It was early afternoon when the final bell rung, and the students were let out for Christmas Holiday. Jacob grabbed his books and roughly slid them into his bag, inadvertently crushing several loose pieces of paper, homework that teachers had assigned over the holiday. Not that he’d be doing any of it. He wasn’t one to worry about silly little things like homework.

     Jacob was a tall, lanky teenager wearing an obnoxiously colored jacket, paired with the skinniest jeans money could buy. He always wore a hat over his greasy black hair. Jacob planned to thoroughly enjoy his holiday. He and his girlfriend, Kymber, planned on going to a ski lodge in Fussen for the weekend. He flicked his head quickly to one side, shifting his long hair into place.

     He slid his bag over his shoulder, and noticed that one of his bright-green shoes was untied. He considered tying it for a moment, then headed towards the door. Just as he got towards the front of the room, his teacher, Mr. Brust, stopped him. Mr. Brust was a short, stout man with thinning white hair, and a mind to cater to the students. He was one of Jacob’s favorite teachers.

     “Er, Mr. Longwood, may I speak to you for a moment?” He stood up without waiting for an answer, and came up to his full height, barely reaching Jacob’s shoulder. He waddled over to the door and shut it, gliding silently on its well-oiled hinges. He turned around and faced Jacob, his eyes filled with concern. “It’s about your history grade, Jacob. You’re… You’re flunking my class. This isn’t like you.” Desperation, and something like fear, edged into Mr. Brust’s tone. Jacob averted his eyes. This man had no business judging him. “Is there anything going on at home, Jacob? Something I can help with?” Jacob glared icily into his teachers eyes, leering down at him.

     “No. sir.” he said, trying to convey all of his anger at the man through those two words. This man had no business prying through his home life. What did he care if Jacob was failing anyways? It’s not as if it would affect his life at all. His teacher sighed hugely.

     “You’re usually such a good student… alright. I’m afraid I’m left with no choice. If you won’t tell me what’s happening at home, I’ll send an email home to your parents, explaining the situation. This is your last chance, Jacob. Are you sure there’s nothing you can tell me? Would you like me to arrange an appointment with the counselor?” For the first time during the discussion, fear flickered in Jacob’s eyes, and he looked away to hide it.