A Phone Call

Steve's phone suddenly started vibrating. It was unusual, as he knew he always kept it turned off or silent. He tried to ignore it, but the vibrations didn't stop. The familiar 'buzz-buzz' pattern continued for over a minute.

'Who's calling me?' Steve wondered. He couldn't ignore it anymore and pulled the phone out of his pocket.

'Unknown caller.' Steve clicked the 'cancel call' button and turned the volume to silent. He slid the phone back into his pocket.

Just a few seconds later, the phone started vibrating again.

'What the hell?' Steve took out his phone and canceled the call once again.

There were no more distractions for the next few minutes. It seemed the end of the school day was finally in sight. However, things did not go as smoothly as Steve imagined. Just a minute before the bell was supposed to ring, his phone went off. At full volume. Steve felt his cheeks heat up as faces turned in his direction. And of course, Mr. Clarence stopped his lecture and turned in Steve's direction to give him a dirty look. Steve fumbled the phone out of his pocket and hastily canceled the call once again.

"Mr. Derren, I assumed you know the policy regarding cell phones in my classroom, correct?" Mr. Clarence asked, seemingly glaring into Steve's soul.

"Umm... yes, sir. I'm very sorry. I promise it won't happen again," Steve stammered. It was met with a response of stifled giggles around the classroom.

"A promise won't suffice as punishment for a misdemeanor such as having your cell phone ringing and obstructing my class, Mr. Derren," Mr. Clarence started.

'Jeez, this guy's a teacher, not a judge,' Steve thought.

"Stay after class and we'll discuss your punishment, Mr. Derren."

'Crap,' Steve knew having his phone ring - especially in Mr. Clarence's classroom - at least meant detention, if not worse.

The bell rang.