Joe and AJ arrived late to their I.T. class that afternoon. AJ had been leaving some inspired graffiti in the boys’ toilets and had Joe keep a watch out. After the bell had gone he had wanted to stay to add the finishing touches. As they walked in to the classroom Joe was a bit shocked to see Mark Franklin standing beside the I.T. teacher, Ferguson, at the front of the room. As AJ led Joe towards the back of the room, Ferguson indicated to the student teacher that he should say something.

‘Um,’ said Frank, unconvincingly, ‘why are you two late to class?’

AJ looked at Frank with amusement in his eyes and shrugged his shoulders.

‘I dunno. Why are we late for class, Hooper?’

Joe took AJ’s lead and sat down at a back desk.

‘I can’t remember AJ? Maybe I can’t remember because of all that substance abuse at lunchtime.’

‘You mean eating the sandwich your brother made for you?’ asked AJ, to which Joe snorted with laughter. Frank put his hands on his hips but looked at Ferguson helplessly. The older man beckoned AJ and Joe to come up to his desk. To Frank’s chagrin, they obeyed instantly and stood angelically where Ferguson had asked them to stand.

‘Boys, this is Mr. Franklin. He is a student teacher. God knows why he has chosen to go down this particular career path, but he has. While he is here, you will be respectful. Is that understood?’

‘Sure!’ agreed AJ, an inane grin on his face. ‘What do we call you?’

‘Um, Mr. Franklin or Sir, I guess,’ replied Frank, trying to regain some dignity.

Joe involuntarily spluttered, ‘Well you can forget ‘Sir’!’ and was given a warning look by Ferguson.