(Pete)

I followed Mr. Stump to his classroom. So much for getting high today. Now I had to go through an entire day with a clear head. Mr. Stump unlocked his classroom door and we stepped in. He closed the door behind him.

"What?" I asked bitterly.

"Pete, you are an excellent student."

"So you keep saying."

"You're so smart in my class. Why don't you apply yourself like that in your other subjects?"

"I don't apply myself in yours either."

"I know that's not true. Pete at the rate you're going, you won't get into college."

"That's what this is?" I rolled my eyes. "I don't care." I'd had this conversation too many times.

"Don't you want to graduate and move out of your parent's house?"

"I will."

"How? You don't have a job. You can't get into college."

"I'll find a way." I tightened my bookbag straps and headed for the door.

"What if I could promise you a job after you graduate?"

I paused but didn't turn around. "What?"

"I can guarantee you a job. Just writing as you do. That pays at minimum, forty-five dollars an hour."

"No you can't." I turned to glare at him.

"Yes, I promise you I can."

"If you could get me a job paying that much, then you'd have one too."

"I did. But I wanted to be a teacher. I wanted to make a difference and help talented students. Like you."

"You're lying."

"I can prove it."

"Why? Why would you do that?"

"Because I know what you're capable of. And you write better than anyone I've ever met before."

"Okay. I want the job."

"Its not that easy."

"I knew it. I knew there was a catch." It was too good to be true.

"I want you to step up in all your classes. Make nothing lower than a B."

"Until I graduate? That's two years?!"

"Good. It'll make up for the two years you spent slacking in high school."

"I can't make a B. I barely make a C."

"Because you don't apply yourself."

"I can't do it."

"That's a hell of an offer to pass up, Pete."

"What if I try my hardest and still don't make a B?"

"Then you don't get the job." I groaned and crossed my arms. "Look, Peter, I know what you're capable of. And you're capable of straight As. But I'm being lenient."

"You've known me a week."

"I told you, I'm good at reading people. So, do we have a deal?" He reached his hand out.

"Uh."

Did we? I don't know. I mean, how the hell was I supposed to just magically start making As and Bs?! I didn't understand half the shit I'd learned since Ninth grade. Now I was supposed to suddenly master it. No way. That was impossible. It was a hell of a job but I couldn't fulfill the task. He'd chosen the wrong student.

"Of course, I'd help you study and understand what you need help with." It was as if he'd read my mind. "Why not just try. I mean, maybe you will fail. But what do you have to lose if you do? Nothing. Now think of what you have to gain if you succeed."

"Fine." I shook his hand. "We have a deal."

I walked into my first period class. Music. Ms. Williams was tuning the piano and talking about the difference between the black and white keys. Adam and Joe made room for me to sit between them. One of Brendon's girl friends glanced back front the front of the room. She looked disappointed to see me. I glanced beside her. Where the hell was my brother?

"Dude, where were you this morning?" Joe asked.

"Long story."

"We've got time." Adam told.

"Boys, stop talking!" Ms. Williams warned.

"Do you have any snacks?" Ashlee asked me. Her eyes a dull red.

"Nah."

"Well, we'll make sure you don't have to go through the entire day without smoke. We'll roll up after lunch." Joe elbowed me. I smiled. I loved my friends.

"Thanks dude."
****
I hadn't seen Brendon all day. He didn't go to any of our classes. He wasn't even in lunch. I texted and called him at least ten times. He didn't answer once. That want like Brendon. Maybe he'd gotten sick in the parking lot and headed home. Maybe someone car jacked him and killed him. Either way, I was going to need a ride home. The final bell rung and I walked to the parking lot with Alecia, I mean Pink. Just as I'd feared, the car was missing.

"Where's your brother?" She asked.

"I really don't fucking know. I don't have a ride home."

"You know if I didn't walk, I'd give you a ride."

"Yeah I know."

"See you later." He leaned over and kissed me. Then she walked off.

No, we're not dating. No, I didn't fuck her. Pink was just a flirty girl. I took out my phone and dialed Brendon's number again. Again, it went straight to voicemail.
This sucked so bad. I did not want to call mom and I knew dad would be too busy to pick it me up. I heard a Car pull up and stop in front of me. Brendon had so much fucking explaining to do.

"Pete? Are you okay?"

I looked up from the phone. "Mr. Stump?"

"Do you need a ride?"

"Yeah, my brother seems to have disappeared."

"Well hop on in." He leaned over and opened the door for me. I climbed in the truck and closed the door. "So, have you started applying yourself."

"Not yet." I admitted. "I still don't understand shit. That's not just going to change."

"Well, we could start studying today. If its okay with your parents, we could head to my house and study."

"Yeah, that'd be okay."

"Are you sure?" I nodded. "Well I'd still like you to call your mother and ask."

A/N:
I know I didn't give Brendon's point of view in this chapter. Sometimes it'll be both sometimes it'll just be one. But keep reading! Xoxo