Theodore Boone: The Scandal by John Grisham Read Free Book Online

an effort to stop crying. “It’s just that the best art classes are for the Honors kids. That’s all I want, Theo, to study art and to make art.”
    “And you will, April. Nothing can stop you from becoming a great artist. There’ll be plenty of courses for you, and for me, and for everyone else. Strattenburg High School is one of the best in the state, for everybody. Let’s get over this.”
    “What will your parents say?”
    “I don’t care. I swear I don’t. It’s not like they’re sending us off to a reform school. We’re going to do fine in high school.”
    “My mom won’t care either. And, of course, my dad is rarely at home. At least your parents care what happens to you.”
    “Come on, April. We’re going to be okay.”
    “I can’t believe Hallie Kershaw made it. She’s such a brat, and she’s already bragging about it.”
    Hallie was the cutest and most popular girl in the eighth grade, and Theo, like most boys, had a secret crush on her. “Is that all you’re eating for lunch?” he asked, nodding at the apple.
    “Yes, you want some?”
    “No thanks. I really want a taco. That’s what they’re serving today, so let’s go eat a taco, okay?”
    “Thanks, but I’ll stay here. I just want to hide.”
    “Well, you can’t hide, April. Life goes on.”
    They sat in silence for a moment or so. She said, “You know, Theo, I don’t mean this in a bad way, but I feel better knowing that you didn’t make it either. I mean, I wanted you to do well and all, so don’t get me wrong. It’s just that you’re about the only close friend I have around here. I guess this means we’ll have some of the same classes next year.”
    “I know, I know. My dad always says, ‘Misery loves company.’ So I understand. Right now we have a lot of company. Let’s go get a taco.”
    “I’m not hungry.”
    “You’re never hungry, but you have to eat.”
    “I don’t want to see anyone. It’s easier just to sit here and be miserable.”
    “Okay, be miserable then. How about we meet at Guff’s for a frozen yogurt?”
    “I don’t have any money, Theo.”
    “Okay, then we’ll call it a date and I’ll treat. Four o’clock?”
    “I guess.”
    “See you then.”
      
    Mrs. Boone looked at Theo’s test summary and said nothing for a few minutes. Theo watched her face as he sat as low as possible in one of the two large leather chairs facing her desk. He tried to look pitiful, though he doubted she would be upset with him. Finally, she said, “One lousy point, and now they’ll keep you away from the best classes in high school. I knew I hated these tests. Now I really understand why.”
    “Sorry, Mom,” Theo said, though he really didn’t feel that bad. “I’ll make straight A’s and show them.”
    “Attaboy. Now go tell your father.”
    Theo and Judge hustled up the stairs and found Mr. Boone at his desk. “Got some bad news, Dad,” he said as he handed over his paperwork. Mr. Boone chewed the stem of his pipe as he frowned at the numbers. “What happened in science?” he asked.
    “I don’t know what happened, Dad. I did the best I could. Science has never been my favorite.”
    “Then you should work harder there. One lousy point. If you had worked harder, you would have made Honors.”
    “I really don’t think it’s the end of the world, Dad. Our high school has good teachers at every level.”
    “But, Theo, you should always strive for the best. This is disappointing.”
    “Sorry, Dad. I did the best I could. I’ve never done well on standardized tests, you know that.”
    “That’s no excuse.”
    “Mom is not upset. Why should you be?”
    “I’m not upset, just disappointed. And I’m not your mother. She thinks these tests are a waste of time. I happen to think they’re very important. They measure how well the students are doing, and they keep the pressure on the teachers.”
    “I can still graduate from high school with high honors, and that’s what I’ll do.