06.
[ G R A C E ]

My eyelids drag my face down. Mr. Peter's words melt into oblivion and never return. From looking around the room, I can certainly deduce that everyone looks brain dead.

The class drags on and on, I don't think we learn anything at all, although I'm not paying attention. It's so mind-numbingly boring I'm actually designing a poster in my head.

I hear a few whispers from the Kyle and Hermione. I eavesdrop and find myself in awe. It's true. Every word that comes out of their mouths sounds like an A+ essay-despite being just a friendly (or not) exchange.

While they talk, Mr. Peter silently turns, like a cheetah eyeing its prey, and points his marker as if it's a laser, at where the whispers come from. More specifically, the straight A Kyle.

Here it comes. Mr. Peter's favorite words.

"Silence! Or I will deduct five marks!" he screeches.

He doesn't even have five marks.

The teacher's dark skin turns red and his beady eyes bulge. I start to notice the many strange features he has-his very little hair that makes a circle around his little head and makes a bald, round spot right in the middle of his head. I couldn't help but grin. His accent made it even funnier. Not to mention he is shorter than me, which is certainly saying something.

Mr Peter continues, "you know, your brother was nothing like this," and he resumes writing on the board.

Of course. The comparison game. It's one that I've seen almost every teacher do. '... was better than you,' or 'I wish ... was here instead of you.' I'm pretty lucky because I'm the eldest, but I do feel sorrowful for those who aren't. They have to endure years of that.

My eyes widen after processing this. He can't say that, that's the exact opposite of what a decent teacher should be doing! I didn't even know Kyle had a brother, (and didn't know someone could be better than Kyle), I still felt the pain he was facing.

I found myself staring at him with pity, but also waiting for a reaction, or an outburst. And so did everyone else. We have a hunger for drama.

"Excuse me, Mr. Peter. But shouldn't you not be so strict on the very first day of school? Isn't the idea to let us settle in, give us a few weeks to relax before start handing out detentions and taking away marks? How can you even deduct my scores if I don't have any?" Kyle says calmly, as if he was just having a light conversation with the teacher.

Roasted.

Mr. Peter blatantly tried make up a comeback. For a few seconds, he stutters and is left speechless.

"Pelegrino, this is hyperfoolishness at its finest. Talking back is very rude and disrespectful. One more word from you and the detention train will make its way to your desk."

Hyperfoolishness? Detention train? Detention train my ass.

"Sir, my name is Kyle, not Pelegrino. That's my last name. This, ironically, is an excellent exhibit of extreme hyperfoolishness from the awarder himself!"

I can't help but giggle. Who knew the Kyle Pelegrino would ever say such things, though he says them beautifully. I can tell everyone loves Kyle's inner savage.

Kyle's inhales. Perhaps he's going too far. Yet he still continues.

"You know what? I'm sick of getting compared to my brother, I am my own person! What gives you the right to degrade me like that? Huh? It is so annoying having to go to school every single day knowing that I will always be in the shadow of him! You are all driving me crazy!"

Honestly, where's the popcorn?

"I can call you what I want, Pelegrino. How dare you insult me like that!"

Kyle will now be known as First Peter Roaster. I grin like a baboon. I'm so heartless.

"Leave the classroom. NOW!"

Whoa. Shit just got real.

Kyle begins his promenade to the door with his head down, dodging everyone's sorry glances at him.

I realize how wrong this is. Shouldn't the school teach us how good it is to stand up for yourself? Don't they know we have feelings?

There are so many filthy things I would like to say to him. So many roasts. I just can't get myself to say them. The creativity pot is stirring and I want it to spill. I am way too shy and hate being in the center of attention, with everyone's eyes piercing through my soul.

As if hearing my thoughts and protest, the Hermione Chan stands up and politely protests. Everyone gasps and widens their eyes. Perfect timing, even Kyle's stunned face reveals as he reaches for the door handle.

It's barely a whisper, or a mutter. Did her mouth open at all? Her eyes glare straight to Mr. Peter, where the stare is met back.

Despite how low-key she says it, I'm sure she is raging, with both anger and joy.

"Hermione," Mr. Peter growls, "would you like to join Mr. Kyle outside too?"

The room goes tense as our eyes fix on Hermione, who stiffens.

We are all stunned when we hear, "yes, I would, as a matter of fact."

My mouth hangs open. I want to be like them. Such character, defiance, tenacity. But, I don't have the guts to do it. Not to mention I'm quite drowsy during class.

Hermione goes nonchalantly towards the door, as if she was taking a stroll. She looks proud, as she should be.

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"Would anyone else like to join them?"

"No," the class faintly mumbles.

We continue to label our notebooks and take notes. I write in my best handwriting, which still is not pleasing. I start to get lost in my music that's playing in my head and somehow miss a word Mr. Peter says.

"Hey Sam." I murmur without moving my lips too much.

Sam hisses back, "yeah?"

"Can I copy your notes?"

"Sur-"

"Do I need to stop someone again?"

His face reddens and reveals, for a millionth time, all the hidden wrinkles on his face.

"Who was it?" He shrieks.

Me and Sam exchange a worried glance.

I took a deep breath and raised my hand.

"It was me."

Well there goes my reputation. I didn't know one could make such a big deal out of nothing. On the first day of school.

"Go outside and spend your time with the other fools," Mr. Peter grunts. I like to picture him as a monkey, or some kind of primate. One of the dumbest ones.

Certainly not in his best mood.

My eyes roll. Beginning to travel to the exit, I receive the same empathetic glances from the same sorry-not-sorry people.

I open the door and Kyle and Hermione are astonished by my presence. They must be wondering why I am out here.

This is going to be embarrassing.

I should have justified their points. A better reason to be out here rather than some petty talk.

Before I have the chance to explain the dreary cause of my banishment, the doorknob turns.

I can practically hear us all sighing in our heads.

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Author's note:

Sorry for the long wait, we hope you enjoyed.

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