5 Chapter 4: Landmines

"Why do I have to be partnered with Sarah of all people!?" I yell

I'm on the edge of losing my composure. If I'm not careful, it could result in more punishment.

Mrs.Batman's face turns beet red, and I swear steam is coming out of her ears.

The Teacher takes a deep breath and composes herself. Did I just fuck up?

My mind goes blank.

"Because you need to learn ..., if not... me." Mrs.Batman states

Mrs.Batman turns sharply to face me. The red in her face begins to fade.

My back straightens instantly.

"Luke, you also need to stop relying on your mother to keep you out of trouble; it's time to grow up," Mrs.Batman continues.

The Teacher turns curtly towards Sarah, and her face turns soft.

"Sarah, I hope this is just a minor trip-up for you. If this continues, you may not do too well in college. I have high hopes for one of you. Don't disappoint me."

The Teacher turns around and starts to walk off.

"Now, let's get this field cleaned up."

The Teacher cares for Sarah. I'm not important. The best I can hope for now is to work my ass off to get in even the slightest of good graces with her, but she didn't blow up at me when I did the same.

The hardest I can work will have to do.

"Hey, are you ok?" Sarah asks as she kneels down next to me. I hadn't noticed, but I collapsed down with one arm supporting me behind my back.

"Yea, I'm fine, why do you care anyway?"

"Because you basically got told to clean up your act and, more importantly, Mrs. Baker just told you she expects you to fail, if not then miss your goals entirely so, I kind of get how you might be feeling right about now... Plus, the sulky face thing."

I pull myself off the ground and compose myself.

"I'm good; see, no sulky face anymore."

She turns and starts towards the football field.

"Good now, let's get going."

I wonder what happened to make her do that for me.

I follow after, and we arrive at the field shortly.

As we move onto the field, we see everyone working. It looks like they just started.

"Grab a bag, dude, I don't want this to take all day," Peter shouts.

"Got it!" I yell back as I run to grab a trash bag

No way am I partnering with Sarah. I'm going to fake it til' I make it.