9:16 a.m. — Marsha

[3x²+2xy-2y²=14 Where y=3.5, solve for x.]

Okay… let’s see… 3.5 times 3.5 times 2 is… 24.5… 14 plus 24.5 equals… 38.5. 38.5 divided by 3.5 is…

[Hand extends across aisle with note in it.]

[Eyes flick up to teacher, writing on blackboard with back to class.]

What’s this… “Mark J.” She’s passing notes to him again. Can you believe this? With texting and all that, we’re forced to hand notes around like it’s the Dark Ages or something. I shouldn’t; I could get in trouble. Besides, she still calls me “Brady Bunch” sometimes. Yeah, that was clever in grade three, Erika.

[Erika glares, gestures to pass note along.]

Alright, alright. …I should read it. What could she do? Well, nothing, here. But afterwards there’d be hell to pay. But I’d love to know what she’s saying to Mark. Oh, well… better not.

[Turns, eases note across the other aisle. Girl turns, looks, softly shakes head. Indicates teacher with eyes.]

[Turns to Erika. Shrugs.]

[Erika leans, drills stare at other girl. Other girl rolls eyes; turns palm up. Receives note.]

38.5 divided by 3.5 is… 11. So the rest of the equation is equal to 11.

Jesus.

I wonder if she’s screwing him. I bet she is. She’s always acting like she’s so in control but I know it’s a front. She’s scared to death of rejection so she acts like she doesn’t give a damn. But I’ll bet—

[“Ten minutes, people.”]

Shit. Okay… 11 over 3… that’s what x²+x equals. I think. Fffffuck. Why couldn’t it be 12? Who dreams these things up?

[Chews pencil.]

Tammy’s hair is really sensational. I wonder if she’d tell me who did it for her if I told her that? Would I? Mmmmnah, I’d keep it a secret. Well, anyways, mine’s so stringy, it could never look like that. She’s lucky. I bet she doesn’t even know how lucky she is…

11 over 3… minus x… equals x².

Ohhhh, God.