and I are given a detention for Friday afternoon, which was when I’d planned to go out and take photographs for the L.O. project. My only consolation is that we must have derailed Perkel’s plans, too, since he personally supervises our detention, making sure we sit on opposite sides of the otherwise empty classroom and have no opportunity to exchange a word. Maybe he’s afraid that if we get together, we may form a dissident anti-Perkel society. Maybe he’s not wrong.When Perkel’s back is turned for a minute, L.J. waves to get my attention and then flings something at me. I catch it. It’s a stick of “Red-Hot Cinnamon” flavored gum. I grin at him and mouth my thanks, but when I start chewing, it’s like eating fire. It’s a lucky thing I like spicy. Still, Perkel notices my watering eyes and asks if I’m okay in a tone that tells me he thinks I’m crying because I’m in detention. “Maybe if I could just go dry my eyes in the restroom?” I ask.I get a pass from Perkel, and two thumbs-up from L.J.
