A Not-So-Cute Couple

            One day, during the 2009 Great Darke County Fair, Micah visits the Dog Barn, petting and playing with the dogs and chatting with Bethany, someone whom he went to school with and who once had a crush on him. At one point, Micah leaves the barn and accidentally steps on a dog’s tail, causing it to yipe in pain.

“I am so sorry! Is your dog ok?” asked Micah worriedly.

“She’s fine. Thank you.” answers the dog’s owner while smiling. Hannah, Bethany’s best friend, angrily approaches Micah and says, “Get out! You’re not allowed in here anymore!” Bethany angrily approaches Hannah and responds, “Now hold on a second, Hannah! He didn’t do it on purpose! Let’s not jump to conclusions, ok?”

“You stay out of this, miss goody-goody two-shoes!” replies Hannah angrily while shoving Bethany down to the ground.

“You can’t kick me out! You’re not the boss of me and you don’t own this barn!” said Micah angrily.

“I’m on the junior fair board…” responds Hannah angrily.

“You are not!” said Bethany angrily.

“What did I tell you about interfering?!” asked Hannah angrily.

“I don’t need this! I’m out of here!” says Micah angrily while walking away.

“Good! And stay out!” responded Hannah angrily. Micah approaches his mother and stepfather, telling him about the incident with Micah’s mother angrily saying, “We’d better go talk to them! That’s monotonous!” Micah’s mother heads to the board office with Micah and his stepfather following, subsequently exchanging information of the incident and being lead to the dog barn.

“I thought I told you to stay out!” said Hannah angrily.

“Hannah, why did you lie to Micah about being on the junior fair board?” asked the board leader angrily.

“Because he was mean to the dogs!” answered Hannah angrily. The dog’s owner approaches the board leader and says, “It was an accident.”

“Shut up, lady! This is none of your business!” responded Hannah angrily.

“Hannah, that kind of behavior will not be tolerated. I’m afraid we’re going to have to remove you from our club, and ask you to leave this instant. Pick up your dog and get out.” replied the board leader angrily. Hannah angrily stomps back to her chair and picks up her dog while saying, “Beth, please! Back me up here!”

“No. I don’t appreciate you treating Micah like that. I’m sorry to say this, but I’m not your friend anymore.” responded Bethany angrily.

“Whatever!” replies Hannah angrily while leaving the barn with her dog.

“We’re very sorry for the inconvenience, Micah. You are welcome here anytime.” said the board leader.

“Thank you, miss. I greatly appreciate the help.” responded Micah.

“Us too.” said Micah’s mother. The board leader leaves the barn and returns to her duties with Bethany approaching Micah afterwards.

“So, how’d it go?” asked Bethany.

“I think it went quite well. Don’t you, mom and Kyle?” asks Micah while drawing his attention to his mother and stepfather.

“Of course. It’s all been taken care of.” answered Micah’s mother.

“Good! I’m glad you guys were able to sort everything out. Even I couldn’t stand Hannah with the way she was treating everyone. I ended my friendship with her just now. I hope to see you back here, Micah.” responded Bethany.

“Thanks, Bethany. You too!” replies Micah while leaving the barn with his mother and stepfather. As Micah walks around the fair with his mother and stepfather, Hannah turns around and angrily approaches Micah while shouting, “Hey, Micah!” Micah stops and draws his attention to Hannah, who inches closer to him.

“What do you want, Hannah?” asked Micah angrily.

“You and I have some unfinished business to take care of!” answered Hannah angrily.

“It’s over, Hannah! Leave me alone!” responds Micah while attempting to catch up with his mother and stepfather. Hannah grabs Micah by the shirt and pulls him towards her while angrily asking, “Where do you think you’re going?!”

“Away from you!” answered Micah angrily. Micah’s mother suddenly realizes Micah’s absence and asks, “Where’s Micah?” Micah’s mother and stepfather start observing their surroundings and suddenly find Micah being confronted by Hannah.

“That does not look good. We’d better head on over there right now.” says Micah’s stepfather while walking to the scene with Micah’s mother following.

“This is all your fault! If you hadn’t been in the dog barn in the first place, none of this would have ever happened!” said Hannah angrily.

“You brought this upon yourself! We wouldn’t be in this mess if you hadn’t taken everything out of context! It’s better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than open it and remove all doubt!” responded Micah angrily.

“How dare you call me stupid! I’m going to kill you for that!” replies Hannah angrily while fighting Micah. Hannah attacks Micah while everyone circles around and attempts to break up the fight to no avail.

“Stay here. I’ll go get the police.” says Micah’s stepfather while walking off. Hannah continues attacking Micah until a voice angrily asks, “What’s going on here?” Hannah stops attacking Micah and draws her attention to the source, seeing two police officers standing before her with frowns on their faces. Hannah suddenly releases her grip on Micah while nervously saying, “Hi, guys. This isn’t what it looks like.”

“Hands behind your back…now!” said one police officer angrily.

“What?!” exclaimed Hannah.

“You heard him.” said the other police officer.

“No way! I did nothing wrong!” responded Hannah angrily. The officers grab Hannah and attempt to cuff her while she fights them off.

“Get your hands off me! I didn’t do anything!” said Hannah angrily.

“Stop resisting!” says an officer while attempting to cuff Hannah. Hannah fights the officers for a while until they get her in the cuffs.

“You’re under arrest for assault and resisting.” says an officer while attempting to escort Hannah to a cruiser with the other officer.

“I’m not going to jail! Get off me, you jerks!” shouts Hannah angrily while subsequently kicking one of the officers in the gut. The officer holds his gut in pain while Hannah runs back to Micah while shouting, “You’re dead, Micah!” The other officer grabs and stops Hannah while subsequently saying, “Congratulations. You’ve just added assault on a police officer to the charges.” The officers escort Hannah to their cruiser while Hannah angrily says, “You’ll be hearing from my lawyer! You’re the one who should be in jail, not me!”

“Tell it to the judge, you rusty bolt!” responded Micah angrily. Hannah screams angrily inside the police cruiser while being hauled away. Micah, his mother, and stepfather enjoy their time at the fair until it closes down for the year. Not soon after the fair ends, Micah, his mother, and stepfather appear in court with Hannah.

“The case of Hannah against Micah regarding animal abuse is now in session.” said the judge. Hannah approaches the bench and states her case with Micah approaching the bench afterwards, stating his case. Micah sits back down next to his lawyer while Hannah subsequently says, “Your honor, my opponent was being mean to the dogs at the fair.”

“Objection!” said Micah’s lawyer.

“Sustained. Has the jury reached a verdict?” asked the judge.

“Yes, your honor. We find the defendant not guilty.” said a juror.

“All in favor?” asked the judge.

“I.” answers the rest of the jurors while raising their right hands.

“The court finds in favor of Micah. Hannah will continue her prison term as planned. Thank you, Jury for your service today. Court is adjourned.” responds the judge while subsequently striking his gavel. Everyone leaves the courtroom while Hannah gets escorted away by her lawyer and police officers.

“I’m going to get you, Micah, if it’s the last thing I do.” whispered Hannah to herself angrily. Micah and his family live out the rest of their lives while Hannah serves her prison term and gets released at a later point in time. Present day, in 2024, Micah (now 34 years old) lives in Redmond, Washington, and works for Nintendo making video games, whereas his older brother, Matthew (now 36 years old), lives in London, England, and works as a Software Engineer. Matthew is also married to a woman from Japan named Kazane. Micah’s younger brother, Christopher (now 32 years old), lives in Los Angeles, California, and works as an Office Production Assistant, where he helps make commercials and other films. Micah and his brothers are all visiting their mother and stepfather, who are both semi-retired now and are living in Saint Augustine, Florida, spending time with one another at a beach 10 minutes away from the condo that Micah’s mother and stepfather are living in. At one point, Micah enters the water and begins swimming around until accidentally bumping into a woman.

“Oh! Sorry about that, ma’am.” said Micah. The woman looks up and reveals herself to be Hannah.

“You!” says Hannah angrily while pointing at Micah.

“Hannah?” asked Micah.

“Time for you to sleep with the fishes!” said Hannah angrily.

“Hannah, what happened between you and I was 15 years ago. Let it go. It’s all water under the bridge now.” responded Micah annoyingly. Hannah suddenly grabs and pulls Micah underwater, submerging him until he loses consciousness. Micah floats on the surface of the water face down while Hannah swims away and says, “Good riddance!” A green hand suddenly appears out of the surface of the water and pulls Micah under while Hannah continues to swim away until getting hit across the head by a wrench held by the same green hand. With Hannah now unconscious and floating face down on the surface of the water, the green hand pulls her under and suddenly reveals itself to be Trekker, who walks off with Micah and Hannah in his hands. After arriving at his mansion, Trekker puts on his Hypno-Hat and spins its wheel while saying, “Micah! Hannah! Listen to the sound of my voice! When I snap my finger, you will what I say, when I say!”

“Yes, master!” said Micah and Hannah. Trekker snaps his finger and puts Micah and Hannah under his control.

“I order you two to get married!” said Trekker.

“Yes, master!” responded Micah and Hannah. Trekker rallies up some of his henchmen and starts the wedding at his mansion with Trekker Jr. serving as the officiant, opening up a book and reading the vows.

“Micah, do you take Hannah to be your lawfully wedded wife?” asked Trekker Jr.

“I do.” answered Micah.

“And Hannah, do you take Micah to be your lawfully wedded husband?” asked Trekker Jr.

“I do.” answered Hannah.

“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may punch the bride.” says Trekker Jr. while closing the book. Micah and Hannah punch each other in the face and both fall to the ground while the crowd menacingly cheers and laughs. The next day, Micah and Hannah wake up right next to each other at Trekker’s mansion with Hannah angrily asking, “Micah?! You’re alive?! How is this even possible?!”

“Don’t even think about it! I don’t want any trouble!” responded Micah angrily.

“Well, you got trouble!” replies Hannah angrily while attacking Micah.

“Hey, now!” said a distant voice. Hannah stops attacking while she and Micah subsequently draw their attention to the source and find Trekker walking towards them menacingly.

“Is that any way to treat your husband, Hannah?” asked Trekker menacingly.

“HUSBAND????!!!!?????!” exclaimed Hannah.

“WE’RE MARRIED????!!!!?????!” asked Micah.

“You sure are!” answers Trekker menacingly while showing the marriage license. Micah and Hannah read the license with Micah saying, “I don’t remember doing this!”

“Computer!” shouted Trekker. Trekker’s computer suddenly shows footage of Micah’s and Hannah’s wedding with Hannah angrily asking, “When did this happen?!”

“Yesterday! Ha ha ha ha!” laughed Trekker menacingly.

“You’ve got a lot of explaining to do, Trekker! How did you marry us?!” asked Micah angrily.

“Take a closer look.” answers Trekker while showing footage of him hypnotizing Micah and Hannah.

“Imagine that.” said Micah annoyingly.

“I do not want to be married to this jerk!” said Hannah angrily.

“That makes two of us.” responded Micah angrily.

“Too bad. You guys are going to be a couple, and like it. Ha ha ha ha!” laughed Trekker.

“All right, start talking! How are we going to get out of this?!” asks Hannah angrily while drawing her attention to Micah.

“Uh, hello?! Divorce!?” answered Micah annoyingly.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” responds Trekker menacingly while showing Micah and Hannah a contract. Micah and Hannah read the contract, stating that getting divorced will cause Trekker’s world domination. Micah and Hannah eventually reach the end of the contract and find their names signed on it.

“So let me get this straight. If Hannah and I get divorced, you take over the world?” asked Micah annoyingly.

“Yes, indeed.” answered Micah. Micah thinks for a moment and says, “Ok, Trekker. You win. Hannah and I will live happily ever after, as you request. Come on, honey bunch. Let’s start living our lives.” Micah grabs Hannah’s hand and walks her away with Hannah angrily asking, “What are you doing?!”

“Play along.” whispered Micah. Hannah looks back at Trekker (who stares at them menacingly) and then looks at Micah and says, “Oh, Micah! You are so strong and handsome! How ever did I get so lucky?” Micah and Hannah show up at Trekker’s Warp Machine and warps themselves back to Florida, appearing at the beach.

“All right, playtime’s over. Now, let’s get started on our divorce.” says Micah while running off. Hannah catches up to Micah and angrily responds, “Are you crazy?! Trekker’s going to take over the world!”

“That’s a risk I’m willing to take. Besides, I’ve dealt with Trekker all my life. This isn’t the first time he’s ruled the world.” responded Micah.

“First, the dogs at the fair! And now, the entire human race?! You’re crazier than I thought!” replied Hannah angrily. Micah suddenly stops and angrily asks, “Do you want out of this marriage?”

“Is that a trick question?” asked Hannah angrily.

“Do you want out of this marriage?!” asked Micah angrily.

“Yes, I want out of this marriage! I hate you!” answered Hannah angrily.

“Then quit your complaining and put aside your differences! This is going to take teamwork, ok? You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours! We’ll both get what we want in the end! You’ll see!” responded Micah angrily.

“I hope you know what you’re doing!” sighs Hannah angrily while following Micah. After arriving at a courthouse, Micah and Hannah enter the Clerk of Courts division with a woman approaching the counter and asking, “Hi. What can I help you with?”

“We would like to file for divorce.” answered Micah.

“Ok. I’ll be right back.” responds the woman while going to a drawer. The woman pulls out a divorce form and hands it to Micah and Hannah with Micah saying, “Thank you, ma’am.”

“You’re welcome. Just bring that back in when you’re ready.” responded the woman. Micah and Hannah leave the courthouse and go their separate ways with Micah heading to his mother and stepfather’s condo and Hannah heading back to her hotel suite.

“Micah! Where have you been?” asked Micah’s mother.

“Don’t ask.” answers Micah while sitting at a table and filling out the divorce form. Micah’s mother observes the form and asks, “What’s this?”

“Do you remember Hannah from the fair? The girl who wrongly accused me of mistreating the dogs at the 2009 fair?” asked Micah.

“Yes.” answered Micah’s mother.

“Her and I are married.” responded Micah.

“What?!” exclaimed Micah’s mother.

“How did that happen?” asked Micah’s stepfather.

“Trekker. He hypnotized us. And to make matters worse, he’s going to take over the world if Hannah and I get divorced. Before you guys say anything, I would rather Trekker rule the world than be married to someone I don’t like.” answered Micah.

“That’s horrible! We’re with you all the way.” responds Micah’s mother while sitting down next to Micah and watching him fill out the divorce form. Micah later returns to the courthouse with Hannah and hands in the divorce form.

“How long will it take for us to be divorced?” asked Hannah.

“I would say about 30 days to 6 weeks.” answered the woman taking the divorce form.

“Thank you for your help, ma’am.” said Micah.

“Anytime.” responded the woman. Micah and Hannah leave the courthouse and go their separate ways with Micah spending the rest of his time with his mother, stepfather, and brothers in Florida and Hannah spending the rest of her time vacationing in Florida herself. A number of days later, Micah returns home to Redmond with his brothers returning home to their respective locations while Hannah does the same, resuming their lives after their vacation comes to an end. Later on down the road (without Trekker’s knowledge), Micah’s and Hannah’s divorce becomes finalized with Micah and Hannah no longer being a married couple. Meanwhile, Trekker calls Micah and Hannah to his mansion and menacingly says, “Ah, welcome Micah and Hannah! You’re just in time for the party!”

“What party?” asked Hannah.

“To celebrate the anniversary of your wedding.” answered Trekker.

“Wedding?” asked Hannah.

“That’s right! You two are married! Ha ha ha ha!” laughed Trekker.

“Not anymore.” responds Micah while holding out a folder.

“What do you mean, ‘not anymore’?!” asked Trekker angrily.

“Take a closer look, you rusty lugnut.” taunts Micah while throwing the folder at Trekker. Trekker reviews the documents and subsequently throws the folder down onto the floor and angrily says, “Big mistake, Micah! Do you realize what you’ve done?!”

“Go ahead, Trekker. Make my day and take over the world.” taunted Micah.

“Oh, I’m about to!” responds Trekker angrily while pulling out his Trekker phone. Trekker dials Trekker Jr.’s number and says, “Hello, Jr.? It’s dad! Meet me here at the mansion at once! The world is finally ours!”

“Oh, happy day! See you in a bit, dad!” replied Trekker Jr. Trekker and Trekker Jr. disconnect their lines while Trekker subsequently pulls out a remote and presses its button, causing a hatch in the mansion floor to open up and reveal a spaceship. Trekker Jr. suddenly appears at the mansion and approaches Trekker, who then says, “Micah! Hannah! Say hello to your new world leaders! Ha ha ha ha!”

“You know, dad? I could sure use an empress on board. What do you think?” asked Trekker Jr.

“I don’t see why not, and I think I’ve found the perfect one.” answered Trekker.

“Who’s this so-called ‘empress’ you seek out?” asked Hannah. Trekker Jr. pulls out a remote and points it at Hannah, pressing its button and forcing Hannah towards him with Trekker laughing, “Just try and stop us! Ha ha ha ha!” Trekker and Trekker Jr. ride a lift up into the cockpit of the spaceship while Hannah screams in terror.

“Help me! Anyone!” screamed Hannah.

“Hang on, Hannah!” responds Micah while pulling out his Power Micah Mask. Micah transforms himself into Power Micah and takes off into the sky while Trekker and Trekker Jr. launch themselves into space.

“You’re not stopping us that easy!” says Trekker while pressing a button on the control panel. Guns suddenly emerge from the spaceship and shoot Micah’s boosters on his rocket and shoes, causing Micah to spiral down out of control and go for a crash-landing.

“Auf wiedersehen, loser! Ha ha ha ha!” laughed Trekker Jr. Trekker and Trekker Jr. make their way into outer space with their spaceship and Hannah as their hostage while Micah crash-lands back at Trekker’s mansion.

“Care to do the honors, Jr.?” asked Trekker.

“With pleasure!” answers Trekker Jr. while pressing another button on the control panel. Trekker suddenly appears on virtual surveillance around the world and says, “Attention, habitants of earth! I am Trekker, your new world leader! Bow before me or I will destroy your planet!” Trekker disconnects the surveillance with everyone around the world panicking while Micah removes his Power Micah Mask and pulls out his Leaph Micah Mask. Micah transforms himself into Leaph Micah and heads back up into outer space, entering Trekker’s spaceship with Trekker exclaiming, “How the…!?”

“You may be smart, Trekker! But I’m smarter! One of the top priorities of being a hero? Always have a back-up plan!” taunted Micah. Trekker groans in anger and stomps towards Micah while saying, “Jr., take over the controls! This could be a while!”

“Roger, dad!” responds Trekker Jr. while taking over the controls. Micah and Trekker begin fighting each other until Micah pulls out his Leaph Shot and fires a seed at Trekker’s head, knocking him unconscious.

“Hey, Trekker Jr.! I got a surprise for you!” taunted Micah. Trekker Jr. turns around with Micah firing another seed at his head and knocking him unconscious. Micah then activates the virtual projector around the world and says, “Attention, habitants of earth! I am Micah, and I come in peace! I have saved each and every one of you from imminent doom! So, you may all carry on with your lives as you please!” Micah shows live surveillance of Trekker and Trekker Jr. unconscious to everyone, who then cheers for Micah while Micah proceeds to tie Trekker and Trekker Jr. up and bring them and Hannah out of the spaceship after initiating the self-destruct sequence. With Hannah, Trekker, and Trekker Jr. in his hands, Micah flies back down to earth while the spaceship continues its countdown and eventually explodes. Micah lands at Trekker’s mansion while Trekker and Trekker Jr. gain consciousness.

“Huh? Where are we?!” asks Trekker angrily while looking around frantically.

“Home sweet home, Trekker!” taunted Micah.

“Where’s my spaceship?!” asked Trekker angrily. Pieces of the spaceship suddenly begin raining down on Trekker, who then shouts, “NOOOOO!!!!!” Some time later, police show up and arrest Trekker and Trekker Jr., loading them into their cruisers and hauling them away.

“Another job well done, Micah! Keep up the good work!” says the police chief while walking back to his cruiser.

“I won’t let you down, sir!” responded Micah. Hannah suddenly approaches Micah and nervously says, “Micah, I…..I…..” Micah puts his hand on Hannah’s shoulder and responds, “Apology accepted.” Hannah sighs in relief while Bethany shows up with Micah pointing her out to Hannah.

“Looks like you got a visitor.” said Micah. Hannah draws her attention to Bethany and asks, “Beth? What are you doing here?”

“I’ve come to see you.” answered Bethany.

“After all I’ve done? But…why?” asked Hannah.

“You know what they say: ‘Absence makes the heart grow fonder’.” answered Bethany.

“I thought you weren’t my friend anymore.” said Hannah.

“You are now. My BEST friend!” responded Bethany. Hannah embraces Bethany, who embraces her back while laughing.

“I’m so sorry I was mean to you!” said Hannah.

“Hey, don’t worry about it. That was 15 years ago. Do you want to do something?” asked Bethany.

“Do I?” asked Hannah. Bethany and Hannah begin to walk off while Micah watches for a moment and begins to leave himself. As Micah and Hannah part ways, Hannah looks back at Micah and says, “Hang on a sec, BFF. I have something else to take care of.” Hannah runs off to Micah while Bethany happily watches.

“Micah!” shouted Hannah.

“Yes?” asks Micah while drawing his attention to Hannah. Hannah arrives in front of Micah and gives him a big hug with Micah hugging her back.

“Thank you…for everything. You’ve taught me a valuable lesson. I’m not sure what it is, but I’ll find out sooner or later. And saving me from Trekker? That was pretty cool! I don’t how you do it!” said Hannah.

“It’s been a pleasure knowing you, Hannah. Now, go have fun with your BFF!” responded Micah.

“You got it!” replies Hannah while walking back to Bethany. Micah, Bethany, and Hannah go about their lives with Bethany and Hannah hanging out with each other more often and Micah continuing his work at Nintendo, developing a new video game revolving around his latest adventure.

 

The End

Shockingly Learning

             Micah and his friends have just started their first year of high school, and have been assigned to Mrs. Willcox for Math class. Each day, their class gets disrupted by rebellious classmates misbehaving to no end and angering Mrs. Willcox, who has tried everything in her power to keep them under control, whether it’d be sending them out into the hallway, to the principal’s office, or even giving them detentions. One day, Micah takes notes in his class while Mrs. Willcox teaches her lesson with some classmates firing spitballs at Micah, who brushes them off and directs his attention to the classmates responsible. Micah gives the classmates a stern look while they laugh at him, subsequently rolling his eyes and returning his attention to his notes as Mrs. Willcox continues teaching. As Micah continues taking notes, he is suddenly hit by a wad of paper and hears laughter, drawing his attention to the source and sees the same classmates laughing at him. Micah picks up the wad of paper and raises his hand with Mrs. Willcox asking, “Yes, Micah?”

“May I go throw this away, please?” asked Micah.

“I’ll take it. Thank you.” responds Mrs. Willcox while approaching Micah. Micah gives the wad of paper to Mrs. Willcox, who throws it away on Micah’s behalf and goes on with her lesson. Micah is once again hit with spitballs and wads of paper fired by his classmates, brushing them off and activating an invisible barrier that deflects projectiles.

“Try that again. I dare you.” whispers Micah tauntingly while drawing his attention to his classmates. The classmates fire more spitballs and throw more wads of paper at Micah with the spitballs and wads of paper deflecting off of him and hitting the classmates instead.

“Ewww!” shouted the classmates out of disgust.

“Excuse me! I’m trying to teach here!” said Mrs. Willcox angrily.

“He just hit us with spitballs and wads of paper!” responds one of the classmates angrily while pointing at Micah.

“Technically, I didn’t.” says Micah while deactivating his barrier. After seeing Micah’s barrier deactivate, Mrs. Willcox draws her attention to the classmates and angrily asks, “So, you guys like shooting spitballs and throwing wads of paper, huh? You can do that all you want…OUT IN THE HALL!” The classmates angrily make their way out into the hallway with one of them angrily saying to Micah, “Thanks a lot, punk!”

“Thank yourselves! Micah had nothing to do with this!” responded Mrs. Willcox angrily. After the classmates make their way out into the hall, Mrs. Willcox resumes teaching her lesson until the bell rings, dismissing the students to their next class with Micah approaching Mrs. Willcox.

“My apologies about today, Mrs. Willcox. I didn’t mean to disrupt class.” said Micah.

“You have nothing to be sorry about, Micah. I knew it was them all along. I got to admit, though. That’s a pretty nifty invention you got there.” responded Mrs. Willcox.

“Thank you, Mrs. Willcox.” replied Micah.

“You’re welcome. See you tomorrow.” said Mrs. Willcox. Micah heads to his next class and finishes out his day at school, walking home with his friends as they talk about Mrs. Willcox and their day.

“I pity Mrs. Willcox for what she has to go through. Why can’t our class just grow up?” asked Jessica annoyingly.

“That’s a good question, Jessica. If you ever find out the answer to that, let me know.” responded Micah.

“They’ll grow out of it eventually.” said Wesley.

“Yeah, but not soon enough.” responded Sarah annoyingly. Micah and his friends go their separate ways and conclude their day at their respective homes, doing homework, playing, or conducting scientific experiments. The next day in Math class, Mrs. Willcox teaches her lessons to Micah’s class while Micah takes notes.

“Hey, Micah.” whispered a voice. Micah draws his attention to the source and sees some of his classmates staring at him.

“Real mature, you guys.” whispers Micah annoyingly while drawing his attention back to his notes.

“Micah.” whispered another voice. Micah once again turns his attention to the source and sees the same classmates staring at him again. Annoyed, Micah stares back at them mockingly for a brief moment and goes back to taking his notes until one of the classmates whispers, “Micah.” Micah activates a hologram of a scary monster staring at the classmates to their horror.

“AAAAAHHHHH!!!!!” screamed the classmates.

“Guys, what did I tell you about disrupting my class?!” asked Mrs. Willcox angrily.

“But…there was a monster!” responded one of the classmates terrifyingly.

“Oh, please! Just get out of my class!” replied Mrs. Willcox. The classmates storm out of the classroom with one of them shaking their fist at Micah, who smirks at them while he continues taking notes. After being dismissed for the day, Micah enters his laboratory and begins inventing a gadget, completing it right before bedtime. Micah brings his invention to school the next day and approaches Mrs. Willcox, who has yet again dealt with Micah’s disruptive classmates, after being dismissed from her class.

“I’ve got something for you, Mrs. Willcox.” says Micah while reaching into one of his pockets. Micah pulls out a remote and hands it over to Mrs. Willcox while saying, “I call it, the ‘Willcox Shocker’. Whenever a student is misbehaving, just point this at them and press the button to shock them mildly enough to get them under control. I hope it’ll come in handy.”

“I’ll give it a try. Thank you.” responds Mrs. Willcox while taking the remote. Micah goes off to his next class while Mrs. Willcox prepares for her’s. While Mrs. Willcox teaches her lesson, some of the students in the class start to misbehave with Mrs. Willcox pulling out Micah’s remote and pointing it at them, pressing the button and shocking the respective students.

“Ow! What was that?” asked a student.

“There’s going to be some changes around here! Everytime I catch either one of you misbehaving and disrupting my class, I’m going to shock you with this!” answers Mrs. Willcox while presenting the remote. Another student starts misbehaving and laughing while Mrs. Willcox points the remote at him and presses the button, shocking him while subsequently and angrily asking, “Anybody else?” The entire class nervously gives Mrs. Willcox their full, undivided attention while shaking their heads.

“Good! Now, let’s get back to the lesson in a mature and respectful manner…without any further interruptions!” says Mrs. Willcox while returning to her lesson. A short while later, Micah, his friends, and the rest of their class get dismissed from school for the day with Micah walking home with his friends while they talk about Mrs. Willcox.

“I can’t take it anymore! If my class gets out of control again, I’m going to scream!” said Sarah frustratingly.

“It’s no use, Sarah. They’re not going to listen. Just let them do their thing and get in trouble. That’s all on them.” responded Wesley.

“Don’t worry, guys. I have a feeling that all our troubles are over.” said Micah.

“What makes you say that?” asked Jessica.

“Because, I made a little something for Mrs. Willcox.” responded Micah. The next day in school, Wesley, Sarah, and Jessica make their way into Mrs. Willcox’s class during their respective periods, going on about their time learning their lesson until getting disrupted by misbehaving classmates. As the classmates misbehave, Mrs. Willcox points Micah’s remote at them and presses its button, shocking the classmates and getting them under control to the impression of Wesley, Sarah, and Jessica during their time in her class. Later in the day, Micah makes his way into Mrs. Willcox’s class and goes on about his time learning until also being disrupted by his class. Mrs. Willcox once again points Micah’s remote at the misbehaving classmates and presses its button, shocking and getting them under control while Micah smirks at them.

“There’s no way this could possibly go wrong.” whispered Micah to himself. As the days pass, Mrs. Willcox shocks her misbehaving students with Micah’s invention, successfully keeping them under control until one day, it all goes to her head and she starts abusing her power to the dismay of Micah and his friends. One day, while taking a test in class, Micah gets hit by a wad of paper thrown by one of his classmates and picks it up off the floor, subsequently raising his hand with Mrs. Willcox shocking him with his invention.

“No talking!” said Mrs. Willcox angrily. Disappointed, Micah lowers his hand and finishes up his test, subsequently working on other school assignments until the bell rings to dismiss the students to their next class. Micah approaches Mrs. Willcox and says, “I need to talk to you, Mrs. Willcox.”

“Make it quick. I haven’t got all day.” responded Mrs. Willcox.

“I’m glad my invention is working out for you, but…don’t you think you might be taking it a little too far?” asked Micah.

“You gave it to me. I can do whatever I want with it.” responded Mrs. Willcox.

“You’re becoming just like them, the uncooperative students. What if Principal McBride finds out about this? What’s he going to say?” asked Micah.

“Nothing’s ever happened and nothing ever will happen! Now, go off to class!” responded Mrs. Willcox angrily.

“You were a great teacher, Mrs. Willcox…until you changed.” replies Micah angrily while heading to his next class. Mrs. Willcox prepares for her next class and begins teaching her lessons until the bell rings to dismiss students for the day. Micah walks home with his friends while Jessica angrily says, “Micah, you should never have given Mrs. Willcox that invention of yours. Now she’s worse than ever.”

“I was only trying to help. How was I supposed to know this was all going to happen?” asked Micah.

“You’ve helped enough. Now, leave us alone.” responds Sarah angrily while walking home with Jessica. Micah sadly watches Sarah and Jessica walk off together while Wesley approaches him from behind.

“Don’t take it personal, Micah. Some people just don’t understand how hard it is being an inventor.” says Wesley while putting his hand on Micah’s shoulder.

“I messed up big time. Perhaps I should have just done nothing and let the problem resolve itself.” responded Micah remorsefully.

“Nah. Something good will come out of this. You’ll see. You know…I bet Mrs. Willcox is seeing the error of her ways right now.” replies Wesley while walking home with Micah. Mrs. Willcox packs up her belongings and begins to head out the school building until a voice says, “Vickie.” Mrs. Willcox stops and turns her attention to the source, seeing Principal McBride peaking out the doorway to the secretary’s office and beckoning her while saying, “I need to have a word with you.” Principal McBride leads Mrs. Willcox to his office and gestures his hand to the two chairs sitting in front of his desk while saying, “Have a seat.” Mrs. Willcox sits down in one of the chairs while Principal McBride sits down at his desk.

“I’ve been receiving many complaints about you mistreating your students recently. What have you been doing?” asked Principal McBride.

“Micah gave me this. Whenever the kids are out of control, I just press this button and they get shocked into paying attention.” answers Mrs. Willcox while presenting Micah’s invention to Principal McBride.

“He didn’t tell you to abuse it, did he?” asked Principal McBride.

“Well…no. In fact, he tried to tell me about how I’ve been acting lately, but…I wouldn’t listen.” answered Mrs. Willcox.

“You’re an excellent teacher, Vickie. But your actions towards the students, including the misbehaving ones, is unacceptable. It pains me to say this, but I’m placing you on unpaid suspension until further notice.” said Principal McBride.

“I understand.” responds Mrs. Willcox remorsefully while walking out of the office.

“Vickie?” asked Principal McBride. Mrs. Willcox stops and looks back at Principal McBride, who then says, “Good luck.” Mrs. Willcox heads home while in tears, talking to her husband about what all has happened. The next day in school, Principal McBride enters all Math classes of Micah and his friends and explains what has happened. After talking about Mrs. Willcox’s absence in Micah’s class, Principal McBride asks, “Are there any questions?” Micah raises his hand with Principal McBride asking, “Yes, Micah?”

“Will Mrs. Willcox be back?” asked Micah.

“I can’t answer that for you right now. Only time will tell.” answered Principal McBride. Principal McBride then asks, “Are there any other questions?” Nobody in Micah’s class raises their hands with Principal McBride saying, “Ok then. Good luck to you all and listen to your substitute teacher. And remember, he will send any of you to my office if you give him a hard time, just like you did with Mrs. Willcox. So, please behave yourselves. You may proceed, Mr. Tester.” Principal McBride exits the classroom while the substitute teacher teaches the class with some of the students misbehaving mildly.

“If I catch any of you goofing off again, I’m sending you out in the hall. Now, pay attention.” said the substitute teacher angrily. The students continue misbehaving while the substitute teacher points at them respectfully and points to the hallway with the students exiting the classroom. After sending some of the students out into the hall, the substitute teacher continues with his lesson while Micah and the remaining students pay attention and take notes. During her suspension, Mrs. Willcox visits a counselor on a weekly basis, gradually making progress with her attitude. Day by day with the substitute teacher, all classmates in the classes of Micah, Wesley, Sarah, and Jessica respectively begin to simmer down with Principal McBride one day calling Mrs. Willcox.

“Hello?” asked Mrs. Willcox.

“Hi, is this Vickie?” asked Principal McBride.

“Yes it is. Who am I speaking to?” asked Mrs. Willcox.

“Hi, Vickie. It’s Principal McBride. I just wanted to check in on you and see how you’re doing.” responded Principal McBride.

“I’m doing great! I’ve been seeing a counselor lately and she’s really turned my life around! I couldn’t be much happier!” replied Mrs. Willcox.

“I’m glad to hear that. It sounds to me you’ve had quite a change of heart. I’d say you’re ready to get back to teaching, which is the whole reason why I called. To lift your suspension.” said Principal McBride.

“Even better!” responded Mrs. Willcox.

“Great! I’ll see you first thing in the morning.” replied Principal McBride. Mrs. Willcox and Principal McBride hang up while Mrs. Willcox tells her husband about the news she’s received. The next day in school, a lot of the teachers, staff, and students welcome Mrs. Willcox back as she responds with gratitude and heads into Principal McBride’s office.

“We’re glad to have you back on staff, Vickie.” said Principal McBride.

“It’s great to be back, Mr. McBride. I don’t suppose any of my classes have made any progress during my time off, have they?” asked Mrs. Willcox.

“They have, actually! Your replacement, Mr. Tester, has really done a number on your students! There’s been a huge drop in the chaos lately! However, I have something even better for you in case anything does go wrong.” responds Principal McBride while pulling open of the drawers to his desk. Wesley, Sarah, and Jessica go through their day at school in Mrs. Willcox’s class, having little to no disruptions from their classes. Later in Micah’s class, Mrs. Willcox hands Micah his invention back with Micah asking, “You finished with this?”

“Yes. I have something even better.” answers Mrs. Willcox while pointing at a hidden camera set up in her classroom. Micah takes the invention back and proceeds learning in Mrs. Willcox’s class, also having little to no disruptions from his class as the hidden camera monitors their every move. At the end of the day, Micah walks home with his friends while Jessica says, “Micah, I owe you an apology for the way I acted a while back.”

“Me too.” said Sarah.

“It’s all in the past. Times are different, now.” responded Micah.

“Let’s go home and hang out. What do you say?” asked Wesley.

“I’m in! Sarah? Jessica?” asked Micah.

“We’re there!” answered Sarah. Micah happily walks home with his friends while Mrs. Willcox packs up her belongings and walks out the school building, happily looking forward to the next day.

 

The End

Carol of the Sarah

             With Christmas fast approaching, Micah and his friends sing Christmas carols with their class outside in a snowfall during music class, all bundled up and viewing the lyrics thoroughly.

“Excellent job, everyone! Keep up the good work!” said the teacher. Micah and his friends head back to their homeroom with the rest of the class and finish out their day, preparing for the next day. The following day comes and Micah and his friends practice their Christmas carols with their class during music in the gym.

“Another job well done! Keep practicing! We have a lot of work to do in so little time!” said the teacher. Micah and his friends head back to their homeroom with Sarah saying, “I can’t believe how fast Christmas is coming. I just hope I can play my parts well in our Christmas program.”

“You’ll do great. I know you will.” responded Micah.

“Just do your best and have fun with it.” said Wesley. Micah and his friends enter their homeroom class and proceed with their lessons until lunchtime, subsequently going to recess until their time was up and head back to class, where they finish out their day. After getting dismissed for the day, Micah and his friends head home with Sarah practicing her parts for the upcoming Christmas program while Micah and Wesley work on homework and practice their singing afterwards. While sleeping at night, Sarah has a nightmare about the Christmas program, where she messes up her lines and cues with the audience booing and throwing tomatoes at her, causing everyone (including her entire class, along with Micah and Wesley) to laugh at her to her embarrassment. Sarah wakes up in shock and begins crying until her mother knocks on her door and asks, “Sarah, is everything ok?”

“Everything’s fine.” answered Sarah weepingly.

“You don’t sound fine to me. Do you want to talk about it?” asked Sarah’s mother.

“No. I…just had a bad dream. That’s all.” answered Sarah.

“I’ll tell you what. We’ll talk about it in the morning. Will that make you feel better?” asked Sarah’s mother.

“Sure, mom. Goodnight.” answered Sarah. Sarah goes back to sleep while Sarah’s mother shrugs her shoulders and heads back to bed. The next morning, Sarah gets dressed and brushes her teeth while subsequently making her way to the kitchen for breakfast, unknowingly sitting next to her mom.

“So, what’s on your mind?” asked Sarah’s mother.

“Nothing. Nothing at all. Well, something. But, I don’t want to talk about it.” answered Sarah.

“Is this about the Christmas program?” asked Sarah’s mother. Intimidated, Sarah stays silent for a moment with her mother asking, “You’re nervous, aren’t you?”

“Nervous? Me? Why would I be nervous? I’m not nervous.” responded Sarah.

“Sarah, it’s ok to be nervous. It’s a natural emotion.” said Sarah’s mother.

“Yeah, until you screw up! Ha ha ha!” laughed Sarah’s brother.

“Eric, please!” responded Sarah’s mother annoyingly. Sarah drops her head on the table and begins crying with Sarah’s mother saying, “Don’t listen to your brother. He’s just picking on you.”

“But what if he’s right? What if I do screw up at the Christmas program and get laughed at?” asked Sarah weepingly.

“That’ll never happen. You’d better run along now. The bus will be here any minute.” responded Sarah’s mother. Sarah grabs her backpack and waits for the school bus at the end of her driveway with her brother standing right next to her. Later at lunchtime, Sarah plays with her food while sitting with Micah and Wesley.

“You’ve been awfully quiet today, Sarah. Everything ok?” asked Micah.

“Can I ask you guys something?” asked Sarah.

“Sure, Sarah.” answered Micah.

“Before I ask, do you guys promise not to make fun of me after doing so?” asked Sarah.

“Of course, Sarah. We could never make fun of you. You’re our friend.” answered Wesley.

“Ok. Well, I’ve been thinking…maybe I shouldn’t go through with the Christmas program.” responded Sarah.

“Why’s that?” asked Wesley.

“I’m worried about screwing up and getting laughed at!” responds Sarah while dropping her head down on the table and crying. Micah and Wesley look at each other remorsefully while Micah subsequently lifts Sarah’s head up off the table and says, “Sarah, there’s nothing wrong with having stage fright. It’s quite common in society. I’m sure our fellow classmates feel the exact same way.”

“But there’s so many things that could go wrong! I don’t want you guys or the rest of Arcanum making fun of me!” responded Sarah weepingly.

“Now why would we do that?” asked Wesley.

“I don’t want anybody to think I’m stupid!” responded Sarah.

“Nonsense. If it makes you feel any better, Wesley and I are nervous about the Christmas program, too.” replied Micah.

“We’re just not as open about it. That’s all.” said Wesley.

“The most common reason why people make fun of one another…is because they’re either insecure or jealous.” said Micah.

“Making fun of one another is just their way of hiding all that.” said Wesley.

“Yeah. Wesley and I get made fun of all the time.” said Micah.

“And that’s because they’re jealous of our high intelligence or our heroism.” said Wesley.

“But you guys take it very well.” responded Sarah.

“Well, after some time, you get used to it and you learn to ignore it.” replied Micah.

“We all cope with certain issues differently.” said Wesley.

“Well, ok. I’ll give it a shot. Do you guys think you could watch me perform?” asked Sarah.

“Of course.” answered Micah.

“Thank you so much. That makes me feel so much better.” responded Sarah. After getting dismissed from school for the day, Wesley and Sarah arrive in Micah’s laboratory with Sarah practicing her parts while Micah and Wesley watch. Sarah sings some songs off-key and performs physical acts poorly, nearly damaging or destroying anything in her path with Micah and Wesley clapping afterwards.

“Why are you guys clapping? I did horrible! I was way off-key and almost destroyed some stuff!” asked Sarah.

“So? What’s wrong with that?” asked Micah.

“Nobody’s perfect, Sarah. What matters the most is the effort you put into it.” said Wesley.

“Can’t one of you invent something that will get rid of my stage fright?” asked Sarah.

“We could, but that would be cheating, which, of course, would get us in trouble.” answered Micah.

“I’m sorry Sarah, but this is something you’re going to have to overcome on your own.” said Wesley.

“Just keep practicing, ok? The more you do it, the better it’ll get.” said Micah.

“I’ll try.” responds Sarah while heading to Micah’s Warp Machine. Sarah warps home with Wesley doing the same thing while Micah practices the songs himself. After arriving home, Sarah goes into her bedroom and sets up some dolls and stuffed animals on her bed, practicing her parts for the Christmas program. Sarah once again sings off-key and performs her physical acts poorly to the point of damaging some of her belongings and knocking over the dolls and stuffed animals.

“Oh, who am I kidding? I’ll never be good enough in time for the Christmas program!” said Sarah. Sarah drops to the floor and begins crying while Micah and Wesley continue practicing for the Christmas program themselves. The next day in music class, Sarah approaches the teacher after the class gets dismissed for the day and asks, “Mrs. Hootman, can I ask you something?”

“Sure, Sarah! What do you need help with?” asked Mrs. Hootman.

“I don’t want to do the part anymore. I’m too nervous. Can’t you just have somebody else do it?” asked Sarah.

“I can’t do that, I’m afraid. The program’s tomorrow. If you didn’t want the part all along, you should have told me sooner.” answered Mrs. Hootman.

“I thought I did in the beginning, but then…” responded Sarah.

“You had a nightmare about it, didn’t you? And in it, you were laughed at.” replied Mrs. Hootman.

“I know it was just a dream, but it felt so real.” says Sarah while subsequently crying. Mrs. Hootman hugs Sarah and responds, “You’re going to do just fine. I promise. You’re not the only one with stage fright. Trust me. A lot of people have it. But in the unlikely event anything bad does happen in the audience, my husband and I will handle it. No matter what happens, just do your best, ok? That’s all you can do. I’m really glad we had this talk. Run along back to class now, and remember what I told you.”

“I’ll try.” replies Sarah while exiting the music room. On the night of the Christmas program, Sarah waits nervously with Micah, Wesley, and the rest of the class in the hallway right outside the gym with Micah and Wesley comforting her.

“You got this, Sarah!” said Micah.

“You’ll do great! I know you will!” said Wesley.

“Ha ha ha! Look at the scaredy cat afraid of a little Christmas concert!” taunted a classmate.

“Get over it, you coward! You’re just embarrassing yourself, and the rest of us!” taunted another classmate.

“How do we know you two aren’t nervous yourselves?” asked Micah annoyingly.

“She’s not a coward! You are!” said Wesley. The two classmates suddenly become very nervous with Sarah sighing while Micah says, “Don’t listen to them, Sarah. They’re just being jerks.”

“Hey!” said one of the classmates annoyingly.

“Thank you all for coming out tonight to see our Christmas program. The kids have all worked very hard to put on a great show for you. So, let’s bring them on out now.” said Mrs. Hootman into the microphone in the gym. Micah, his friends, and the rest of their class begin making their way to a set of bleachers inside the gym with Sarah saying, “Let’s just get this over with.”

“It’s going to be ok. I promise.” responds Micah while patting Sarah on her shoulder. Mrs. Hootman makes her way to her music sheet stand and gestures for the kids to stand up, subsequently conducting her husband to play the piano and the kids to sing. A little while later, Sarah’s part comes in with Sarah nervously making her way onto the gym floor, performing her physical acts very well to the crowd’s amazement. Another short while later, Sarah’s solo comes in with Sarah hesitantly beginning to sing while looking at her family, Mrs. Hootman, Micah, and Wesley, who all smile at her and give her a nodding gesture. After taking a deep breath, Sarah begins to sing her heart out into the microphone, singing her solo very well with the crowd cheering for her at the end of the song. Sarah looks at the crowd with a smile on her face, looking at her mother, who waves to her.

“Wow! That young lady is a great singer!” said a woman sitting next to Sarah’s mother.

“That’s my daughter!” responds Sarah’s mother while pointing at Sarah.

“Really? You certainly have a talented daughter!” replied the woman. Sarah takes a bow and makes her way back to their respective seat. At the end of the program, Micah, his friends, and the rest of their class head to Mrs. Hootman’s classroom to wait for their parents to pick them up while everyone crowds around Sarah.

“Wow, Sarah! You did great!” said a female classmate.

“Thank you! And I couldn’t have done it without my two bestest friends, Micah and Wesley.” responds Sarah while gesturing her hand over to Micah and Wesley.

“And me!” said Mrs. Hootman.

“Don’t worry, Mrs. Hootman. I didn’t forget about you.” responded Sarah.

“Don’t forget about me!” said an adult female voice at the door. Sarah draws her attention to the source and finds her mother, father, and brother standing at the doorway.

“Mommy!” says Sarah while running to her mother. Sarah hugs her mother with her father and brother joining in while Sarah’s mother says, “You did great! I’m so proud of you!”

“I got to admit, Sarah. You were amazing!” said Sarah’s brother.

“Thank you, Eric! I’m so glad you’re my brother!” responded Sarah. Sarah beckons Micah and Wesley over while saying, “I have these two to thank. I couldn’t have done it without them.”

“There’s just one more person you need to thank.” responds Micah while beckoning Mrs. Hootman over.

“You have an amazing daughter. Keep raising her well.” said Mrs. Hootman.

“We will. Thank you.” responded Sarah’s mother.

“Micah? Wesley? Keep up the good work!” says Mrs. Hootman while looking at Micah and Wesley.

“We won’t let you down, Mrs. Hootman!” responded Micah.

“What he said!” said Wesley. Micah, his friends, and the rest of their class go home with their families, happily returning to their lives and awaiting Christmas day.

 

The End