“Ugh Five more minutes.”
“I cannot believe how cold it is down here”. Laura shivers as she stares at the arctic blue walls and how it seems to bring attention to the cold. The startling blue only seems to remind her of the polar icecaps rather than a warm Saturday morning.
“Three more minutes. I knew I should have showered after class. I hate they way chlorine clings to your entire body for the whole day.” Laura thought as twisted her wet hair between her fingers. “I have to remember to talk to Whitney after class She won’t believe what happened. I hope she’s in a better mood today.” Laura thinks as she remembers the first day of class, and Whitney temper.
Two minutes. This is only the fourth day of school and those office ladies are already turning her into a witch. I don’t understand why she decided to spend her study hall being an office assistant. I swear evil is contagious.” RING! RING!
“Finally, I can believe how long that class was.”

“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to these halls. I’m pretty sure this school wasn’t made for this many students.” Laura declares angrily as she pushes herself through the bodies of the many students. “Uh oh where is she?” Laura asks as she notices her friend Whitney is not in their usual meeting spot. “She must still be in the office. That can be good.” As soon as she spots her struggling to walk down the halls she notices the dark scowl on her face, and dreads having to ask her for her favor.

“How was study hall? Laura inquires in a rather chipper singsong voice in an attempt to lighten her mood.
“Those office ladies are horrible.” Whitney replies unaffected by Laura’s enthusiasm. “They make me do everything. One of these days I’m tempted to poison their coffees. Why do you look so excited” She asks when she notices Laura’s grin has only increased. “What happened?”
“Guess who was in my Algebra class today.”
“I don’t know… Prince Charming?” She responds sarcastically.
“Even Better!” Laura shouts not noticing Whitney’s sarcasm. “It was Peter. Oh don’t give me that look. Peter the senior VP. He’s so popular he’s practically royalty.
“Why was he in your Algebra class if he’s a senior?”
“He was using the room to take an English test.” Laura explains as she dances joyfully in circles. “Apparently he doesn’t like to read his Shakespeare homework, I pretty much saved him from failing. “Well anyway” Says Laura, suddenly becoming serious. “I was wondering… could you do me a huge favor?”
“What?” Whitney questions slowly, somewhat afraid of the request.
“I need you to register me for his 7th period German class.” Laura quickly utters.
“Why do you want me to do that? You don’t speak German.”
“It’s the only open time I have and it will be a prefect time for him to get to know me. And if I was his girlfriend that would make me just as popular.” She pleads to Whitney trying to look as innocent as possible. “Please do this for me. Lunch is almost over, you’re the only person I know who can.”
“I’ll see what I can do.” Whitney replies, knowing if she didn’t comply Laura wouldn’t rest until she did.
The next morning Laura waits patiently for Whitney, praying she was able to grant her request. When Laura sees her walking towards her, her anxiety increases as she tries to read Whitney’s face.
“Ok, so I had to work some magic but I got you registered.” Whitney says as she tries to push off Laura’s overexcited hug. “Obviously they’ll know you don’t speak German so just try not to talk so much. You really only have till the end of the week before they kick you out anyway.
“Thank you, thank you, I owe you big time.” Laura sings.
“Yea, you do. Ok so here’s your new schedule.” She says as she hands Laura the freshly printed-paper. “The German class is on the top floor so try your best to look like a senior.” She warns. “If you look like you just got out of the freshmen basement they’ll send you back down for sure. Good luck!” She shouts as Laura skips towards the school.
“Thanks! Laura shouts back. “I’ll call you tonight with the good news!”

“Ok class settle down, settle down.” Announces Frau Krauss the senior German teacher. “Welcome to our second week of German, I see some new faces so lets turn to our partners and introduce ourselves.”

“Perfect. I’m glad I got here early and got a seat next to him.” Laura thinks as she turns toward the boy to her left. “Hopefully he’ll do all the talking.” She whispers as she sends up a silent prayer.

“Hallo! Wie Heisst du?” The young man asks…“Sprechen Sie Deutsch?” He asks after a rather long silent pause.

“Crap! What is he saying? Maybe if I just laugh he won’t know I can’t speak German.” Laura hopes as she tries to give a carefree laugh.
“You don’t speak German do you?” Peter declares. That’s OK; my girlfriend sits next to you and she can help if you need anything.” He tells Laura and slowly turns to the student on his left dismissing her completely.

Sadly Laura turns and notices for the first time the beautiful girl to her right. Knowing she is too late Laura slowly gathers her books and wordlessly exits the room, taking the elevator straight to the basement where she belongs. That night as Laura’s arms were covered in soapy dish bubbles she thinks of how close she was. And realized she still has over three years in high school to achiever her dream.