063. Summer


Maximillian Arthur McFly is the sort of kid who doesn't get excited all that often.

Quiet and unassuming, Max keeps mostly to himself, preferring to let his twin sister Beth do all the talking.

And except for a few occasions that could be counted on the fingers of one hand, Max did not raise his voice.

He sits in the middle room in his classes, hoping not to be called on, he sits in one of the corners of the cafeteria hoping not to be noticed and he sits behind the driver of the school bus where he has the best chance of not being disturbed.

Whereas Beth and the other kids arrive at school on their birthday's full of cheer and excitement, looking forward to birthday wishes and maybe even treats, Max would be happy if people didn't bother at all.

On Sports days, while other students get into the spirit, ready to cheer the Bulldogs in whatever sport, Max sits in the bleachers, politely watching, but never cheering.

Max is definitely not what a person could call excitable.

This particular day, however is different.

Max is inattentive, on the edge of his seat even, waiting for the final bell.

Though he can never be a top student, he usually pays attention, but not today.

A couple of rows ahead of him, his sister notices his behaviour and raises a questioning eyebrow, but Max just shrugs.

He looks at his watch, even though he knows it's usually five minutes slow.

When will the bell ring? Max almost can't stand it, he's been waiting for this moment for months, since the start of semester.

The clock on the wall, which is two minutes slow, says five to and Max, anticipating, packs up his pencils and pens, ready to dash.

Fortunately, the teacher doesn't notice, too caught up in his lecture on...whatever to be distracted.

Despite usually being the most patient of people, Max finds himself tapping his fingers on the desk. Seconds seem like hours, no wonder he usually keeps a calm profile! This is like torture!

Even as it is, he jumps to his feet a spilt second before the bell rings, he moves from foot to foot waiting for the teacher's dismissal.

It seems a long time coming, but finally the words are spoken and he can go!

School is out for summer! Max is so happy, he could dance, but he doesn't, at least not yet. He still has to empty his locker and get marked off the roll. He isn't in the clear yet.

But it will not be long, it will not be long until he's free for eight weeks.

Eight glorious weeks, where he won't have to fear a fist hurtling out from around the corner of the school corridors. Or abuse being hurled at him any time or any place. He is free of Carl Tannen.

And if that’s not a reason to celebrate, then what is?


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