I deeply apologize. For the life of me I can't come up with a good sentence in the first story so I just mashed it all together. The second one is based on a true story.


1. I Possess Diminutive Proficiency Over Comprehension of this Description

"Analyze the connotation of the diction through identifying imagery and metaphors throughout the novel," Bradley recited.

"What does that mean?" Mort asked.

Bradley shrugged. "Ask whoever wrote it, because I have no idea."

"Don't tell me you people actually tried to answer the question!" Lydia exclaimed.

Zack raised an eyebrow. "That's kind of the point of tests, Lydia. You write down nonsense, try to cheat so your handwriting is bigger than it really is, and pray to the test gods that they'll have mercy on your soul."

He wasn't going to mention that he'd given up halfway through and his paper resembled chicken scratch because he'd kept crossing words out. He got off lucky, since Milo's test was completely illegible due to chicken scratch.

Said chickens were running amok somewhere in the science hall.

Lydia waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, I got bored and started comparing and contrasting the human and llama versions of Hamilton instead. Think they'll give me points in creativity?"

Melissa coughed into her hand. "Theater kids..."

2. Since When Does Anyone Actually Follow That Rule?

"Oh, that's easy! Remember how in Episode 41 of Professor Zone when he accidentally transports the entire class into ancient Rome and they mention the trade routes with the Han Dynasty?" Sara asked as she and Kris leaned against the hood of a car as they waited for the fire drill to end.

"I didn't really keep up with Professor Zone that much," Kris admitted. "After the Football Rivalry arc, it seemed like they cast Time Ape to the side all the time. But yeah, that's the only the question I got stumped on! Thanks!"

"No prob!" Sara exclaimed. They talked about Dr. Zone for the rest of the fire drill, then took their seats in the classroom to continue the multiple choice portion of their test.

Then the proctor broke the bad news to them.

"I won't single anyone out since you know who you are, but a retest will be scheduled at a date later this month because some of you decided to talk about the test. In the future, remember that sharing questions is strictly forbidden."

Sara shrank in her seat, resisting the urge to groan about the unfairness of it all. She didn't think anyone would actually enforce that rule...

Maybe Dr. Zone was right about the students being bugged in the public school system.

3. What Time Is it?

It was 9 am when the test was passed out, Amanda noted. 9:07 am when Milo broke three pencils and was sharpening a fourth.

It was 9:32 am when Amanda completed the test. Unfortunately, the school designated the entire school day for testing and no new lessons could be taught. And the test was only 25 questions about vocabulary! Honestly.

She was satisfied with the Scantron at 9:44 am. Everything perfectly shaded with no stray marks. Just the way she liked it.

9:48 am when the teacher picked up her test. She was bored now. Couldn't even open a book because somehow that qualified as cheating.

9:57 am when the last test was picked up. She was getting a kick out of watching Milo trying to balance a pen on his nose. He'd forgotten to retract the tip and there were little blue squiggles under his eyes. She giggled.

10:01 am. They still weren't allowed to talk. Amanda put her head down. Maybe she could take a midday siesta.

The midday siesta wasn't good for her neck, she realized at 10:06 am. Was it at least time for lunch?

Of course not.

10:14 am. Milo had gotten up to grab a tissue and managed to knock a globe over, which fell to the ground with a loud crash. The hall monitor peeked in, berating the class for being so noisy.

10:17 am. Bradley was sulking again. He did seem to brighten when Melissa threw a paper airplane in his direction.

10:20 am. Amanda decided to take Lydia's suggestion and hang out in the auditorium after lunch. Granted, they weren't supposed to be there, but it was better than being stuck in the classroom.

10:21 am. Lunchtime couldn't come fast enough.

10:22 am. She had nothing better to do but watch the clock.

10:23 am. Now the hands were just being a jerk.

10:24 am. The only clock broke and they weren't allowed to use their phones. Amanda decided to invest in a watch.

10 something. Still no lunch bell.

And they still weren't allowed to talk.