I went to my locker, trying to keep a low profile as I exchanged my books for the day's classes. Just as I was about to head to my first period, I heard someone call out my name.
"Dex!"
I turned around to see Kirah hurrying towards me, her smile bright despite the early hour. "Hey, birthday boy!"
I couldn't help but return her smile, grateful for her presence. "Hey, Kirah. Thanks."
She nudged me playfully. "So, any big plans for today?"
I shrugged, trying to downplay the significance of the day. "Not really. Probably just the usual."
Kirah raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "Come on, Dex. It's your birthday! You have to do something fun."
I chuckled, appreciating her enthusiasm. "We'll see, Kirah. We'll see."
Just then, the bell rang, signaling the start of the first period. Kirah gave me a quick hug before rushing off to her class.
I watched her go, I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. Kirah had always been there for me, always trying to make me smile, especially on days like today. But ever since people started teasing us, I kept my distance, afraid of what others might say.
I sighed, knowing I needed to talk to Kirah about it. I couldn't keep pushing her away, especially when she was the one person who always made me feel better.
The tardy bell rang, snapping me out of my thoughts. I hurried to my first-period class, hoping to avoid any unwanted attention. As I approached the door, I noticed a familiar figure standing in front of it, blocking my way.
Jasmine.
My heart skipped a beat as I took in her appearance. She looked even more beautiful than I remembered, with her long, flowing hair and captivating eyes. And the fact that she was standing right in front of me, on my birthday no less, felt like fate.
"Hey," she said, her voice soft and gentle.
"Hey," I replied, trying to sound casual despite the butterflies in my stomach.
She smiled, a hint of mischief dancing in her eyes. "You know, it's not polite to keep a girl waiting."
I couldn't help but chuckle at her playful tone. "Sorry about that. I got caught up."
Jasmine nodded understandingly. "No worries. So, happy birthday, Dex."
I felt my cheeks flush at her words. "Thanks, Jasmine."
She stepped aside, allowing me to enter the classroom. As I passed her, our eyes met, and for a moment, it felt like time stood still. There was something in her gaze, something that made my heart race and my stomach flip.
But before I could dwell on it any longer, the teacher called out, breaking the spell. I quickly made my way to my seat, trying to focus on the lesson at hand.
But despite my best efforts, my mind kept drifting back to Jasmine. What was she doing here? And why did she choose today of all days to talk to me?
Mr. Blumes cleared his throat, bringing me back to reality. "Dex, are you with us?"
I shook my head, trying to shake off the thoughts of Jasmine. "Sorry, Mr. Blumes. I zoned out for a moment."
Mr. Blumes started up, "Okay, class, we were talking about the human brain. 'The human brain is the last, and greatest, scientific frontier,' said Joel Davis in 1997. Who, pray tell, can explain what role the brain plays in the body?"
He panned the room with his dusty gaze, clearly disappointed with the lack of participation. "You better know this, people. It's on your test next week."
"The brain makes us dream," the jock in the back row said.
The class laughed.
"Correct, Jake, but not quite the answer I was looking for. Anybody else?" Mr. Blumes asked, his tone expectant.
Mr. Blumes scanned the room again, his eyes lingering on me. But My mind was still preoccupied with Jasmine and the strange way she had spoken to me earlier.
"Ah, Dex, how about you?" Mr. Blumes directed his attention toward me, perhaps sensing my distraction. "What do you think the role the brain plays in the body is?"
Uh, It helps us think.
"Okay, let's make this interesting," Mr. Blumes said. "If someone can give me the answer I am looking for, everyone will get 100% on the test next week. Deal?"
The class erupted into excited murmurs, the prospect of a guaranteed perfect score.
"Alright, so, what role does the brain play in the body?" Mr. Blumes repeated, his gaze sweeping across the room.
"I'm giving you five minutes to discuss it with everyone because I will choose someone," Mr. Blumes announced, setting a timer on his desk.
The class immediately burst into a flurry of discussions as students debated the role of the brain. Some argued that it controlled all bodily functions, while others suggested it was responsible for processing thoughts and emotions. As the timer ticked away, the volume in the room gradually increased, with students eagerly voicing their opinions.
Jake raised his hand, attempting to regain control of the chaos. "Okay, okay, let's focus, everyone. We need to come to a consensus here."
He glanced around the room, meeting the eyes of each student in turn. "I think it's emotion. What do you all think?"
A few students nodded in agreement, while others looked uncertain. One girl spoke up, her voice hesitant. "But how about memories? Doesn't the brain store memories too?"
Jake considered her suggestion before nodding thoughtfully. "Okay, okay. Which one do you think we should go with? Raise your hand if you think emotion, and raise your hands if you think memories."
The class split into two groups, with some students raising their hands for emotion and others for memories. After a brief tally, Jake declared, "Emotions it is then."
Just as he finished speaking, the five-minute timer ended with a soft chime. Mr. Blumes looked up from his desk, a curious expression on his face. "Alright, who's ready to share their answer?"
Mr. Blumes scanned the room, his eyes lingering on Jake for a moment before moving to the rest of the class. "Jake, since you were the one who proposed the answer, would you care to explain why you think the brain's role is primarily related to emotions?"
Jake stood up, a confident grin on his face. "Sure thing, Mr. Blumes. You see, the brain is like the control center of the body, right? And when it comes to how we feel and react to things, it's all about emotions. Like, when we're happy or sad, it's because of what's going on in our brain, right?"
Mr. Blumes nodded, gesturing for Jake to continue.
Jake continued, "Plus, think about it. Our emotions affect everything we do, from how we interact with others to the decisions we make. So, yeah, I think emotions are a pretty big deal when it comes to the brain's role in the body."
Mr. Blumes nodded, looking impressed. "Well said, Jake. Emotions do indeed play a significant role in how we experience and navigate the world around us. However, there's more to it than just emotions."
He turned to the rest of the class. "Can anyone expand on Jake's point or offer a different perspective on the brain's role?"
The classroom fell into silence as students pondered Mr. Blumes' question. After a moment, I felt a strange sensation wash over me, as if something was urging me to speak up.
"Decision, Decisions," a voice whispered in my head, growing louder with each repetition. I furrowed my brow, trying to make sense of the sudden intrusion.
Mr. Blumes noticed my hesitation and prompted, "Dex, do you have something to add?"
I blinked, realizing that everyone was looking at me expectantly. "Uh, yeah," I stammered, feeling a surge of uncertainty. "I think... it's about decisions."
Mr. Blumes raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Decisions? Interesting choice, Dex. Care to elaborate?"
I took a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts. "Well, you know how the brain processes information and helps us make decisions, right? Like, when we're faced with a choice, it's our brain that weighs the options and guides us toward the best course of action."
I glanced around the room, hoping my explanation made sense. "So, in a way, our ability to make decisions is what sets us apart as human beings. And without the brain, we wouldn't be able to do any of that."
There was a moment of silence as Mr. Blumes processed my response. Then, a smile spread across his face." I must say I did not expect that answer from you, it's exactly... no it's better than what I was looking for. decisions, what are we without decision, were not humans the ability to say yes or no, to walk or sit, to starve or eat, to sleep or stay awake, I must say that is a beautiful answer. everyone clap your hands for Dex.
The classroom erupted into applause, students clapping enthusiastically for Dex's unexpected insight. Dex couldn't help but feel a rush of pride at the acknowledgment, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
Mr. Blumes joined in the applause, his expression one of genuine admiration. "Well done, Dex. Your answer perfectly encapsulates the complexity and importance of decision-making in the human experience."
As the applause died down, Mr. Blumes addressed the class once more. "Now, as promised, since Dex provided the answer I was looking for, everyone will indeed receive 100% credit on the test next week."
The room erupted into cheers and excited chatter, students exchanging high-fives and congratulating each other. Dex couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that his contribution had benefited the entire class.
But Mr. Blumes wasn't finished yet. "However," he continued, his tone turning more serious, "I must clarify that Dex's answer was a one-time exception. The rest of you are still expected to take the test next week."
A murmur of disappointment rippled through the class, but Mr. Blumes quickly followed up with a reassuring statement. "But, to show my appreciation for Dex's insightful response, I will be awarding everyone an additional 50% credit on the test."
The class erupted into cheers once more, the promise of extra credit lifting their spirits even higher. As the excitement settled, Mr. Blumes motioned for the class to quiet down. "Alright, alright, settle down, everyone.
the bell finally rang, signaling the end of the period, Dex gathered his belongings and prepared to leave the classroom. But before he could make his way to the door, Mr. Blumes called out to him.
"Dex, Jasmine, could you both stay behind for a moment?" Mr. Blumes requested, his tone serious.
Dex exchanged a puzzled glance with Jasmine before nodding in acknowledgment. As the rest of the class filed out of the room, Dex and Jasmine remained behind, curiosity piqued.
Once the classroom was empty, Mr. Blumes turned his attention to Dex and Jasmine, his expression stern. "I couldn't help but notice that you both were late to class this morning."
Dex's heart sank at the reprimand, realizing that their tardiness hadn't gone unnoticed. He exchanged a guilty glance with Jasmine, knowing that they were both at fault.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Blumes," Dex apologized, his voice contrite. "It won't happen again."
Mr. Blumes nodded, his expression softening slightly. "I understand that things happen, but being on time is important, especially in my class. Now, I need you both to go see Ms. Kelly at the attendance office after school. She'll want to have a word with yall."
Dex and Jasmine nodded in understanding, silently berating themselves for their slip-up. As they made their way out of the classroom, Dex couldn't help but feel a sense of unease gnawing at him.
What could Ms. Kelly possibly want to talk to them about? And what consequences would their tardiness have?