, a look he knew all too well. Homer was right though, another year? Heaven forbid, his hair was graying and going bald just by keeping this young man in line.

"I'll be right back," he finally said before leaving the office while Homer stayed in his seat by himself.

He waited for quite a while, long enough to lose track of time and make Homer wonder where he ran off to. Was Dondelinger really going to help him? Was he really going to help him pass or at least get a descent grade so he could move on in life? Or was he really only wandering the halls pretending to help him? Homer had no idea; all he could do was sit there and hope that something good would come out of this. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Dondelinger returned looking a bit annoyed but also holding a piece of paper in his hand. Homer looked at it wondering what it was, could it really be the final he had come all this way to finish? He did not get the answer until Dondelinger was fully seated and looking Homer squarely in the eye.

"Even for me it's hard to get that woman to take my advice, even though I warned her you would have to come back. But I finally got her to change her mind, congrats Simpson, you may take the final.

Homer stared at the piece of paper that was now lying in front of him, all the problems neatly laid out for him to answer and finish. Was he dreaming or was this really happening? He could not believe how quickly his luck had changed. He now had tears falling down his face, and before he knew what he was doing, he was hugging Dondelinger tightly while the old principal did his best to pry the annoying pupil off of him.

"You're welcome but don't make me change my mind Simpson, you must stay in here, once you are done, hand it back to me and I will deliver it personally. Is that understood?" Dondelinger asked.

"Yes Sir," Homer replied as he wiped the tears of joy from his eyes.

"Good, now get cracking," Dondelinger said gruffly.

Homer said nothing more but started on the final that he was almost doomed to not take. Thank God for being the most annoying student at Springfield High four years running. It felt great! It felt amazing! He was finally going to finish school.

A/N: Reviews make my heart sing and my spirit soar.

Ahem sorry about that, finally finished this chapter after almost another month long wait. I got busy with work mainly, also was too tired to want to write, and for a few days was in one of those girly moods, you know the one. I also didn't really want to write this chapter because I almost had a similar experience like this about two months ago, it wasn't a test though, it was mainly about a grade I got a few semesters ago, but that was all taken care of. I am finished with school altogether, I now have a bachelors in Geography and Environmental Studies! But now I have to find a real job so this should be interesting, please cross your fingers, pray, or whatever you can do that I can find one. But I do have some free time now so you will see more updates from me, ones that don't take as long as they have been.

Also before I forget, as I have been mapping out this story I have noticed that this is more of Homer's story. Homer will be the main character in here; Marge won't be seen a lot, just during important moments. She will show up more in later chapters when things get more heated and interesting. So enjoy Homer's random adventures.

That's all for now, please review when you find the time, I will hopefully update again in a week.