9
Matthew was failing his classes. His teachers noticed. As Matthew kissed Kat good-by at the end of orchestra class; Mr. Edelstein approached him. Matthew stiffened, ready for some form of chastisement the Austrian was notorious for. Instead, the man asked gently to speak with Matthew. Kat waved and vanished into the halls.
"Sir, I don't have much time… I have a job to get to," Matthew said.
Mr. Edelstein pulled off his glasses and wiped them on his sleeve.
"Mr. Williams it has come to my attention that you are failing your classes. Now, what frightens me is that you are an exceptionally bright young man with much potential. Therefore, I don't want to chastise you or tell you to get your act together, I want to know what's wrong and if I or the staff here can do anything to help you."
Matthew stared at him, biting his lip. He was dropping to a C grade quickly, not finishing homework or studying were the prime suspects. He swallowed and nodded at Mr. Edelstein.
"Perhaps there isn't much we can do, we already know of your condition at home. I'm sorry, by the way." Mr. Edelstein smiled, touching Matthew's shoulder. "Come early tomorrow, I want to talk to you in private, you better get to work."
Matthew thanked him and ran out, checking his watch. He wouldn't have time to change at home, he'd have to wiggle into his uniform while driving. That made him queasy.
The next morning, Matthew sat across from Mr. Edelstein at his desk. The sun painted the room a pale pink. Mr. Edelstein laced his fingers together.
"Alright, what do you need help with?"
Matthew smiled tautly.
"Nothing, really, I'm just too tired when I get home to study or do homework and I have no other time to do it."
"How about you drop one of your classes? You can afford to do it, maybe make up for it in your senior year. Your brother should be back by then."
"How do you know?"
Mr. Edelstein slid a paper across the table. Matthew didn't touch it. Mr. Edelstein took it back, sighing.
"Alright," Matthew stood, "I'll talk to the principal and tell her to drop my French class, I don't need it anyway. I can graduate out of it now."
"No need, I'll tell her and your French teacher."
"Thank you, sir."
Mr. Edelstein nodded. "If you send your brother a letter, send him my regards."
"You know him?"
"I know his uncle."
Matthew nodded, turning out of the classroom.