We were in a circle on the floor, as we always were for class. Teacher John sat with us, using a whiteboard to demonstrate a math problem. I tried not to show my boredom. I'd grasped the concept the first time he'd explained it, but I didn't want to be rude. Beside me sat my friends Will and Nick. They had grasped the lesson as soon as I had and were equally bored.
I began to tap on my notepad. The other children had come to assume it was just a nervous habit, but Will and Nick knew better and began to count the taps. Previously, we had created a code composed of various taps to communicate almost silently in class.
Are you two as bored as I am?
The first return taps were hurried, almost blurring together. Of course! I wish we could learn something else. I already understand this. That was Nick. He was always rushing through everything, including his lessons. Fortunately, he was able to think nearly as fast as he was able to move. Nearly.
The next set of taps were precise, somewhat methodical. Remember, not everyone understands yet. Teacher John has to help them, and we need to be nice. I tried to restrain a sigh. Will was always the reasonable, patient one. He tended to move slower, though his deliberate actions belied the swiftness of his mind. He usually came to conclusions long before Nick or I had considered them, but always allowed us time to think and reason them out for ourselves.
You're right, Will. I just wish there was something we could do. This happens every day. Isn't there another way for us to learn? The sigh I'd been restraining escaped me.
Will grinned. I knew he had an idea, but I also knew he wouldn't share until Nick or I came to the same conclusion. Fortunately, Nick unwittingly obliged.
What if we asked to learn separately?
Will nodded. I pitched in. Let's ask after class.
At that moment, the rest of the class stood up. We'd been so focused that we hadn't heard Teacher John dismiss us. The three of us hurried towards him, but he shook his head. "I can't talk right now, I'm afraid. I'm supposed to talk to someone in just a moment. Hurry along now," he added, shooing us towards the door.
When we were out of the room, Nick sighed, "Well, I guess that idea's a bust. We didn't even get a chance to talk to him." I was inclined to agree. We both automatically turned to Will, who was leaning against the wall, smiling again.
"What is it?" I asked, not wanting him to make us wait any longer.
He sighed. "Did you two look around as he was shoving us out?" We shook our heads. "I thought not. Well, I did. I saw his bag, and there were three folders sticking out, with our names on them. And did you notice how fast he hurried us out? I'd bet anything that whoever he's talking to, they're talking about us." His grin returned, wider than before.
I caught on quickly. "So you think we should listen, so we know what they have planned for us?"
"Exactly." The three of us hunched down by the door, for at that moment, we heard the other door to the classroom opening. We held our breaths, waiting to hear what would be said.
