You & I - 14. Chapter 14

To Watson,

I think I know the guy you're speaking of. Does the man appear to be in his 40s at least, have a stud in his right ear, and have grayish-fading black hair? If so, the person you could have run into is the caretaker. I agree the guy is a little bit grumpy, but not all the time. I remember one time the two of us got chatting about the carbonation process. You know that's when naturally carbonated mineral water absorbs carbon dioxide from the soil. It's the compound added to make drinks fizzy. It also works theoretically speaking with stuff like soft drinks. Don't ask me how I got talking to the guy about drinks and soda waters; during a free class one day out of the blue, when I was returning a book to the library. Anyway, the point being the guy was alright and certainly intelligent. Oh, and yeah, take care the next time you are writing, and you forget about your bag being between your legs. Don't want you in the hospital now, do we? I won't be able to communicate with you then.

Earlier in the morning, I was taken out of class and moved to the vice principal's office with two other students I have never met before either. Funny how we both met people we never regarded prior to the run-in. All the way to the vice principal's office, I was terrified that I had done something wrong, and that is why she called me to her workspace. Only I could not figure out why Ms. Byrne wanted two other kids and me.

When I got to her office, I never felt so small in my life before. I mean, I just stood there waiting for her to address us as she finished up a phone call. All along myself, and these other two kids stood oddly, not knowing what to do.

There was another boy. Totally preppy, you know. The kind who think they are better than everyone. The kid is always going around school wearing colorful attire. I talked briefly with him while we were waiting to go into the room. Even for a confident guy like him; compared to me, the guy was a little nervous at being asked out of class too.

The other was some red-headed girl, and she was so so pretty. Only the girl didn't talk much. She gave me the most heart-stopping smile and then acted as if she knew why she was there in the first place. All along me and the other boy were on the verge of rattling. When she said her goodbyes to the person on the phone; she beamed at us and started explaining why she pulled us from class.

In the most straightforward and shortest explanation possible Ms. Byrne said that we were example students and that she wanted to bring us together to form some sort of society which utilized all threes backgrounds. The girl ended up being a chick called Sofia Applegate, who is apparently talented in arts and crafts. While the boy turned out to be Justin Blake; who likes acting and has received a modest following. I, on the other hand, am a nobody. Only they wanted me to help out considering my knowledge. Supposedly I am the brains behind this little stunt, and they require me to write a segment for the school talent show that is coming up. You know... the one before summer break. They want to include it at the beginning of the show to raise funds for people who have disabilities. With a push, the vice principal also moved on to suggest that she aspires to arrange a meeting on a school pep rally, considering the spirits will be high, and perhaps people will be more generous with their wallets.

I ended up agreeing to the idea, and when I left the room, the drama kid started talking to me. The guy wasn't what I was assuming he'd be like. I usually consider most preppy kids snobby. Except Justin wasn't any of that. He asked me if I was looking forward to working with him and Sofia. I said, "yes." I didn't have anything to lie about. I think I am going to enjoy working with them; even if it is slightly outside my comfort zone.

Bummer, I'm sorry to hear that your dad does not take home life as serious as some others do, or for that matter like my dad. I guess though in a way your dad makes it up to you in a different way. Perhaps he comes to all your games and shouts from the stands to encourage you. However, I'll tell you this… dad does not get a say on what to watch on tv in our house. Mom is the one who polices the remote. Anyone who threatens to change the channel on her when she's watching something she is interested in can be prepared for annihilation. Do not get me started on the junk mom watches. Frankly, my brain can only take so much reality television per week. The amount mother watches is enough to put even the most avid documentary viewers to shame.

Sounds a little harsh how you described your father. I think I know what type of person you are talking about. I don't know what to say other than I'm sorry. Only here is where things differ. My dad never plays sports with me; if it is, it may be poorly prevalent. Sometimes I wish dad did some of the things you mentioned in your previous letter. Still, desiring and hoping is not going to change how my father is. Dad is not practical when it comes to sports or doing DIY. In fact, I would desist from ever seeing him put together a prefabricated chair that comes flat packed with a manual. In specific terms, your dad sounds awesome at other things, my dad can, and would not do.

I can't say I am a fan of Johnny Rockets. I don't like the general taste of their food. I presume it is one of those things where we all have our preferences. Nevertheless, from the few times, I have eaten there over the years, they do blend a lovely milkshake. Strawberry is lovely, yes, but I prefer Vanilla with Oreos or an Oreo Cheesecake. Mhmm… Now you have me thinking of milkshakes in the middle of the school day. Now that is totally mean lol. (Laughing Out Loud.)

I love hot dogs, however, plenty of mustard and ketchup for me. Though yes, I never quite understood why they made the bun way smaller than the sausage. I suspect it is just one of those things' humans do idiotically. Nothing we can do. Just pray for our survival.

The Heritage Museum is on the outskirts of the suburbs. Closer to the city. It's on that road called Lambert Road, which connects up with a route that I have no idea what the name of it is. I can get the coordinates for you if you wish to know. Just type into google The Great Old Railway Heritage Museum, and it should come up on google.

That's great to hear. Yeah, Deadpool is funny alright. It's not my favorite, but it sure is funny. Nothing else comes to mind with so many innuendos. I have no idea why the movie As Good As It Gets keeps screaming out for attention in the back of my head; currently as I pen this. Still, that movie also is entertaining, but I don't see how it is anything like Deadpool. I often feel bad for Sinead O' Conner. That poor woman is made fun of in a lot of Hollywood movies. First, Ted, then Deadpool. I am only surmising, but I figure there is more than that out there somewhere. Eh... Yep, I recall Disturbia. The movie is pretty intense, alright. It's exciting. Only, I would not want to be stuck in the same situation as Shia LaBeouf, that is his name. The guy from Transformers. Plus, I have no idea what you are talking about. I never saw you swear. Lastly, I never heard of that expression before. Hell, in a handbasket. I got a chuckle out of that.

Yes, California is for the summer. I often wonder how people have endured harsh climates for the sake of it. The most logical fact that humans have to go on; for living in the middle of a place like Alaska or the barrens of Russia is for profit.

It's funny what greedy cooperations can offer, and in return, people flock to these small villages that have uninhabitable conditions. The reason why we bother putting ourselves in the middle of these desolate winters is for that fact; money. If cash did not exist, I doubt anybody would be living in the wilderness way up north for the sake of it. You raise a good point. I don't fancy being outside when a downpour happens with rain that is enough to freeze you upon impact.

Times have changed, and I hope I am not too late to make a difference. In days like this, we are told by our parents and our teachers. Even the leading innovators and our friends that anything is possible; everything is up for grabs. People don't happen to mention the fact that it is up for grabs. The pedestal you may be standing on is what someone else is grabbing for. The 1950s seemed like a more innovative and innocent age; when people were honest and had heart, but not a whole lot of competition. The population is one contributing factor. We have triple the size of talent than we did have in the 1900s, and that is what differentiates the olden age from today's age.

You were not as expendable because there was a lack of able bodies. The real question is… will we ever stop, or at least slowdown? Who knows, but have people ever heard of a condom? Our world cannot sustain itself much longer. Every living person adds to the world temperature. Imagine what one billion inhabitants raises the world temperature by. Now plus that for every municipal with more than 1 billion, and times it for every thereafter. We can control people, and the pollution we emit, though not sunlight. You need to practically shine these days to make it anywhere in the world. Giving up when the going gets tough is scandalous.

Good to hear that practice went well. Sorry to hear about your leg trouble. I know how that goes, muscles and joints give up. It is a bitch, but it's good to stay in a positive mindset and power through it. I agree it is much too cold for shorts. I don't think next month will be warm enough either. I imagine we'll see when the time comes around. I can picture how wearing a knee brace must feel. I hope the problem goes away as quickly as possible. Don't be anxious, I'm sure it will pass well before your match comes up. It's two weeks, away, right?

Cringy ideas are usually the ones that produce the best results. There is a fine line when sitting back for a moment to evaluate what is acceptable, and when giving up declares you a quitter. We all have those moments of doubt. They shout at us to keep going. They are an excellent incentive. What do I get from all of this conclusion? In the long run, people who finish what they start are always better in my eyes, even if they fail. Rather than ones, who begin; give up or never try.

Well, that sucks if your team gets rowdy if you mess up. I'd be the type of teammate who comforts his friends; and if they fail, I'd pat them on the back and say, "next time… next time you'll get it."

People hardly think of the player when they are watching live football. How hard a particular person is trying. After all, someone with the heart and drive is not what is going to win the game. It's someone who shows results.

I see, so does that mean your little brother is going to annoy you in the corridors. From the way you speak about him, I can already find amusing situations that can transpire from this turn of events. Little brother comes to school one morning… makes a mockery of big brother in front of a group of people. Big brother slaps little brother across the back of the head and tells him to get to class in the largest manly voice one can muster.

Yeah, the lifeguard situation still makes me faintly smile from the blunder. But yeah, I didn't say anything about being a free-spirit to be able to go down a slide. I just I can't. I don't want to go much into it, but things are different for me.

Let’s both agree to abolish 7 AM showers if we ever got into the political ranks. We will make the time for starting work and school much later. Resulting in the 7 AM shower being done away with for people. I think you spoke the truth there. Who could have guessed that getting wet and then having to dry is equally satisfying and painful all in one experience?

Ahhh Cool. I get what you are talking about. It's the undevoted love and support for your teammates, and also the community's desire that holds the heart to a team. If we all didn't crave the same thing from the club, there would be no family or following. That's what keeps a team together, the passion and trust. In a fan's eyes, there is always the next time, even if they are crushed by defeat.

It is kind of funny to be able to see that you can notice your brother's potential before any coach can. Though, yes, if you have no heart in what it is you are doing. Then you will never make it to the end of it. Quitters are born that way. That's why many people start something and never finish it. People tell them to spread their wings; to have a taste of everything life has to offer. Before you know it, you are forty, with graying hair, and to keep your youth intact, you add every fortnight hair dye to your tired locks to keep the dream alive. Most people get up in the morning, work themselves until they can no longer. Their body gives up, and only then, they are disregarded because they have fulfilled a purpose. For all the hard work you have done in your lifetime. The only thing you can be guaranteed is a box in the ground.

It is quite peculiar when the X generation today are pessimistic toward Millennials. And how the Millennials are cynical to the generation before them. No one is better than either group; frankly, the parents of the baby boomers would have said the same thing as the X Generation when that particular group was children.

Oh, how we love to lay the blame on other people. The sooner everyone understands it is a universal problem, the better. Perhaps then people will stop the biased assumptions when they know nothing when it comes to every person within that generation. Back then, time may have been physically harder; though that does not mean today's age have it tough either. Standards… we have to meet the standards.

Oh, most certainly Gotham type of crime. I have a passion for that type of anarchy. The result is scary and mystifying. Okay, I'll keep the coffee deal between us. Now the vivid imagery of having my head chopped has equally disturbed me. It's odd now that the two of us naturally drew the conversation to a dark conclusion. I suppose the two of us have a twisted sense of humor then. Plus, I have sent on the money, all you have to do is sign the liability suit. No need to read the fine print at the bottom. There was a mix up with the printer. I'll never do anything it quotes at the base of the page. I promise I won't freeze you like an instantaneous popsicle. I may or may not have acquired superpowers from ingesting the Mighty Power Of Kratos. I also used my superhuman strength to restock the closet … I may or may not have used your desk to hold the junk again. Its all well and done until the IRS come knocking on my office door. I'll buy a company car, and mark the expenditure down as staples. You bought creates upon creates of staples.

Laughing out loud…. The kid is not that bad; he's just a kid singing his heart out. Nevertheless, I laughed. For which I feel terrible about now… so thank you.

I never went to see the movie. I guess it is bigger than I initially realized. People have been talking about the film most of the week, and perhaps I should give in to peer pressure and see what the fuss is all about. Thanks for the abbreviated version. I am happy that you enjoyed the movie. Love is a powerful thing; sometimes, all the answers cannot be answered. It does make people happy and sad to see the closest interpretation of their emotions on television or the silver screen. Is the final scene when he comes out to everybody?

It sounds like you have an excellent bond with your brother. I envy you. I wish I could have something like that. Being an only child is hard. It's good to know you are trying to keep the bond alive, and not doing it using technology all the time. Life has come to that point. We no longer have the patience to even sit in a room with our loved ones to watch a movie, like those days when you'd buy a DVD and sit down as a family. So, in a way, getting back to the basics is, I guess a thing the two of us can agree on.

You are right, though. Humans make things harder than they need to be. The world we live in now is a money pit. Instead, of calling it a society, I vote we call it Money Pit. I care a lot about the environment. Animals are a weakness of mine. You have no idea how good it is that you brought up the point you made. Nobody ever thinks about animals as if they have emotions. Animals are just like us.

They have fear, sadness, and joy. Humans get hurt when someone steps foot on their land; out comes the shotgun. Only if it were a human in another species territory, it is for sport or profit. Funny how we call an animal lashing out at a human a vicious attack. We both know the poor creature will be hunted down for protecting itself. The humans will call it a liability, a danger to human welfare. When you think about it; who was on whose territory first.

Yeah, this letter turned out to be a couple of A4 pages. God, I am so geeky. Is everyone else writing the length the two of us are writing? I am not complaining; I like talking to you. Just saying; our letters are getting substantially longer.

Last but not least, about the Tigers games… well to be honest. Yes, I asked around for the results first thing on Monday morning. I figured I'd have something interesting to talk to you about.

I have two questions... we should start asking each other random subjects... I want to get to know you more.

1. What makes you smile?

2. What makes you angry?

Anyway, I have to get going to the next class… is it just me or does it feel like a Thursday? It's Tuesday all day. But come on, it feels like a Thursday.

Until Next Time,

Sherlock