Part 1: Cooper

I stared at Ms Roseman, waiting for the lecture that was imminent. Much to my surprise, instead of shouting, she sighed, her voice full of sorrow.

“Cooper, you need to focus more in class,” she started. “It’s worrying.”

I nodded. All the teachers knew about me being the greatest prankster in history: everyone did.

“With your history, it's important that your grades are as good as they can be.” she continued. “And I want you to be able to go to your family and have them be proud of you.”

I flinched at the mention of my parents, but passed it off as a sneeze.

“Bless you,” Ms Roseman said quietly.

“Thanks Miss.” I replied. “Look, I know that you think I’m going through this super tough time, but I’m living my life as much as I can right now, and don’t need any support-”

“You won’t be receiving a detention today.” she interrupted.

I stared at her in shock. “What?”

“I beg your pardon.” the teacher corrected me. “You heard me correctly. You will not be receiving a detention today. However, any more misbehaving, and I will have to sanction you. Understand?”

“Crystal clear.” I replied, grabbing my bag and heading for the door.

“And Cooper,” Ms Roseman called.

“Yes Miss?”

“Hand your homework in on time.”

I smiled and walked out into the corridor.

Justin and Nick swarmed me with questions.

“Calm down!” I cried, and put my hands in front of their faces.

“Just want to make sure that we don't have to graffiti an entire building just to join you in detention,” Nick recalled, leaning up against the wall.

Justin pulled an apple out of his bag and took a large bite. Once he had swallowed, he asked: “So, how bad is your detention anyway?”

“I don’t have one.” I replied quietly. “Ms Roseman gave me a pep talk and then let me go.”

Justin stared at him, wide-eyed. Nick just looked neutral and said goodbye.

“I’m going to meet Peggy in the Library.” Nick smiled. “See you in Art.”

He waved and walked off in the direction of the Library. Justin sighed.

“Let’s get lunch. I’m famished.” Justin ordered.

“Mate, you just had an apple.” I laughed.

“Did I stutter?” he replied, staring at the queue.

I shook my head as we joined the long line of hungry students. Unfortunately, we were behind Jasmine, Bridget and Sara, who didn’t notice us at first, until Justin laughed in that strange way he does. Sara turned around and looked at us like we were pieces of gum on her shoe that she couldn’t get off. They soon disappeared into the lunch hall, though.

We and Justin sat outside, holding our pots of pasta and jelly.

“You forgot to get a spoon for your jelly.” I told Justin.

“For the last time Cooper, I do not need a spoon for my jelly. I just eat it out of the lid.” He replied. As he said he would, he tipped the jelly into the lid and began to slurp it.

“You eat like a tramp.” I teased him.

“You dress like a big blob of wet grass.” Justin replied almost instantly. It’s true: all I wear is my olive-green hoodie and navy blue ripped jeans. Justin, however, was wearing a large blue fluffy jumper with orange trousers. We continued to bicker until the bell rang and we made our way to Art class.