The Trials of Youth

Chapter 1

By NationChild

Created on September 1st, 2007

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“In William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, there were certain conflicts that were never resolved at the ending. For example, why is Don Pedro left without a significant other? He is obviously one of the protagonists of the story, so why does he not have his own lady love?

This is the type of question I would like for you to ask. Ones that challenge -” The creaking that the door made as it was opened was loud and squeaky, interrupting the teacher in mid-sentence.

He strutted in casually. Unfortunately, he didn’t quite fit the “casual” part. Clad in sports shorts and a football jersey, he contrasted majorly with the jean-wearing t-shirts of the library occupants.

After casting a very quick glance at him, she directed her gaze forward, intent on completely ignoring him.

He, however, had another thing coming and plopped down in the oh-so-conveniently-placed vacant seat next to her.

And she mentally cursed herself for choosing such an unpopulated space near the back.

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After staring at the new member of the lecture rather pointedly, the teacher continued, “As I was saying, I would like all of you to ask the questions that challenge one’s thinking. They are to be about Much Ado About Nothing. Please bring your questions next Friday.”

Glancing around the room, the teacher saw the intense looks of interest on the students’ faces. Well, except for the boy who had just entered, but she didn’t expect anything from him, judging form his entrance into the building.

Deciding that she’d lectured enough – her throat was on the verge of giving her a physical injury, it was so sore – she dismissed the class. Then, gathering her teaching materials and shooting another look at the football player, she shook her head, and made her exit.

- - - - -

He was watching her scour the end of the English writer’s play for some questions, or…something.

“What the hell are you doing here?” She was still focusing on the play, but her low hiss made him flinch.

“Look, Tate - ” He made certain to keep his voice at a volume suitable for a library.

“I don’t know who you’re talking to,” she replied coldly.

“Fine, uh, Victoria… I just wanted to visit my favorite book club, that’s all.”

“How far are you into that two thousand-word essay on World War II?” She still wasn’t looking at him.

“Uh, haven’t started yet. Why?”

“I just want to let you know that I’ve finished mine and I’m not eager to re-write it.”

His eyes widened substantially, but Victoria couldn’t tell if his surprised look was sincere. “Victoria, I’m really sorry. It’s just… I couldn’t - ” He was silenced by her index finger raised, requesting silence.

Bringing her finger down, she still focused on Shakespeare’s text.

He waited for her to say something, then realized she was keeping her mouth shut when she licked a finger and turned the page.

The duo sat in silence as he desperately thought of a way to initiate conversation. Then it came tumbling out, against his will. “Why do you read?”

Cue the dead silence throughout the building. The jock blinked; he didn’t realize how loud he’d voiced the question. He could feel everyone’s eyes on him; some people were shooting him death glares while others scratched their heads, wondering what kind of alien he was and which planet he had originated from.

- - - - -

When everyone had gone about their business and stopped gawking, he breathed a sigh of relief. And as soon as he relaxed, he tensed once more. He’d momentarily forgotten about Tate – no, Victoria - next to him.

“Biggs…” Her tone was most obviously a warning; unfortunately, the boy’s brain was on the blitz. Again, for the second time that day. Fearfully, Biggs met her eyes. And almost nearly swallowed. Almost.

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A/N: So what do you think? This is another fiction that I’m thinking of continuing. But I need ideas!