Master Brown tried to ask the boys about their plans for the day, but Eric was too tired to articulate his words and Jamie’s answers discouraged further dialog. Master Brown tapped on the table, not ready to give up. Eric didn’t like the uncomfortableness, and couldn’t help but feel responsible for it. As if Jamie’s hunched shoulders accused him.
“Jamie.” Master Brown spoke up cheerfully, “Eric is taking a series of standardized tests this week. On Friday I want to run the Hippo-Gilford test.” Jamie dropped his spoon.
“What? No.” Jamie’s shocked retort was audible, loud actually. Eric found himself staring in amazement at Jamie.
Master Brown looked indignant, “Jamie what do you mean?” She was giving him a second chance. Surely the good child must have a logically reason for such an emotional response.
Jamie swallowed, thinking. It was that same ‘think of a lie’ look that Eric employed so often.
Eric was baffled, “What’s the Hippo-Gilford test anyways?” he directed his question to Master Brown, who frowned back.
“Well it tests the extent to which you share energy with your bonded and your ability to meld magical skills. Jamie, are you too busy?” It was classic. The teacher making excuses for the student.
“Uh… Well,” Eric could see the wheels turning in Jamie’s head. It made him angry. “It’s just I have a deadline coming up with the paper, and I wanted to spend time with Bridgett. I mean I could, but could we push it back maybe?” His voice dwindled away. Master Brown seemed to except the explanation. Seemed to calm down as her world settled back into its familiar order. Eric felt more annoyed. “Like a month maybe?”
“Sure Jamie. That’s not a problem at all.”
Eric stirred his oatmeal glaring at the center of the table. There was something behind Jamie’s fear. Well if nothing else it was the first time that Eric had seen Jamie express emotion since… he got back from the hospital. What was it about this test that evoked such a response in Jamie…
Eric’s oatmeal was cold and congealed in his mouth, and he swallowed quickly chocking himself a bit. With a swig of orange juice Eric decided to cut breakfast short. Mumbling goodbyes Eric was out the door.
“Don’t drag your feet coming home, I have a test planned….” Master Brown called after him, letting the comment drop as he left the room. Pausing outside the door, Eric heard Master Brown complain about his dirty dish. Eric grimaced. He had already had that discussion with her.
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