Senior Prank (9781620957295)

by Bunevich, Tom

  Lamont knew he needed to pick up pace but G kept pushing and by the mid point was about seven meters ahead. The rest of the team stopped to watch the race, realizing when G ran it usually was worth watching. They thought G would put the young challenger in his place.

  Then a strange thing happened. Lamont seemed to gain second gear and started to close the gap. He huffed and puffed as he ran, closing the gap to two meters for the last 20 meters. The race was on. Lamont pushed but lost by a meter in the end. Mr. Potts then checked his watch.

  “21.44,” Mr. Potts shouted. “Pretty darn good. Lamont I’m impressed. I think with some training and commitment you can do well. Seems like you had trouble out of the blocks. We can work on that.

  “Mohammed, you’re getting there,” Mr. Potts said, avoiding the nickname, which he knew could get him in trouble with today’s political correctness crowd. “Keep working on it, son.”

  Lamont ran a few sprints, practiced his starts, and headed to the showers, convinced that even though he had lost he had a future on the track.

  Jose arrived home after school to find a surprise in the family driveway. Parked there was a 2001 Toyota Corolla. As Jose walked to the house, his father came out to meet him. The car had 140,000 miles on it, but Jose’s uncle, a mechanic, had inspected it and claimed it to be in good running order.

  “Da car is yours, son,” said Jose’s dad, his English lathered with a thick Hispanic accent. “But I go over da the rules. You pay me back $50 a month for 24 months to pay for car. Insurance is $150 a month. You need to pay gas. I want you to take care of dis car. It can be a good car.”

  “I don’t have the money or a job, so how I am going to pay for it?” countered Jose, knowing there had to be other rules and regulations attached.

  “Two times a month you will work with me to pay for the car,” said his dad, who worked many Saturdays and Sundays on outside cash jobs to earn extra money. “First time you miss work or get into trouble, the car goes. You have to have C average in school or we sell car. Comprende? Don’t drive it until we get insurance.”

  To Jose, the car was like a brand new Porsche. After years of dreaming of his own car, he had one. No longer would he have to bum rides, miss activities, and catch the school bus. He was going to be a big man on campus. He dreamed of hot dates and making out in the back seat.

  Jose called Elvis. “You want to ride in my new wheels?” he asked Elvis. “I just got my car. You can check it out once I get insurance.”

  “Cool,” answered Elvis. “I can’t wait to go for a spin, even if you’ll be driving. Does this thing got seat belts? Goodbye, I gotta go.” He hung up and went back to practicing his guitar. His band was scheduled for an appearance at a local club Saturday night. Although he was still three months from his 18th birthday, which would allow him in the club, his fake ID served him well.

  Most of his fellow band members were in their 20’s. They were into women, a few drugs and some drinking, but he didn’t socialize in that manner. They often tried to get Elvis to partake in their activities without much luck. He knew the real Elvis died of a drug overdose and he didn’t want to be an addition to the list.

  Lamont’s fast run and Jose’s new car had once again planted second thoughts about their school prank. However, each knew now there was no turning back. They had given their word. Besides, if it turned out like they hoped it was going to be a time to remember. They had gotten away with much during their school years. This would add to that list.

  Jose also called Lamont, telling him of his new possession. “That’s cool, now pick me up on your way to school tomorrow,” Lamont told Jose.

  “I can’t cause I got to wait until I have insurance,” Jose answered. “Then if you want a ride to school, it will be $5 a day. I gotta pay for gas somehow.”

  “We can talk about this tomorrow,” Lamont shot back. “I got to check my Facebook page. I’ve been working on updating it. I’m putting photos of famous track athletes on it.”

  “By the way, you in with Elvis for the prank thing?” Jose asked. “I am. We’ve done so much and in our senior year, we got to give folks a prank to remember.”

  “I am, but it’s got to be airtight,” Lamont shot back. “I got too much to risk. I trust in Elvis. After all when it comes to pranks and getting away with them, he is the king. His stuff is usually off the hook.”

  Senior Prank, Chapter Six

  Three days before the governor’s visit Winston held a faculty meeting and went over all the details for the day. He instructed his teachers to treat the day as business as usual, limit hall passes, encourage students to be on their best behavior and to watch out for any disruptions. Rumors were flying about some of the planned pranks and misbehavior.

  Mr. Diaz met with Elvis and Jose two days before the visit, issuing a final warning about anything they might be a part of. They were threatened with suspension and even expulsion. The day before the visit, Winston made a three minute announcement about what was expected. Things were being taken seriously.

  But Elvis, Jose and Lamont had rehearsed their plan and felt confident in its execution. The back-up was that if someone had discovered a crack in their plan they would call it off. They dubbed their plan OSP, standing for Operation Senior Prank. The night before the visit, the trio mixed their concoction. They even bought the items in separate stores so detective work could not track them down. They carried it in small orange juice bottles and brought their portable fans.

  Since they planned to use it three times, each would have a chance to deliver the goods. The problem was how and when, and how to get out of class not to arouse suspicion. They even had thought that through. They had to leave no evidence.

  It was 60 degrees and sunny on the day of the governor’s visit. The governor’s limousine pulled up in front of the school at 9:10 a.m. The governor and his wife exited the vehicle and were greeted by Winston and a few of the school board members. They went into a small tented, reception area. All remained while the school band played the National Anthem and state song, Texas, Our Texas, and the school chorus sang the school alma mater. Then it was off to the media center.

  Other members of the entourage included the two members of the All American School judging committee and the governor’s assistant. Once in the media center the guests mingled among the school board members, administrators, and county school management for about 15 minutes. Lots of cameras flashed for photos with the school’s guests. This would be a moment to remember.

  After about 15 minutes, Winston asked all to be seated and began the press conference. On hand were two local television stations and a few other media members. After introducing the guests, Winston gave a quick speech touting the merits of the school for today’s visit. Then the governor stepped to the microphone and gave a few remarks. He took a few questions from the media and relinquished the mike to Winston.

  “We’re planning on showing the governor and members of the All American School committee why we are such a school,” said Winston. “Now, sorry, ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to start that show. We’ve got to run. We will have a wrap up press conference here at 1:45 p.m. Thank you.”

  With that Winston led the group towards the auditorium, where they would meet with the members of the school’s National Honor Society. As they opened the door, something unexpected happened. The governor, his wife and Winston jumped backwards as a number of mice darted across the floor.

  Winston was caught off guard, but quickly tried to add some levity to the situation. “Must be from another school,” he said. “Looks like that’s it. Let’s go meet some of our school’s finest.”

  Lamont met Elvis in the restroom near the auditorium. Lamont told his teacher he needed to turn in his track team paperwork to get out of class. He took the paperwork to Mr. Potts’ room then made his way to hunt down Missy Pulston in the auditorium. He had the formula hidden in his pants. It was in the container with the fan attached.

  Entering the back door of the
auditorium, Lamont went to the backstage area. He looked for Missy Pulston, selected as a greeting member of the honor group. She had gained admission into the society and event mostly because her mother had raised such a ruckus to school officials they added her to the honorary group. It was better than fighting mom on a constant basis.

  The governor walked to front of the stage area and began chitchatting with the Society’s leadership. His entourage followed. The Society’s purpose was for the group to display the intelligence and maturity of the student body. The logic was who could do this better than the National Honor Society? Cameras flashed to remember the moment.

  Luck then solved Lamont’s problem. Missy wanted to make sure she looked good so she went into the backstage area to look for a mirror. She had bought a new pair of shoes for the occasion so she walked slowly, not wanting anyone to step on her new blue suede shoes. Lamont acted like he had just strolled in and said to Missy, “Missy, you’re sweating. Here cool off. This will cool you off.” After about five seconds of the mist, he said, “I gotta bounce. See ya later.” Nobody had seen him come and go.

  Lamont then took off running out the back entrance stopping to carefully dump the mixture then returned to class. He was gone maybe 10 minutes total.

  Missy found the mirror, brushed her hair and returned to the area where the governor was speaking with some fellow classmates. She walked up to him and asked, “Like what’s your name? Don’t you like have something to do with the government or All American school thing?”

  “Yes, young lady, I do have something to do with the government,” Governor Montoya replied. “I’m the governor of the state.”

  “Well, gag me with a spoon,” Missy shot back. “Pla-----ease. You playing games with me? That’s totally way out. Whatever. I gotta tell my BF bout this. Fer shur.” Unfortunately for Winston, the All American judges were standing next to the governor so the principal figured he’d better take quick action. He wasn’t sure how damage had been done but knew that the fact a member of the school Honor Society didn’t know the governor wasn’t a positive for the school.

  Springing into action, he inserted himself between the governor and Missy, saying, “Excuse me, governor, I need Missy’s help,” he said, taking Missy by the arm and leading her away. He whispered, “Missy, I need you to stop acting like that.”

  “Like what,” she replied. “This is like totally cool. By the way, you dig my shoes. They are like totally cool. I should ask that governor dude how he likes them.”

  “No, Missy, you can’t do that,” Winston shot back, as he kept leading her away from the governor. “Why don’t you go check your hair – it looks like you need to brush it,” Winston said, knowing that any reference to her looks would buy time in front of a mirror. He escorted her to the backstage area, letting her arm go with a “now Missy go take care of that hair.”

  Winston knew that he had to keep Missy away from the entourage, including the governor or she could inflict more damage. He went over to two of the girls in the group and asked them to keep Missy away from the others. They held her in conversation in the back, telling her to constantly brush her hair. After about 10 minutes after the potion had been blown into her face, she insisted she go out to meet the governor. She then came out from the backstage area and walked towards the governor.

  Winston instantly went to head her off, but she looked at him and said, “I want to met the governor. I want to tell him I’d admire him for his rise from humble beginnings. Please excuse me.”

  “But you already have met him,” Winston countered. “I need you to give others a chance to talk with him.”

  Missy forced her way up to Governor Montoya and waited for her chance. Winston stood by in silent prayer, hoping at that very moment she would lose her voice.

  “Governor, it’s my pleasure to meet you,” she said. “I am a big supporter, and admire how you came from such modest beginnings. It’s a tribute to the American way of life that even those not raised with a silver spoon can succeed.”

  “Missy’s your name, right?” the governor answered. “I’m afraid we already met, and I appreciate the kind words. Please excuse me,” he added, leaving the situation and heading for his assistant.

  The assistant went to Winston and asked for the nearest bathroom. Winston pointed to the janitor’s private bathroom just outside around the corner. He figured it would be the cleaner than any other. “Coffee,” the governor said to Winston, “excuse me, I’ll be right back.”

  As the governor approached the restroom, he saw a chair propped so it was holding the door shut. He heard pounding on the door and someone shouting, “Help, let me out!” The governor pulled out the chair, opened the door and out popped an embarrassed young male student.

  “How long you been in there, son?” the governor asked. “Hope you haven’t been in there long. Who locked you in there?”

  “I have no idea,” the youngster added. “I went in there and the next thing I knew I was locked in. Even though we’re not supposed to use this restroom, I had to go bad and didn’t think I’d make it to the one down the hall.”

  “Well, glad I could be of service,” the governor added. “Just remember your freedom come election time.” With that the governor closed the door, wondering if he might fall victim to such hijinks. He used the room and returned to the auditorium. He quickly mentioned to the judges and Winston about the young man, laughing at the youngster’s plight. Winston thought it might be strike two.

  Winston told the group that it was time to head to Ms. Heron’s English class. He asked if anyone needed to use the restroom, and not wanting to take any chances instructed a few of the society’s girls to take the two judges, who indicated they needed to use the facilities, to the faculty restroom in the main office. “We’ll wait for you here,” he told them. “When you get back, we’ll head out.”

  After reuniting, the group headed to Ms. Heron’s room. Shortly after they began walking one of the judges discovered an open door. He entered, along with the rest of the group. Winston followed. The door led them through the copy room, past a few offices and into the backside of the media center, the opposite end where the press conference had been held only minutes earlier.

  “We like catch a few of the students off guard,” said the first judge. “It allows us to see what’s going on behind the scenes. We want to see students hard at work.”

  What they saw was the opposite. It was Mr. McCarthy’s social studies class at the computers. Since the guests were on the backside of the class they could see what was on all the computer screens. Games, music videos, Facebook, and celebrity web pages dotted the landscape. Not a single person had anything on the screen education related. Sitting to the side at a table was Mr. McCarthy, oblivious to his class happenings.

  In front of Mr. McCarthy were diagrams of football defenses. He was the defensive coordinator of the football team and it was mid-season. The team had a big game coming up. The class roster included many of his players. The word was that if you produced on the football field, you got an easy A grade, regardless of your work. During the season, the lesson plan included library visits twice a week for research.

  McCarthy looked up, saw Winston and the governor and quickly gathered the papers in front of them into one big pile. “Excuse me, ah, ah, the students were just doing some history research,” he offered. He knew it was against the rules for students to visit the sites he usually saw in his class. As the class members realized who was behind them, they quickly closed out the pages they were on and popped up to a history related website they had ready in case of such circumstances.

  Winston figured it was strike three, but didn’t want to inflame the situation so he said nothing. “We need to be going,” he said, quickly motioning the group to follow him.

  Elvis knew the next step in the process would be the trickiest and most difficult to successfully pull off. The target for this class was Hian Nguyen. They had to get him out of class, hit him with their f
ormula, and hope for the best. Jose was assigned this part of the prank so he again called on Catalina for her help. Every time she saw him she couldn’t help falling in love again.

  Using a teacher hall pass he had found in a garbage can, he doctored it to read, “Please send Hian to my office at 11 a.m. Ms. Fortney,” one of the school’s guidance counselors. In order to get it to him at that time, he asked Catalina to deliver it at 10:50 a.m. since she’d be working then in the school office. He told Catalina he found it on the floor in the hall just a few minutes before when classes had changed hands and he thought she’d get in trouble if she didn’t follow orders. It looked official so it was a no brainer. Besides, she knew anything should could do to get with Jose was a positive.

  At 10:50 she delivered the note to Ms. Heron, who delivered to Hian when he entered the room. The governor and his guests entered the room at 11:02 a.m., minutes after Hian had left the room. If Elvis had planned this right, it would take about five minutes to walk to guidance, a minute or two in the office, meaning that he would have to kill about another minute or two for Hian to enter after the governor had arrived in the class.

  When Hian got to the guidance office, Elvis got lucky again. Ms. Fortney was on a phone call, so when the secretary buzzed Ms. Fortney more than three additional minutes had passed. The secretary informed Ms. Fortney that Hian was there to see her. “I don’t need to see him,” she said, “so send him back to class.” The secretary looked at the note again to make sure the details were right, handed it back and said, “Sorry, Hian, false alarm. You need to get back to class.” She stamped it return to sender.

  As Hian neared the restroom just down the hall from Ms. Heron’s room, Jose called him into the restroom and said, “Hian, I’m testing the water to see if it is contaminated. Would you smell this? Does it smell okay to you?” For good measure, he gave him a second sniff, at the same time grabbing the note from Hian’s hand.