The next day Cole was late for literature class. His first intention was to skip the whole lesson, but literature was one of his favourite subjects. He was keen on reading. That lesson’s topic was “One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest” by Ken Kesey.
“Why are you late?” asked Mr. Johnson.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Johnson, I overslept.”
“Take your seat and get ready to answer.” Mr. Johnson didn’t like being interrupted.
Cole got to his seat and Mr. Johnson continued his speech about decreased interest in reading among young people.
Ivy, the girl who always irritated Cole for some reason, agreed with the teacher. “Reading lets you understand life better”, she said.
“That girl always speaks up and often criticises others,” Cole thought. “ Why is she that arrogant?” However, Cole agreed with her idea.
But Nate, the noisiest and the rudest guy in the group, confronted Ivy. He wanted to hurt her. Ivy was an attractive young girl. She had long chestnut hair and hazel eyes. In addition, she was smart.
“Hey, Ivy, have you listened to ‘We don’t need no education?” Nate tried to make a joke. The group of his mates laughed. Ivy looked at Cole.
The boy couldn’t stay out of it: “Hey, Nate, you’d better read some books!”
“Nobody asked you, loser!” Nate replied and his squad laughed again.
“What a loser,” somebody whispered.
Cole looked at Ivy. She sighed and turned away. Cole felt so bad and humiliated. The situation was that offensive because he himself thought that he was a loser. Cole should have said something, but he didn’t. It wasn’t easy.
After classes Cole was waiting for Jacob. He was sitting in the hall when Ivy appeared in front of him.
“So, how are you?” she asked.
Cole stayed silent for a while. Why did she ask? What a surprise! Ivy herself talked to him!
“I’m…, I’m alright.”
“You should not pay attention to those idiots.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“Ok, see you,” Ivy left.
“Mm-hmm… Well, not bad,” Cole thought to himself and chuckled.
He was immersed in his thoughts when somebody patted him on the shoulder. Cole turned around and saw Jacob.
“Hey, buddy, what’s up?” Jacob winked at Cole.
“Ah, it’s you.”
“Who else could it be?” Jacob smiled slyly.
“I don’t know…” Cole replied mysteriously.
“What is it?”
“Nothing. So, what are you doing tonight?”
“Well, it’s Thursday today. So, I have a journalism course at 4. After that I have a training session. I’m getting ready for the competition which will be held next week.
“Swimming?”
“Yes. You know, I have to take part in such kinds of contests because I’ll get closer to becoming a Master of sports.
“Sounds tough.”
“Not at all. I enjoy it!”
“It looks like you don’t have any free time “.
“No,” Jacob laughed. “I’m free on Saturday after 5 o’clock. Do you want to hang out together?”
“Of course, I do! I’ve been waiting for it since last month! Will you find some time for me in your schedule?”
“Ha-ha! Don’t exaggerate! By the way, what have you been up to, bro?”
“Nothing special, you know. Yesterday my cat bit me. Today all the group laughed at me because Nate called me a loser. So, same old. Just my normal life, but…”
“What?”
“No, nothing.”
Jacob stared at Cole. They had known each other for many years. They were good friends. Cole was an introverted and shy boy. Such people are always sincere. Jacob noticed a slight change in his behaviour, but he couldn’t get it.
“Ok, fine. I’ve got to go. See you tomorrow!”
“Take care!” Cole replied and headed home.
Vocabulary
intention n намерение
skip v пропускать
oversleep v проспать
interrupt v прерывать
decrease v уменьшаться
irritate v раздражать
speak up v высказываться
arrogant adj высокомерный
stay out v оставаться в стороне
squad n отряд
humiliate v унижать
chuckle v хихикать
immerse v погружать
pat v похлопать
exaggerate v преувеличивать