Author's Note: I originally had this posted as it's own work but took it down because someone left a comment that it didn't make sense. I'm reposting it in a junk drawer because I like it. *shrugs* This is a classic example of writing my trauma into fanfic.

All Human AU

"You wanted to see me, Mr. Whitlock?"

The small voice came from the back of the auditorium and I could only think of one person who would be here, but I stopped what I was doing and turned around anyways. Sure enough, Ashleigh, one of my quietest yet smartest students, stood at the back door.

"Yes, come have a seat and I'll be with you in a moment," I said before turning back to the stage. A few kids in my class had graciously volunteered to stay and help organize the back stage area. My students throughout the day had left it a mess and I had to get it cleaned up for the teachers who had class back here. "Andy, put all the small props on the shelf over there in the corner, stack all the chairs and move the desks back into my classroom. I'm putting you in charge for a moment," I said, making my way down the stairs.

I thought about what I was doing here. Every year my eleventh graders had this huge project they had to do in place of a final. It was an 800 point project that basically consisted of putting on a show for the entire school. In this show, students would perform dances, songs, and skits that represented American Culture in history. Each year, my AP class would decorate the auditorium with recognized symbols and artwork that they believed to be important to our country's history and culture. The show, cleverly named 'Back to the Future,' had become an annual event for all the underclassmen. Every year there was at least one group that had some issues. There was something about this class though that caused them to have a lot more problems than the average group. That's why Ashleigh was here.

I took a seat next to her in the audience. "I read your email. I want you to know now; you may not like what I have to say. It's probably not the answer you wanted." She nodded. "I have this problem every year with at least one group. In life there will always be people who don't want to work, who want to be lazy and do just enough to get by when they absolutely have to. At this point, it's too late for you to change the group."

She sniffed. I could tell she was trying to hold back tears. "It's just, the thing that annoys me the most is that I felt guilty because she said her boyfriend didn't have a group yet. But then it turns out he did and neither of them will do any work and they always have an excuse for why they can't work. I've looked forward to this project since I was in sixth grade and they are making it a horrible experience for me."

"Did you ever think that maybe, they are going through problems? I know one of them is."

"I know both of them are. But at this point, it's not an excuse. They shouldn't have lied about him needing a grade in the first place and they shouldn't have committed to it if they knew they couldn't handle it."

"That's very true. But I think if you stick this out, and make it work, it'll be much more rewarding for you than if I were to take care of the problem for you. So, I can't let you remove them from the group, however, if they continue to neglect their part of the project you can come tell me and I'll fix that. You shouldn't have to do all the work even if you are the only one being graded for it." The tears were still threatening to spill, and I knew that she didn't want to damage her pride by releasing them in front of a teacher. So, I tried to wrap it up quickly.

"I know that's not the answer you wanted to hear but that's the best I have for you right now. But you will learn to deal with people, you will feel so much more rewarded when it is over, and you have already developed skills they will struggle to develop in the future. But I am here if problems continue to arise, alright?"

She nodded and stood up. "Thanks Mr. Whitlock."