James Eastsons glared at the clock on the classroom wall and willed it to turn from 2:20 p.m. to 2:30, his anticipation for the bell growing with each passing second. The ticking seemed to mock him, each sound echoing in his ears as if it were counting down the moments of his patience. It was one of those afternoons when the sun streamed through the window in such a way that it made everything outside seem infinitely more exciting than the dull lesson unfolding in front of him. His mind wandered to the possibilities that awaited him just moments after the final bell rang—hanging out with friends, playing video games, or even savoring an ice cream cone from the local shops, the creamy cold treat he usually craved all week.
The dark brown-haired teen shifted in his seat, stifling a sigh, hoping that sheer determination might somehow make the hands of time obey his wishes. The teacher droned on about historical dates and figures, regurgitating facts that felt as lifeless as the desks they were seated at, but James found it impossible to maintain focus. The only good thing about the situation was that his friends were not outside already, blissfully unaware of the slow ticking minutes that felt like hours to him. They too were suffering like him, wishing for the clock hands to move faster, perhaps plotting their own escape as they daydreamed about the adventures they would embark on once freed.
At least he imagined them not laughing and joking, completely trapped in the freedom he so desperately craved, but rather also watching the clock hands. Each passing minute felt like a lifetime, and every glance at the clock was met with disappointment. James Eastsons blinked, the frown on his lips increasing as his frustration boiled beneath the surface. Alas, no matter how much he concentrated, the clock hands didn’t change automatically to 2:30 p.m.; they remained stubbornly in their place, much like his eagerness to leave the classroom and enjoy the freedom of the afternoon.
It felt like a cosmic joke, as if the universe had conspired to extend his confinement just a little longer for its own amusement by not moving fast enough. Each tick echoed like a taunt, a reminder of his captivity in this dull setting, where thoughts of adventure and laughter waited just outside the door. The sun’s rays, filtering through the window, danced on his desk, casting warm patches of light that seemed to call to him, as if to say, “You could be out there, enjoying the day.”
So stubbornly, James glared even harder and wished even more for the classroom clock hands to move, picturing them whirling with the speed of a summer storm. He imagined them skipping past 2:25, then past 2:27, and into the glorious territory of 2:30. In his mind, he could hear the bell ringing loudly, a triumphant sound that would shatter the confinement of his class and herald his liberation. He could almost visualize himself bursting out of the classroom like a gazelle, leaping over any obstacle in his way—people, chairs, and so on.
For now, though, all he could do was endure the drawn-out moments, each one feeling heavier than the last, as he clung to the hope that the clock would eventually relent and grant him the freedom he so desired. He could almost taste the sweet satisfaction of freedom, the thrill of running into the buzzing world outside, each second drawing him closer to that moment of release. In that classroom prison, with its drab walls and monotone lessons.
“Mr. Eastsons,” James history teacher voice echoed into the dark haired teen ears. “Neither the clock or school bell dismiss you. I do. Now pay attention!”
James’ history teacher was called Mr. Young, and he was a middle-aged man with a wealth of experiences that shaped his perspective. To be exact, he was 37 years old and a child of immigrants from the country of Cambodia. His family, his grandparents and parents, had fled the country during the Cambodian Civil War, which was a tumultuous period marked by violence and hardship. Seeking safety and stability, they found refuge in the USA through the United Nations’ resettlement program, where they began to build a new life filled with hopes and dreams. Mr. Young often shared stories of his family’s journey, emphasizing the importance of resilience and the value of education in overcoming challenges. His unique background made history come alive for his students, encouraging them to appreciate their own diverse heritages while learning about the past.
Mr. Young was a strict but fun history teacher who believed in a hands-on approach to teaching instead of just memorizing materials for a test. He often engaged his students in interactive lessons, encouraging them to explore historical events through role-playing and debates, which not only made the subject more interesting but also helped them develop critical thinking skills. His classroom was filled with maps, artifacts, and various multimedia resources that brought history to life, allowing students to connect with the past on a personal level. Mr. Young would often share fascinating stories about historical figures, which inspired his students to dig deeper into the subject and fostered a genuine love for learning history that many would carry with them well beyond the classroom.
“Right.” James said not liking the fact he was caught glancing at the clock. “Sorry.”
“Good to have your attention.” Mr. Young said. “Now tell me Mr. Eastsons what was the war of 1812 in usa history about?”
James Eastsons frowned, his brow furrowing as he struggled to remember the details of a significant chapter in American history. What was the War of 1812 all about again? Was it when Britain invaded the United States, leading to the infamous burning of the White House? His mind drifted to the pivotal events of that time, a conflict rooted in the tensions between the young American nation and the British Empire, where issues such as trade restrictions, impressment of American sailors, and British support for Native American attacks on frontier settlements ignited a fervent desire for sovereignty among the American populace. The war, often overshadowed by the Revolutionary War, marked a critical moment in defining the identity of the United States, showcasing both the resilience and the challenges faced by its people during those tumultuous years. The aftermath of the war brought about a newfound sense of nationalism and unity, yet it also highlighted the vulnerabilities of the nation, prompting discussions on military readiness and the need for a robust national defense. Was not the War of 1812 in USA history the reason the White House location was changed?
“The War of 1812 was,” James answered his history teacher Mr. Young with a hint of enthusiasm in his voice. “a conflict between the United States and Great Britain, primarily fought over the British practice of impressing American sailors, trade restrictions, and issues regarding westward expansion,” The dark brown-haired teen paused briefly to gather his thoughts before continuing with greater detail. “This war was not only significant for its immediate economic and political implications but also for how it shaped national identity and fostered a spirit of unity among the American populace. It was a time when the very fabric of young America was tested, as citizens rallied around the flag in defense of their rights and sovereignty, igniting passion and pride across the nation. The war saw numerous battles, including the burning of the White House and the tragic defense of Fort McHenry, which inspired Francis Scott Key to pen ‘The Star-Spangled Banner,’ a song that would eventually become the national anthem. Ultimately, it ended with the signing of the Treaty of Ghent on December 24, 1814, which restored pre-war boundaries between the two nations; widely considered a stalemate with no clear victory, the war nonetheless sparked a renewed sense of patriotism and laid the groundwork for future conflicts and territorial expansion in the decade to come. This period also marked the rise of American heroes, such as Andrew Jackson, whose leadership in the Battle of New Orleans solidified his status as a national figure and influenced the political landscape for years to follow.”
“Thank you,” Mr. Young said, just as the school bell that James had been wishing would ring finally did, causing the young teen to frown in shock. What in the universe? His mind raced as he processed the reality of his sudden predicament. He had wanted this moment for the last couple of minutes, glaring at the clock and silently willing the hands to move faster, but they stubbornly refused to budge. He could almost feel the weight of each second, dragging on, suffocating him with the anticipation of freedom that seemed just out of reach. Yet, the minute Mr. Young, his history teacher, posed a question he could answer with surprising confidence, the bell rang, ringing out like a triumphant announcement, granting his wish. What? How could this be? It felt too surreal to comprehend. James’ frown deepened as he grappled with confusion and disbelief, wondering if this twist of fate was a result of his own intense focus on the clock or simply a bizarre coincidence that left him questioning the very fabric of time and reality.
“Alright class, that was the bell, but as I mentioned to Mr. Eastsons earlier, I dismiss you, not the bell or the clock,” Mr. Young continued while methodically writing the homework assignment on the board. He glanced at the students, ensuring he had their attention, “Now, we have homework today; I expect each of you to return tomorrow with pages 150 to 155 completed. This covers the material we discussed in class, so don’t take it lightly.”
As he turned to face the class fully, he added with a smile, “I know it seems like a lot, but I believe you can handle it. Remember, it’s not just about finishing the assignment; it’s about understanding the concepts we covered. If you find yourself struggling, don’t hesitate to ask for help.”
“You are dismissed now, and a good job to you Mr. Eastsons for your insightful contributions today.” He pointed at James, who sat up a bit straighter with an appreciative nod.
With that class ended and James’s wish was granted. He felt a wave of relief wash over him as he gathered his things, eager to escape the confines of the classroom and enjoy a few moments of freedom before tackling his homeworks.
The noise of chairs scraping against the floor filled the room as students stood and chatted animatedly, their voices mingling in the air like a lively symphony. James exchanged a few comments with his friends, his thoughts already racing ahead to the plans he had for the rest of the afteroon. The stress of completing the assignment faded as the excitement of freedom took over.
“So how was your weekend?” James’s best friend since 5th grade, Amy Williams, questioned as the two exited the classroom and headed for their lockers, which were conveniently located downstairs on the 1st floor near the cafeteria.
Amy Jackie Williams and her family, which included her loving parents and her younger siblings, had eagerly gone to visit her grandparents in the picturesque state of Montana during the weekend. They enjoyed the scenic beauty of the mountains and the tranquil atmosphere of their grandparents’ home, relishing quality family time filled with laughter and stories, from hiking adventures in the nearby woods to evenings spent by the crackling fireplace, sipping hot cocoa. Meanwhile, Amy found herself completely out of the loop, unaware of all the fun and adventures that James and the rest of their friend group engaged in during the weekend. With her thoughts often drifting back to her friends, she couldn’t help but wonder what exciting experiences they were sharing without her, making her look forward even more to hearing their tales when she returned. Which was why, as soon as she could, she questioned James about his weekend since this was the only class period they had together. She leaned in with a curious gleam in her eyes, eager to hear every detail, imagining all the laughter and memories they must have created, while picturing herself amidst the fun and camaraderie she had missed out on.
“It was alright,” the light green-eyed teen answered as a smile graced his lips, a glimmer of excitement shining in his gaze. He didn’t care much about the gone weekend; nope, he was more looking forward to the upcoming one. Why? Because he and his best friend since kindergarten, Tyler Keith Jackson, were going to see a wonderful Christian band called “Blue Winter,” a noteworthy event they had been anticipating for weeks.
The anticipation bubbled inside him like a fizzy soda, as he imagined the atmosphere of the concert, the thrill of live music vibrating in the air. Blue Winter was part of a music sub-group that included bands like Penell, who captivated listeners with their song “Send forth the Labor,” and the energetic Thousand Foot Krutch, known for their electrifying hit “Absolute.” Each of these bands composed beautiful songs that resonated deeply with James, filling his heart with joy and inspiration. The lyrics spoke to him, each note weaving a story that connected with his own experiences and struggles. To top it off, they were a Christian band, aligning perfectly with something his parents had requested, emphasizing the importance of Christian music and values in his life. This concert wasn’t just another event; it represented a blend of his faith and his passion for music, a perfect harmony he cherished deeply.
With only this weekend available for their performance, and after a long absence, the band was back in town, bringing him a sense of hope and excitement that he couldn’t wait to experience firsthand. He could already imagine the vibrant crowd, the shared energy of fans singing along, and the glow of stage lights illuminating the faces of fellow concert-goers, all united by their love for the music.
“Nothing big happened,” James continued to update Amy on the happenings of the weekend as they reached their lockers. “Jonny finally completed his 360 trick at the skate park. You know how much he’s been working on that! It’s about time he nailed it. And Jessica and Isaac are back together again. It seems like they’re inseparable now, always sitting together in the lunchroom, lost in their own world.”
Since the gone weekend had been Thanksgiving week, a lot of their friends had been out of state, so not a lot of news could be reported about them.
The two, without much thinking, eagerly opened their lockets and tossed in their books and items they didn’t need to do homework on into their assigned school lockers. Once done, the two friends continued on their way out of the high school building, feeling a sense of freedom wash over them as the school day came to an end. It was a Monday, and they were, as usual, planning to walk home, but first, they were excited to stop at the local McDonald’s and grab a bite to eat. They chatted animatedly about their weekend adventures, reminiscing about the fun they had and the little mishaps that made everything more memorable. As they conversed, they headed for the east wing of the school to meet up with the rest of their friends, anticipating a delightful time at the local restaurant. They couldn’t wait to indulge in some delicious burgers and crispy fries, perhaps treating themselves to a nice ice cream cone or two as a sweet finish to their meals, savoring every moment of their carefree afternoon together. Before having to head on home and complete their dreaded homeworks.
*
Arrivaling at their local restaurant, a McDonald’s, the group of 150 high school students ranging from 9th graders to 12th graders entered the shop and headed for the cashier, buzzing with excitement and laughter as they discussed their favorite menu items. The air was filled with the enticing aroma of fries and burgers, which only added to their anticipation. They formed a long line, eagerly sharing stories of their recent adventures and making plans for the weekend ahead, while some pulled out their phones to take pictures of their friends amidst the golden arches, capturing memories of this fun outing to enjoy later. The joyful chatter echoed off the tiled walls, creating a lively atmosphere that reflected their youthful exuberance.
Among this crowd of 150 Winter Hills high school students was James Samson Eastsons and his 25 plus friends. He had more, but they lived farther from the school and had either gotten picked up already or were on the school bus heading home. James was a popular kid at his local high school and the surrounding schools in the area, known for his friendly demeanor and willingness to help others. It was not uncommon to see him with a large group of friends around him, laughing and sharing stories as they navigated their teenage years together.
This popularity had its advantages, especially when he started his after-school tutoring business this past January while still in the 9th grade. His business had boomed unexpectedly; the combination of his approachable personality and extensive knowledge on various subjects attracted many students in need of help. Many students had found themselves struggling academically, and James stepped in to offer his assistance. As his reputation spread, he found himself not only tutoring his peers but also younger students from nearby schools who were eager to improve their grades. Word-of-mouth referrals became a significant part of his business growth, and by the end of the school year, he had enlisted the help of his little sister and a few close friends in his operation, allowing them to make some extra money as well.
The venture had proved to be quite lucrative for James, generating about $5,000 by the end of the school year and another $3,000 during the summer break. He was using this money wisely, setting it aside to put towards buying his first car once he turned 16 in March of the upcoming year. It was a dream he cherished, envisioning the freedom and independence that would come with it. He often daydreamed about the places he and his friends would go once he had his license—weekend road trips, late-night adventures, and spontaneous outings. Today, however, he decided to use a portion of those earnings, about $25, to treat himself and some of his lower-income friends to meals as a celebration for their return from the Thanksgiving break, displaying his generous spirit and camaraderie.
As they settled into their seats, the atmosphere was filled with laughter and animated discussions about their plans for the upcoming holiday season. James felt a swell of pride as he observed his friends enjoying the meal he had provided. Seeing them smile and share stories brought him immense joy; it was moments like these that he cherished the most. He also felt relief because stopping at McDonald’s and other restaurants had been his idea last year in October after their local high school had stated that due to budget issues they could no longer bus students that lived close by to the high school anymore. It had been a way to cheer up the group so as not to feel downcasted that they now had to walk instead of taking the school bus to and from their high school anymore. Looking back, James realized how that simple idea had transformed into a tradition that not only brought joy to his friends but also helped strengthen their bonds. As they shared fries and burgers, he was grateful for the connections he had built and the memories they were creating together, reflecting the essence of their teenage years.
“Man, I am so excited to see Blue Winter this weekend,” James’ friend, though not his best friend from 6th grade, Moses Austin Brownson, said as their group completed their meals and prepared to go. “Anyone not going is such a squared.”
The group erupted into laughter, the kind that filled the air with warmth and camaraderie. James couldn’t help but feel the joy of the moment, but he noticed his best friend from second grade, Frank Richerson, moving uncomfortably in his seat. While the laughter around the table was infectious, an undercurrent of concern began to tug at James’ heart. Frank’s family was currently going through some significant money problems, which made the excitement of the weekend feel dimmer for him.
James recalled some conversations he had overheard between his mother and her best friend Sasha Windpole, who worked together at the local community center with Franks mother about the situation. His mother had explained that Frank’s family had been struggling ever since his father lost his job during the summer. They were doing everything they could to stay afloat financially. Knowing that they were struggling made James’s heart ache. He imagined how exciting it would be for Frank to join them at the concert, but he also knew that he simply couldn’t afford it; his family didn’t have an extra $300 to spare for a music venue.
As the idea struck him, he began to formulate a plan. James thought about paying for Frank’s tickets and gifting them to him as an early birthday present. It would mean a lot to Frank, especially considering how much he loved music and how much he had been looking forward to seeing Blue Winter perform live. The thought of seeing his best friend’s face light up with joy was enough to make James okay with parting with about $300 dollars from his tutoring business gross income.
He leaned over to Frank, whose gaze was focused on his leftover food as if it held the answers to his financial woes. “Hey, man, are you okay?” James asked, his voice low and genuine. Frank looked up, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes, and mumbled something about being fine, but James could see through it.
As they prepared to leave the restaurant, James made a mental note to find the best way to approach Frank about the concert tickets. He wanted to remind his friend that even in difficult times, they would always look out for each other. After all, that’s what true friendship was all about, the kind that stood the test of time and challenges, bringing people closer together regardless of the circumstances they faced.
With their meals down, the group of about 30 students began to make the walk home to their houses, the Afternoon air filled with laughter and friendly banter. Before long, the group stopped at the first member’s home, bidding him and his little brother a cheerful goodbye.
As the group continued their journey, their size began to dwindle until only 10 students from Winter Hills High School remained. Their laughter echoed down the street, a stark contrast to the solemnity of the evening creeping in. Eventually, the group found themselves at the door of James Samson Eastson’s two-story, five-bedroom, and four-bathroom house, the familiar sight welcoming him back home like an old friend.
Excited to be home but dreading the heavy load of homework awaiting him, James waved goodbye to his classmates and friends, his heart tinged with sadness at the thought of parting ways after a fun-filled afternoon. He stepped inside, greeted by the comforting atmosphere of his home, where the aroma of lunch still lingered.
As usual, his father, a work-from-home self-published author, was there to welcome him. Mr. Eastson used to be a bank manager for an international banking firm but, due to the unfortunate fallout from the 2008 economic crash, had lost his job. Not one to be knocked down and stay down, he and James’ mother had discussed various options, ultimately deciding he would transition into becoming a self-published author through Amazon KDP. Surprisingly, he was doing quite well at it and had a couple of bestsellers under his belt, showcasing resilience and determination that inspired James in many ways. That was three years ago when James was still navigating the waters of middle school, unaware of how the world could change so quickly.
“Hi, son” James’ dad greeted the fifteen-year-old as he shut the front door behind him, his casual tone a comforting presence after a long day. “So, change of plans. We are going camping this weekend as a family. Cancel all your other plans.”
And with that, James’ day and his plans for the upcoming weekend felt as if they had just shattered into pieces. The thought of missing out on the concert and the excitement that it promised wrapped around him like a thick fog, leaving him momentarily speechless. All he could do was nod, a sinking feeling settling in his stomach, knowing that family time, although valuable, now meant he would have to put aside his own desires and disappoint his friends. Today was the worst day ever!
Pecanpieandchocolatemilk 
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