The assignment

Andrews had insisted I see him at lunchtime to discuss the stereotypes assignment. I nearly didn’t go but I figured that would have caused me more grief. I think he knew I had no intention of doing it and was trying to avoid a full-on confrontation in front of the class. But then again, maybe he wanted to apologize for humiliating me. Anyway, I was curious and he would have gone and whinged to Danielli if I hadn’t turned up.

I’d always rated Andrews as a teacher, but lately it felt like he was always in my face. It was like the dropping of the pants incident signaled his appointment as my keeper. Like he was playing Big Brother, and I don’t mean the TV show, I mean the George Orwell, 1984, I’m-always-watching-you kind of Big Brother. It was bad enough with Mum watching me all the time, but that was her job. It wasn’t his. I had enough bloody keepers, thanks.

He was sitting in a chair behind his desk, which seemed weird because in class he was always on it or around it but never behind it. I didn’t bother knocking.

Hello, Will.

Sir.

I stood, ignoring the chair he’d put out.

I’m pleased you made the time to see me. I’m also pleased with the way you are meeting your responsibilities with the musical.

Praise now. An unexpected tack. Unless it was a windup.

This assignment, Will, what’s the problem?

Sir, I don’t think it’s fair. How come I can’t do what I want?

I can understand your frustration, Will, but the assignment stands. He stopped and indicated the seat. Please.

I sat down.

He pulled his chair around to the front of the desk and faced me.

When Mr. Waverton and Mr. Danielli agreed to your punishment, they also insisted you write a 3,000-word statement about the negative effect your misdemeanors have had on the college and your academic life.

They couldn’t be serious!

I suggested that since you were involved with the musical, perhaps it would be better for you to journal your thoughts about the experience, which would be a far more positive focus.

Andrews paused. If he was waiting for me to thank him, we’d both end up being very hungry.

However, when I set the class assignment it occurred to me that you could use that instead. That way it would count for something rather than just ending up in your file.

He paused and sifted through some of his papers on his desk as if looking for something.

So I thought I was doing you a favor.

He looked right at me.

I know that you might find that hard to believe, Will, but it’s true. Your reaction to the assignment, however, told me loud and clear that no one had informed you of your contractual obligations.

Sir, I don’t know what you’re talking about.

It’s all in that behavior-management contract you signed after your meeting with Mr. Waverton.

I vaguely remembered signing something in Waddlehead’s office. As if I would have read it.

Not much more I could say to that and Andrews knew it. It didn’t mean I was going to shut up, though.

Yeah, well, what am I meant to write?

Come on, Will, you’re smarter than that. This is a traditional boys’ high school. How do you think the boys who try out for musicals, who are involved in things other than sport, are perceived?

I don’t … I nearly said I don’t care, sir, but figured he might add an extra five hundred words to the assignment. I don’t know, sir. I don’t think it’s that big a deal anymore.

Why did you have such a big reaction to being involved then?

That’s different, sir. It’s just not my thing.

You’re a musician, aren’t you?

Yeah, but I’m not that type of musician.

What do you mean by that, Will?

Well, you know the type, that …

He gave me one of those looks that said he was just about to prove a point.

Well, you know what I mean, sir …

And what about that kid who keeps trying to hang out with you? Zachariah Cohen? Don’t tell me you don’t view him as some sort of type.

Well, maybe I do, but that doesn’t—

That has everything to do with it, Will.

He turned away and started to pack up his things. That was it?

Sir?

You have to do the assignment, Will, no negotiation.

He stopped his packing and eyeballed me.

You could use this opportunity to demonstrate to the world just how capable you actually are, Will.

Here it was, the underachiever talk. They never leave it alone.

I’ll do the assignment because I have to, I interrupted before he could get started. Save the motivational talk for someone who cares.

And with that I was gone. I knew I had stepped over the mark but I didn’t give a crap.