Dialogue journal 2

Two characters disguising what they really want.

    Ollie shuffled toward the front of the room while his classmates all trotted out toward the cafeteria. "Mrs. Leslie?" he asked. 

    "Yes, Ollie?" she said, looking up from the pile of papers on her desk. 

    "I was just thinking that maybe you needed some help. You know, with the grading?" 

    "No, I think I can manage. It's lunchtime. I'm sure you're famished, and sick of sitting in classrooms all morning." 

    "Oh, no I'm not sick of it at all. Really. If you wanted, I could just eat my lunch in here. I could clean up the classroom for 4th period too." 

    "That's very sweet of you, Ollie, but I'm sure your friends will miss you out in the cafeteria. Isn't there always a game of dodgeball in the gym after you all eat? Sounds like a blast!" 

    "I hate dodgeball. Are you sure you don't need help, Mrs. Leslie. I just think being in your classroom is really good for me. It makes me a better student." 

    "Is that so? Well, then I guess I'd better go share all my secrets with your other teachers in the teachers lounge." Mrs. Leslie set a stapler on the stack of papers and stood up. Her cornflower blue dress and auburn hair billowed gracefully as she walked to the classroom door. 

    Ollie watched her in a daze.

    "I'll see you tomorrow, Ollie."

    

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