Mr. Johnson: Christina is everything ok, you know you can tell me?

Tina closed her eyes acting as if she was trying to stop her tears from falling.

Tina: I just want my parents to be proud of me.

Tina lied. Mr. Johnson was now looking confused but yet still very concerned.

Mr. Johnson: Why aren’t they already proud of you sweetheart? You are a smart student, always very well mannered, perfect attendance, excellent grades…

Once Mr. Johnson starting giving Tina praise, she immediately felt like an jerk for lying, but like they say in any act…the show must go on.

Mr. Johnson: so I couldn’t imagine anyone not being proud of you. I’m very proud of you as a teacher.

Tina: Thank you Mr. Johnson, but I just never had anything to show them how creative I could be.

By now fake but real tears were actually running down Tina’s face.

Mr. Johnson: Oh Christina you don’t need anything specifically to show them, your achievements alone is enough. You win just about every award this school has to offer.

Tina went all out, she started sniffing and trembling like her heart was really broken.

Mr. Johnson: Listen, although I’m sure that your parents are very proud of you, if you need more assurance how about you take that science project from last year home, they will be amazed.

Tina: You think so?

Tina was wiping the tears from her eyes.

Mr. Johnson: Yes of course, it was the best project in the class and very creative…just don’t let that Porter girl know I gave it to you.

Mr. Johnson tried to cheer her up.

Tina: Oh thank you Mr. Johnson! And it will be our secrets, thank you so much I’m sure my parents will be proud of me now.

Mr. Johnson: Your welcome Christina, and I’m sure of it also. Now go grab it from the back table and be careful getting it home ok?

Tina: I will.

Tina turned and started walking to the back of the class to grab the project, once she wasn’t facing the teacher her face broke out into a smile. She quickly but carefully pick up the project, thanked the teacher again, then walked out of the classroom.