the story of us [dean portman 2]

𝗦𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡. 𝗬𝗢𝗨'𝗥𝗘 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗧

𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗦𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡: 𝗬𝗢𝗨'𝗥𝗘 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗧

     FEELING self-conscious was something Sophie was used to. However, the feeling of embarrassment she felt as she stood in the dean's office was a new type of feeling. The other Ducks had been late to the assembly and had caused a scene. The entire team was mortified to say the least. Charlie however seemed fine with it.

Sophie stood whispering with Adam as they watched their friends examine the photos sitting on shelves. She told him all about Carter looking for him and the two interactions she had with the varsity boys already. She already wanted the day to be over and she hadn't even been to any classes yet.

The pair heard Charlie say something about ants but they ignored it as Sophie told Adam about her interaction with Carter and Scooter the day before at the music store. He seemed relieved at the fact that Carter had even mentioned him which Sophie found adorable. She was happy that Adam had found someone who was interested in him as well. Out of everyone she knew, he was one of the ones that deserved it most.

The dean's voice startled not only the pair chatting of to the side but also the rest of the Ducks. The ones who were observing the ant farm looked at Dean Buckley with wide eyes. Adam and Sophie made their way to the group, standing between their teammates and the dean.

"These Brazilian fire ants can teach you a lot about successful societal structure," the man said to the students.

He then went on to explain the insects structured society before comparing it to the school. He said that the students were the backbone as they were the workers.

"And you're the queen?" Russ asked causing the rest of the team to snicker to themselves.

Sophie and Adam were both attempting to bite back their laughs, only failing to do so as the dean turned his back. The pair allowed themselves to laugh as quietly as possible before returning to their straight faces.

Dean Buckley asked the team to take a seat for a moment and the group obliged. Sophie sat between her brother and Adam as they watched the dean take a seat at his desk in front of them.

"Kids, I need your help here. Quite frankly, bringing you all in was a bit of a risk," the man began speaking while the group of teens observed him. "We've got a group of Booster Club parents whose feathers are a little ruffled – if you'll pardon the pun. You see, they think that because they pay, their kids should get to play. So, what we need is for you to keep up those grades and keep winning those games. That way, we're all covered. I just want you to remember I'm on your team. Any questions?"

Sophie stared at the man before looking around at her teammates. Upon seeing none of them had anything to say, she raised her hand slightly. The dean gestured to her and nodded.

"I'm sorry Dean Buckley, I hate to be rude but if we don't leave soon, we'll be late for our first class," Sophie gave an apologetic smile.

She had a perfect attendance to keep up and she wasn't planning on ruining it for anyone.

Dean Buckley smiled at the girl as he let out a soft chuckle.

"I figured you would be the one to point that out. I hope you're planning to keep the perfect attendance up," the dean said. "Yes, please head to class."