Chapter 10

        Bridget dashed out of English like she was getting charged by the second. After barely being able to sit still in Mrs. Hale’s class, she was glad to make it to her locker and get her things. She had just heard the greatest news of her life in New Hampshire: she was accepted into ICGS.

Today was the day she was finally going to sit with the ICGS group at lunch, now that she was apart of the group. Since the first day of school, she had sat with Veronica and Julie, and the other popular girls. But today, she told them she would be sitting somewhere else. And it just so happened that today the principal finalized their seating arrangement in the lunchroom so that they would have to stay there the rest of the semester. And Bridget had a pretty good idea of where she was going to stay.

She was so excited to meet the members of the ICGS group that she had to turn her combination dial five times to get it right. She hoped Henry would get to his locker soon so she could have someone to share her excitement with.

Finally, Bridget was able to open her locker and exchange her things for her brown-bagged lunch. And just when she thought she couldn’t contain her nerves anymore, she saw Henry walking down the hall toward his locker. Because she was so excited, Bridget raced down the hall to meet him halfway so she’d have someone to talk to.

“Hi Henry! All right” She exclaimed.

“Yeah, I’m awesome!” He looked at her and extended his hand. “Congratulations on being accepted into the group!” 

“Yeah! Thanks!” Bridget exclaimed. She got a random desire to give him a hug. But she didn’t. “And I’m really excited to meet the group, too!”

“They are excited to meet you. After all, you’re our only new member this year.” He said.  

“Blimey!” Bridget exclaimed. “I mean, I couldn’t hear much after they said my name and how I had been accepted into the group on the announcements. I wasn’t sure if they had said anything after that.” Bridget said.

“Yeah,” he said laughing. “I guess I better get my lunch before you explode.” He smiled.

“Why would I do that?” She asked sarcastically.

Thye both laughed simultaneously. And with that, they were both off into the lunchroom, where Bridget would meet her new, nice (hopefully), smart (hopefully), and good (hopefully) friends.

As Henry and Bridget entered the room of the cafeteria, Bridget immediately saw a girl with red hair and light blue eyes waving to her about fifteen feet away. She didn’t quite know who it was, but she assumed it was one of the club members.

Henry and Bridget walked over to the table. Henry took a seat next to the strawberry blond, while Bridget slid next to a very short girl with olive skin and short chocolate brown hair. On the other side of her was a guy with straight black hair. He also had these riveting green eyes that made her a little unapproachable. He looked, to be honest, rather sullen. Bridget wanted to introduce herself, but she hoped that one of them would first. Thankfully, the girl did.

“Hi, I’m Della, congratulations on joining the club. Henry said you are really into geography and all that?” She said.

“Oh, yes, definitely!” Bridget said. “I have always liked it.” 

“Good,” Della said candidly. “Well, I hope you like it. I mean, it’s always nice to have new members around.” Della smiled and leaned in toward Bridget. “I hope you don’t feel too many nerd-alerts going off.”

 Bridget laughed. “Not at all,”  

“You seem good for us, though. I’m glad you’re not a goofball like some of the guys last year.” Della paused. “Well, you don’t seem like one at least.” She giggled.

Bridget laughed too.

The next thing Bridget knew, Henry was already introducing her to the members at the table.

“Bridget, this is Charlotte O’Brien.” Henry looked toward the red head, and she, clearly being Charlotte, extended her long, freckly arm to Bridget.

“Hello,” Charlotte said, as she pushed up her glasses. “Henry says you’re really interested in ICGS…that’s pretty cool, I mean, not just because you’re British, you know,” Charlotte laughed.

Bridget smiled, nodding. “Well, I thought it sounded brill, considering I’ve always loved studying world culture.” Bridget said.

          “Well, you sound like what we need,” Charlotte said. “Nice to have you here.” Charlotte smiled.

          “Thanks,” Bridget said, straightening up a little.

Henry paused for a split second so he could finish introducing the rest of the members, which were, as he said, Hugh Yarky, Mark Keller, Della Juliano, Kara Waters, Dane Engelhart, Jade Parrish, Ellen Castleberry, and Jamal Murray. As Henry was rapidly introducing them, they greeted and waved as quickly as they could to Bridget.

Bridget immediately recognized Jamal and Ellen from Advanced Geometry. On the other hand, she didn’t recognize any of the others. As she knew before, the person she was sitting next to was Della, the short girl with brown hair and olive skin.

After everyone had said hello, Henry spoke up again. “So, anyway, Bridget, as you know, is from England, and is joining us this year for our studies on Greece.” Henry rubbed his hands together quickly. There was an ample amount of silence that went by. “Well, I guess, Q.L.M. adjourned!” Henry picked up his apple and knocked it on the lunch table as if it were gavel.

“Q.L.M.?” Bridget asked to Henry as everyone began going of into his or her own conversations.

“Quick Lunch Meeting.” Charlotte stated promptly.

Bridget giggled. “Funny.”

Charlotte nodded eagerly. “Henry came up with it. He always comes up with the stuff like that.” She looked at him admirably.

          Henry took a drink. “Well, someone has to, I suppose. You’re the one who always gets the projects going, Charlotte.” Henry elbowed Charlotte playfully in a brotherly sort of way.

          Charlotte turned pink.

“So,” Bridget said as she leaned in, interested. “How many schools are at the competition? I mean, approximately?” Bridget asked.

          “About ten or so.” Henry answered. “But the number’s been declining over the years.” He said as he bit into his apple.

          “Yeah,” Charlotte said. “Last year, we only had nine, and this year, we know we might have less, since Larlahm may not be coming. Mrs. Streisand told me that they possibly are pulling out this year.”

          “What?” Della and Henry said at the same time.

          Charlotte shrugged. “Well, it’s not that big of a deal anyway, considering Larlahm isn’t that good of a school.” Charlotte explained.

          “So that doesn’t really increase our chances of winning, does it?” Della asked.

          “Not really.” Charlotte answered.

           Henry took a bite of his granola bar. “And they’re the ones who introduced ICGS to all the schools of New Hampshire.”

“And they’ve always had a dream of winning the grand prize of going to place where they studied…but they never got it.” Charlotte added.

“So, they’ve never won, ever?” Della asked.

“Nope.” Charlotte said. “They were close in 2007, I believe, but Dover took the prize.” Charlotte paused. “Where were they supposed to go again?”

 “I think it was Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil.” Henry answered.

“Has Concord ever won?” Bridget asked.

“Yes, but that was, like, a bazillion years ago. Mrs. Streisand wasn’t even teaching here then.” Della said.

“Where was the trip to?” Bridget asked curious.

“Toronto.” Henry said. “Back then the state wouldn’t sign off on anything that was too far east.”

“Yeah, they only allowed places in North America, right?” Charlotte asked Henry.

“Something like that. But now, we can basically go wherever, as long as it is safe and approved.” Henry said.

There was a small silence between the four of them as they all actually started eating.

“So,” Henry said. “When did you hear from Mrs. Streisand that Larlahm was quitting?” he asked Charlotte.

Charlotte smiled. “Oh, she wanted to talk to me about…things.” Charlotte said as Henry glowered in a good-hearted way.

“How come she always tells you everything? I mean, you’re only vice president.” Henry said.

“Only vice president? Only? What do you mean only?” Charlotte said as she put her hand on her heart, as if to be very hurt.

“Well, usually the president would be the one to know first about ‘certain things’.” Henry said, making air quotes. 

Bridget eventually stopped listening as Charlotte and Henry kept debating about the privileges of a vice president and a president, and turned to Della who seemed to be uninvolved in any conversation.

“Hey, Della,” Bridget said. Della turned her way. “Who’s the bloke sitting next to me?” Bridget pointed to the quasi-shady looking guy who was sitting next to her with the straight black hair and clover green eyes. He had just gotten up to get a bottle of juice from the vending machine, so Bridget decided it would be a good time to ask.

“Oh,” Della said dramatically. “That’s Dane. He’s sort of the oddball of ICGS.” She paused. “Or the whole school.”

Bridget nodded, laughing a little. “So why is he so quiet? Everyone else seems to be fine.” Bridget stated as she looked around, especially at the other guys, Hugh, Jamal, Mark, and of course Henry. They all seemed to be enjoying themselves.

“Yeah…” She said as she bit into her kiwi fruit. “He’s the one who does all of the art, though. You know the backboards and all? He’s really good at it. The judges were really impressed last year.” Della said.

“Which country did you do last year?” Bridget decided to ask.

“Japan.” She stated. “Kyoto, to be specific. He drew this huge mural thing of the Golden Pavilion, and it was just fabulous. ‘Stunning’, the judges said. Wasn’t it Mark?” Della said as she leaned over to face Mark, who was sitting a few spots down.

Mark nodded. “Yeah, yeah, it was. Wait until you see his sketches of the Parthenon and Zeus’s temple. They are really cool.” Mark said as he got up to throw his paper-bagged lunch away.

Just then, Dane came back with a drink and sat down with a solemn expression. Bridget could see that, behind the sullen face of his, there was a lot going on in his head. The way his eyes darted occasionally to people and how he looked down with his face changing from semi-dour to a little bit less gloomy. Bridget didn’t mean to, but she knew she was staring at him. Studying him to see what he could possibly be thinking about. Suddenly, a voice cut her out of her peculiar trance.

 “What?” said a dull, but low voice that she somehow heard amongst the load roar of the conversations of other lunch tables.

Bridget realized straight after that it was Dane who was speaking.

“Oh, nothing…I just…I sort of dazed out for a moment there…was, was I staring at you? Sorry if I was--”

“Okay.” Dane said abruptly. Bridget could have sworn she saw him smirk a little, but she wasn’t so sure.

“Sorry.” Bridget said, just to finalize things, even though she didn’t really need to. She turned to Della to speak to her, but Della was talking with Jade, who was on the opposite side of the table. Bridget listened for a moment to their conversation, but she couldn’t stand it anymore. She needed to say something more to Dane. He was interesting, although he didn’t say much.

“So, Della tells me you are good at drawing.” Bridget said.

Dane nodded, expressionless.

“She said you’re working on sketches for the backboard…the Parthenon and Zeus’s temple?”

He nodded once again.

“You must be pretty good, then. I mean, the judges called your Golden Pavilion ‘stunning’. That’s a huge compliment, coming from them, I mean.” Bridget said, trying to build him up.

He shrugged slightly.

And didn’t say anything.

“Hey, Bridget!” Henry said from across the table. Clearly, he and Charlotte were finished with their little “quarrel”.

“Yeah?” Bridget said.

“I almost forgot to tell you.” He said. “Charlotte just reminded me. There’s a little informational meeting after school today. You know, for ICGS. Did you want to come? I mean, considering…” Henry trailed off, in a way that allowed Bridget to cut it and say something if she wanted to.

“Yeah, of course. I’d have to tell Mrs. Hunt about it, though.” Bridget said.

“Okay, well, you can use my cell phone after last period to tell Mrs. Hunt that you’re coming.” Henry said. “Do you think she’ll let you?”

“Oh, definitely. She was really happy that I actually even found a club to be apart of.”

“Good.” Henry smiled. “Mrs. Streisand is really happy about you coming.” Henry paused.

“Great!” Bridget grinned. “What is the informational meeting about then?”

“Well…Charlotte can tell you.” Henry said. “After all, she was the one who heard ‘certain things’ this morning.” Henry mocked Charlotte playfully.

Charlotte rolled her eyes in the same manner Henry mocked. “Yeah, well, anyway…” Charlotte paused to take a handful of her organic trail mix. “Mrs. Streisand basically wanted us to spread the news about it today, since it was sort of last minute. But, it’s basically just about what kind of things we will be doing. She’ll probably give us the schedule today, as well as the guidelines for this year’s competition.” Charlotte said.

“Awesome!” Bridget said excitedly.

Della and Jade turned their heads to see what all of the excitement was about.

“What’s going on now?” Jade said. Jade had dark brown hair and glassy blue eyes, and was wearing a really long white necklace that almost intertwined with her lengthy hair.

“There’s going to be a meeting after school today for all of the members.” Charlotte announced. “In fact,” Charlotte pondered for a moment. “Why don’t you get together a Q.L.M so we can tell everybody.” Charlotte told Henry.

“Sounds good,” Henry said. Since he didn’t have his gavel-apple anymore, he grabbed Dane’s juice bottle and gave it a good whack against the table.

The talking at the lunch table slowly decreased, and soon, everyone’s attention was pointed toward Henry.

“Okay, just a little add-on following the other Q.L.M. we had, we’re having a little meeting after school in Mrs. Streisand’s room that should last until about three-fifteen. So, if you need to cal l you’re parents, do so after last period. ‘Kay?” Henry said.

Dane’s nod and everyone’s yeses replied to his question.

“Q.L.M adjourned.” Henry stated. He whacked Dane’s juice bottle against the table once more.

“Thank you, Dane,” Henry said as he returned the bottle. Dane simply said nothing, took the bottle, and tossed it into the trash.

Henry cleared his throat. “So, erm, do you like everyone so far, Bridget?”

Bridget, in the midst of swallowing a gulp of cranberry juice, nodded earnestly. “Yes,” she said. “Very much so. I am glad to see that there are people in this school that have the same interests as me.” Bridget said kindly.

“Yeah. You’re not the only geo freak around here.” Henry said humorously.

Bridget laughed.

Soon, the lunch clerks started dismissing tables to leave to go to their next class. And as Bridget’s table was called, she thought how nice it would be sitting there everyday. With everyone having one common interest that would make things even more interesting and fun than it already was.

                             ~

 

“So, are you ready?” Henry said to Bridget as she got her books and binders into her back pack and closed her locker.

“Yup,” Bridget said. Then she paused in mid-step to Mrs. Streisand’s room. “Oh, I forgot, I have to call Mrs. Hunt first.” She smiled and bopped herself on the head.

“Oh, yeah, here’s my cell phone,” Henry unzipped a pocket on his green book bag and pulled out a small silver phone, and handed it to Bridget.

“Thanks,” she said. She started dialing the phone number to the Hunt’s house. As she was dialing, she saw a figure walking toward her and Henry. As soon as she pressed, “talk” on the cell phone, she realized it was Dane. How odd. She thought. Dane seems like a loner to me. Why would he want to be around Henry and me?  She soon heard a dial tone and the phone start to ring, so she pointed her attention toward that. But she heard Dane mumble something to Henry, then turn around and go back the way he came from.

“Yeah,” Henry said. “I’ll be up in a moment. Bridget just needs to---“ Dane cut him off.

“Okay.” Dane said. And then he was off.

Bridget was too caught up with listening to notice that someone had picked up the phone.

“Hello?” Mrs. Hunt said a second time.

“Oh, sorry, hi, I just got…sorry.” Bridget was apologizing over herself.

“It’s alright.” Mrs. Hunt said. “What did you want, sweetie?”

“Oh, well, there’s this informational meeting after school for International Culture and Geographical Studies that should last to about three-fifteen, so I was wondering if you could pick me up from it then?” Bridget asked.

“Oh, sure! Have fun, Bridget!” Mrs. Hunt said.

“I will, and thank you.” Bridget said.

“Bye now.”

“Bye, Mrs. Hunt.” Bridget then hung up the phone and gave it to Henry.

“I’m taking it she said ‘yes’?” Henry asked.

“Yup!” Bridget said.

“Cool! We can go then now. Just follow me upstairs to the second floor to Mrs. Streisand’s room.” Henry said as he started going up the gray steps.

“What did Dane want?” Bridget said as they came up the last few steps.

“Oh, he just wanted to tell me that Mrs. Streisand was looking for me, and that she wanted me upstairs…you know, since I’m the president and all.” Henry said.

“Oh, sorry,” said Bridget sheepishly.

“No, it’s not your fault. I’m the one who was waiting for you after all.” Henry said.

Bridget shrugged slightly, but nodded.

“Here’s her room.” Henry said as he opened the door for Bridget.

“Thank you,” Bridget said as she looked at him straight in the eyes.

As soon as they both got in, Bridget saw a woman that looked about in her mid-fifties wearing a lime green button-down shirt that fell loosely onto her black work pants. Around her wrists were many silver bangles. Her hair was scooped up loosely in a bun that was almost falling out. She resembled something like a laid-back teacher---slightly frazzled, but still polished.

“Oh, Henry, you’re here…I sent Dane to go down and get you...he still hasn’t come back yet...” a look of concern and puzzlement crossed Mrs. Streisand’s face. “So, did you bring the new member, Britney, is it?” Mrs. Streisand said, looking around.

Henry laughed. “It’s Bridget, and she’s right here.” He said, pointing to Bridget, who was trying to be noticed without being unmannerly.  

“Oh, I’m sorry dear!”  Mrs. Streisand scurried over to Bridget in her noticeable silver sandals and held both her hands tightly. “So nice to have you here today. You can have a seat over there.” Mrs. Streisand let go of Bridget’s hands and went on to talk to Henry.

Bridget went over to what she guessed was the place she was supposed to sit. Desks in a perfect square were facing toward two desks: one for the vice president; Charlotte, and one for the president; Henry. Bridget decided to take a seat next to Ellen instead of Della, whom she had already met. She wanted to seem friendly, not clique-ey.

“Hi,” Bridget greeted Ellen as she slid into the desk.

“Hey,” Ellen said. She looked down to her lap, where a book rested on her legs. Her long, straight blonde hair in two evenly proportioned braids hung down as she continued reading about Greece.

“What’s the book you’re reading there?” Bridget decided to ask.

“It’s called The Essence of Greece. It’s actually quite interesting.” Ellen, though talking straightforwardly to Bridget, continued to keep her head down to her book.

“That’s great.” Bridget said. She wasn’t quite satisfied the little meet ‘n’ greet she had with Ellen yet, so she decided to keep going.

“What are you reading about? I mean, what part are you on?” Bridget asked.

“Well, I just finished reading about the acropolis, now I’m on the Temple of Poseidon. You know, the god of the sea?” Ellen said, her head finally lifted up facing Bridget.

“Yeah, of course,” Bridget decided to sound more friendly now, since Ellen seemed to be paying more attention to her now.

          “It is very intriguing. I mean, you can’t see it up close anymore, it’s roped off…according to this book.” Ellen said, acting disappointed, which she was.

          Suddenly, Bridget heard the ding of a bell, which immediately silenced everyone. Henry and Charlotte were at the front of the room, standing. Charlotte was holding an attendance list.

          “We would like to welcome you to the first meeting of the school year on September 12. We would also like to give a special welcome to our newest member, Bridget Cadwell.” Henry said, as motioned his hands toward Bridget. Everyone started clapping. “Now, Charlotte, would you please continue with attendance?”

          “Yes, Henry.” Charlotte spoke professionally. She picked up the list and then started reading.

          “Ellen?” Charlotte asked.

“Here.” Ellen said, not looking up from her book.

“Dane?” Charlotte looked around. Dane still wasn’t there.

“Does anyone know where Dane is?” Mrs. Streisand asked everyone.

“He’s coming in, Mrs. Streisand.” Della pointed out.

Dane was slowly walking in with two sketchbooks and a pencil in one hand, and book in the other.

Mrs. Streisand smiled sweetly at Dane. “Looking for your sketchbooks again, Dane?” she asked him as he took the last seat available, which happened to be right next to Bridget.

He nodded solemnly.

“Okay, so Dane’s here.” Charlotte checked his name off.

“Um…Della?” Charlotte asked.

“Here.” Della replied.

It turned out, just like always, everyone was there, so Henry continued on with the schedule and the guidelines and rules for the competition.

“Okay, everyone’s here, that’s good.” Henry said, rubbing his hands together quickly. He looked out at everyone and smiled. “Since everyone knows what country we’re doing this year, I guess I’ll just skip to the schedule.” Henry picked up the stack of schedules and handed them to Charlotte. She started passing them out.

“Okay, so, our first real meeting is on Thursday, next week, September 18, and from thereon until October 29, we’ll have them on Thursdays straight after last period, which is approximately 2:30, until about four-ish…as Mrs. Streisand has on here.” Henry looked over at her slightly puzzled.

“That means, maybe a little later, or a little earlier. It depends on how much work we are doing that day. I’ll specify a day or two before.” Mrs. Streisand says as she began to open a container of strawberry yogurt. She placed her feet on her teacher’s desk, watching the meeting as Henry conducted it.

“When’s the competition?” Jamal asked as he was handed his schedule.

“It is…” Henry flipped through his paper schedule. “Saturday, December 12.”

“What?! That’s really early. Are you sure you have that right?” Mark exclaimed.

“Yup.” Henry said.

“But last year’s was like, in January or something.” Hugh added.

“Why is it so early, Mrs. Streisand?” Charlotte asked.

“Well, as you know, we meet at the Concord Community Center every year for our competition. But, since it is going under construction in the aquatics and presentation area, the state had the competition scheduled at the Dover Community Center, which, thank goodness, was open for such a last minute event.” Mrs. Streisand replied.

“So, it’s a little messed up this year.” Jamal stated.

“That would be the way to put it, yes.” Mrs. Streisand, taking another bite of her strawberry yogurt.

“So, anyway,” said Henry. “After October 29, meetings are on Tuesdays and Thursdays, same time.” Henry paused, as he seemed to reread a section of the schedule. “Oh, and we also have a meeting on October 31, at the library in town, from…five-thirty to eight.” Henry looked up from the paper.

“And I better not get any excuses about trick-or-treat,” said Mrs. Streisand, smiling slightly.

“Aww,” came a sarcastic remark from a couple of kids in the club.

“I’ll bring some candy if you really need it, Hugh.” Mrs. Streisand said, as Hugh was one of those who groaned in sarcasm. The whole club laughed.

 Henry chuckled lightly before continuing. “Then on Saturdays in November from two to five we have research at the Concord Public Library. Then, on December first, and fourth we have a meeting two to three-thirty, and on Saturday, December fifth, we have a meeting at the Concord Public Library from eleven to twelve thirty, and then on the eighth, ninth, and eleventh, we have final prep meetings after school at 2:30.” Henry finally looked up from his schedule. “Any questions?”

“Yeah,” said Jamal. “How many meetings do we have total?” Jamal straightened up his collar on his shirt.

“Ummm…” Henry looked expectantly toward Charlotte. “You got anything?”

Charlotte smiled proudly. “Yes, actually, I did calculate them during study hall fifth period.” Charlotte said.

“So how many do we have?” asked Jamal.

“We have, unless Mrs. Streisand adds more, that is, exactly twenty-six meetings.” Charlotte answered.

“Wow, that’s actually pretty good.” Said Kara, who Bridget had heard nothing out of since she saw her at lunch. “That seems like an ample amount of time.”

“Well,” said Mrs. Streisand, standing up from her desk, “I tried to fit more, as you can see.”

“Yeah,” Hugh said. “We only had one Saturday at the library last year when we were researching Japan. Now we have…” Hugh took a moment to count. “Five!”

“Well, I knew you enjoyed working in there. After all, it is rather spacious. You’ll have room to move around in.” Mrs. Streisand said.

“Any more questions?” Henry said, his elbow on the desk, with his hand supporting his head.

“Yes, um, do we…” Ellen flipped through er green agenda. “…Have Thanksgiving off? That’s a Thursday we are supposed to meet.”

“Oh!” Mrs. Streisand exclaimed as she slapped her hand to her head. “ I didn’t even notice. I’m sorry.” She sighed. “Mark that off on your calendars, everyone.”

“So, now, we only have twenty-five meetings.” Charlotte stated quietly.

“Which still is a lot.” Henry said. “With active minds, hard work, and creativity, we can get it finished.” Henry attempted to boost everyone’s enthusiasm.

“That’s right Henry.” Said Mrs. Streisand. “Now, are there any more questions---or concerns before we move on?”

A mixture of no’s and head shakes were given from the club.

“Okay then, next I am going to briefly explain to you the guiding principles of this year’s competition. The packet of rules and guidelines should be attached to your schedule.” Henry said as he flipped through the months of his schedule to get to the guiding principles.

“Okay, first of all, the country the state has chosen, obviously, is Greece. This year, we are to make one backboard, five by five feet, on the history of Greece that include sketches, images, and, of course, the information of its history. We must have information about Greece’s peaks; its downfalls, wars, and major rulers on one, big fat timeline. Anything else may be added. In fact, it is suggested.

“The next thing we are to do is make another backboard about the agriculture and geography of Greece. What is geography, just so we are all clear?” asked Henry to the rest of the members.

“The study of a certain place’s people and land features.” The whole club recited, all besides Bridget. She was surprised to hear such a prompt response from everyone.

“Right.” Said Henry. “Anyway, we must make a backboard referencing to that, which of course, needs no explaining.

The next thing we need to do is, each of us, choose a Greek God or Goddess and write an individual report about that god or goddess.” Henry paused for a moment as he stretched his legs out from underneath his desk. “So, I could choose one on Apollo, and Charlotte could choose one on Demeter, or whoever. Just make sure to use their Greek name. Not the Roman one.” Henry paused. “Any questions so far?”

“Yeah.” Said Mark. “What’s our special project this year?”

“We’ll get to that.” Said Henry. “Any more questions?”

Bridget hesitated to raise her hand, but did anyway.

“Bridget?” Henry said.

“Yeah, um, what’s a special project?” she asked.

“Oh, sorry. I should’ve explained that.” Henry said.

“It’s okay,” Bridget said quietly.

“A special project is a new project that we’re asked to every year. It’s always something really cool.” Henry winked. “Any more questions?”

No one answered, so he continued.

“Okay, so the next order of business is, we need to make a model of a temple of our choice, and the Acropolis.” Henry said. “Also, we need to include a description of them and why they were built…each two paragraphs in length.” He said as he ran his fingers through his slightly wavy black hair. “And the last thing, before I move on to the special project, is we need to make some kind of presentation of modern Greek government. It’s pretty self-explanatory, so I guess I’ll move on to the special project.” He smiled as he paused for dramatic effect.

“This year’s special project is…” everyone, including Mrs. Streisand starting making drum rolls on their desks. “Is to…” Henry paused so everyone would stop drumming. “Make our own model of the Trojan horse!”

“Whoa.” Della said. The rest of the class looked at each other in surprise.

“Seriously?” Mark said to Henry.

“Seriously.” Henry assured him. “That’s what it says on the here. Make it out of wood, paper, and sticks whatever. Oh, and it at least has to be nine inches long and six inches tall. ” Henry said.

“Well, that’s a little overwhelming, don’t you think? I mean, putting into mind that we have to do all of that other stuff…” Della trailed off. “But it’s all worth it in the end. I mean, a trip to Greece? That’d be awesome.” Della smiled sweetly at the thought.

“Yeah, so, I guess that concludes our meeting for today, so you’re free to go!” Henry said. He signaled Charlotte to ding the bell they had sounded in the beginning of the meeting.

          It was only three o’clock, so most everybody stayed in the room and talked. Charlotte and Henry were discussing things with Mrs. Streisand. But Dane was the silent one; he was drawing.

          “Isn’t that Acropolis thing cool though?” said Jamal, sitting atop his desk’s surface. “The temple of Athena. I wonder which one we’ll do that we can choose.” He pondered.

          “I personally can’t wait until we get to the Trojan horse. Dane’ll be good at making that.” Hugh said as he looked over at Dane, who was drawing sketches of something in his sketchbook.

          “Aren’t you in woodshop, Dane?” Della asked him.

He nodded.

          “Cool! So maybe we can, you know, or you can, make it out of wood…’cause…woodshop…” Della said, trailing off.

          Dane said nothing, but looked over at Della for a moment. Then he went back to his drawing. Della, Hugh, Jamal and the rest of the group continued talking amongst themselves, but Bridget was paying more attention to Dane. She saw what he was drawing; they were sketches of the Trojan horse. Bridget was amazed at his skill: the way he drew each part of the horse individually, as if it were an ornate sacred language. Bridget knew she was never really artistic, so she was as fascinated as anyone possibly could be. She watched his hand move back and forth, making little etch marks on the horse’s face. His blazing bright eyes darting back and forth at each line. Before she knew it, she was in another trance, totally focused on his seemingly cheerless face, and his ability, his utterly stunning talent, in drawing.

          “Bridget,” a voice called. It sounded like it was being said through pulses of water. “Bridget.”

          Finally the voice became clear. “Oh, yeah, sorry. Yes?” Bridget turned around to face Henry, who was talking.

          “Um, well, does it sound like what you’re looking for? You know, ICGS and all of the projects and things?” He asked.

          Bridget widened her eyes. “Yes! Definitely. I can’t wait started. I mean, all of the models and the reports…everything sounds wonderful.” Bridget said, trying to sound totally satisfied, which, she was.

          Henry grinned. “Great. I just wanted to clarify that with myself. You know, as the president, I have to make sure everyone’s enjoying themselves.” He smiled at Bridget and winked once again.

          Bridget smiled, too, hoping to seem happy with the meeting.

          After visiting a few minutes more with Della and Charlotte (they seemed to be most friendly out of everyone), the time of three-fifteen arrived and everyone’s parents started to come.

               “Well, everyone, thanks for coming, and don’t forget to come on Thursday, if shouldn’t see you between now and then.” Mrs. Streisand said.

          “Bye, Mrs. Streisand.” Almost everyone said as a whole said, before going out to wait on the side entrance, where their parents would pick them up. Everyone in the club went out the doors, and everyone’s parents who were still not there waited.

          After about ten minutes, it was only Dane, Henry, and Bridget. Dane was sitting on ground, still sketching, Henry was rattling off about something having to do with ancient Greek worship rituals, and Bridget was trying to listen to Henry, but at the same time, watching Dane draw like she’d never seen anyone draw before.

          “…So, it was pretty harsh, you know, how they were treated and all.” Henry finished his sentence, His very long, drawn-out sentence. “Oh, look, there’s my dad.” Henry looked toward Bridget, who was, thankfully, looking at him at that moment instead of Dane. “Bye Bridget!” Henry said.

          “Bye Henry. Thanks again, for you know, the meeting and stuff.” Bridget said.

          “No problem.” Henry replied, as his dad’s silver car pulled forward. “You sure you don’t want me to wait for you. You’re ride isn’t not here yet. I’d hate to leave you alone, you know, since you’re new and all.” Henry said as he slung his backpack over his shoulder.

          “No, thank you, though. I’ll be okay.” Bridget said.

          “Okay, see one Monday, then.” Henry said as he hopped into his dad’s car.

          “See you on Monday!” Bridget said as he closed the door.

          As the car drove away, Bridget realized that it was only she and Dane. He was, like always, drawing away, but this time, Bridget felt she needed to say something. So, she did.

          “You’re really good at drawing, you know.” Bridget said.

          Dane said nothing.

          Bridget gulped, trying to think of something else to say. “Well, you’re probably used to hearing that by now. I mean, I’m probably not the first person to tell you that.”

          Again, Dane said nothing.

          “Sorry if I’m bothering you; I’ll stop talking now.” Bridget silenced herself…for about four seconds. Then she spoke again; she couldn’t help herself. She needed to say something.

          “So, do you have any friends?” Bridget said. She only realized that the question was rather brash until it came out. She decided to apologize. “Sorry,” she said. “That was a stupid question. I shouldn’t have said that.”

          His scrutinizing eyes shot up at her for a moment in amusement. They then averted back to his drawing.  

Silence.

She studied his strong jawline and angular face as he drew. She was so entrapped, like nothing she had ever experienced before. It was…captivating.

          Finally, after what seemed like hours, an SUV that resembled Mrs. Hunt’s came driving down the road where Bridget could see it. Bridget realized it was her ride, so she picked up her backpack, deciding that her attempt to make Dane talk was an utter failure.

          Bridget waited for the car to come, and as it came closer and closer she realized that she would probably never get a time like this one to get Dane talk in again. So she decided to say one last thing…

          “So--” Bridget started. But Dane cut her off.

          “He likes you.” Dane said.

          It felt like the whole world stopped.

          “…What?” Bridget said, in complete shock Dane said something that took more than one syllable. She turned around, hoping he would repeat himself.

          But he didn’t. He continued to draw.

          Bridget huffed inwardly. “I meant, what do you mean? Did he tell you?” She asked.

          Dane didn’t say anything for a bit. But finally, he did. “Just the way he looks at you when he talks, how concerned he is for you when he is about to leave you. It’s easy to see if you watch things like that.” Dane said, not raising his head from its position: looking toward the sketchbook.

          Bridget, for once, was at a loss for words. Dane, silent Dane, probably knew every one of people’s feelings toward each other: good or bad. Because behind the solemn face was a brilliant mind that didn’t speak, so no one knew it was there.

          Finally, Mrs. Hunt’s car pulled up to the entryway, and Bridget got in, still in amazement of Dane’s introspectiveness. She wondered, as the car pulled out of the school’s campus, if everyone did less talking, and a lot more listening, if there would be a lot less questions in the world. And she pondered that notion for the rest of the night.

Reviews

[compositionc]

I agree with Shnerd. I think Char and Henry have something. Dane and Bridget? They'd be kinda cute. I guess. Dane must be brilliant. He's good at this kinda stuff then.

[Short.Nerd]

Hmmm.... part of me thinks theres somethin between Henry and Charlotte xD lol. I liked this chapter, and I'm curious about Dean and how he's all quiet and why he told Bridget this piece of information.