Amar's World

“Why are you so glum, little buddy?” I asked as we rode the tram.

“It’s just not working out for me to be Joopey’s big brother, Amar.” Erik mumbled sadly.

“Why are you saying that, Erik?” I put my arm around him. “You’ve had plenty of opportunities already, and you will have even more in the future.”

“Oh, you’re just saying that to make me feel better, Amar.” Erik huffed.

“Then tell me what you are talking about, Erik.” I said firmly. “Talk to me like an adult about this.”

Erik looked at me and let out a sigh as tears filled his eyes. “You and Joopey have plans that don’t include me this weekend, Amar.” He reasoned. “And I’m stuck with baby-sitting Reece.”

“Why are you stuck baby-sitting Reece, Erik?”

“Parker and I were going to take Joopey and Reece to school to work in the garden, and that was going to team me up with Joop, and Parker up with Reece. Then it turns out that you and Joopey are going to visit Han’s grave and then hang the bird feeder he made outside his Opa’s window at the Care Centre. To me, that’s another weekend gone of bonding with Joopey.”

“Try not to let jealousy get in the way, Erik, because it can consume good friendships.” I said carefully. “I think you are looking at this in the wrong way.”

“How do you mean, Amar?”

“If you get jealous that I’m spending more time with Joopey than you, then surely Reece could get jealous that Joop is spending more time with me, and then Joop could get jealous that you’re spending more time with Reece, causing Parker to get jealous you’re not spending time with him, and the snowball just gets bigger and bigger and no one will be happy because they all will be crushed by the snowball of jealousy.”

“But I can’t fix all that mess, Amar!” Erik said as we got off the tram. “I didn’t start it all.”

I stopped and attempted to give him the “dad look.”

“I don’t think anyone started anything, little buddy.” I said. “But if you’re not careful, something could very easily start. You need to use your bean and think.” I said, tapping his head, “And then you need to use your heart and care enough to come up with your own plan that will keep everyone happy.”

I could literally hear the gears grinding away in Erik’s scull, as a smile grew on his lips before he gave me a grand hug and hurried into school.

********************

We WERE treated to a “bit” of a reprieve this morning, but it still dealt with reviewing things we’d already studied, so it wasn’t all that bad. We also got our test results back, and I have to say that most all of us were pleased at how we did.

At lunch, Shayne slipped in next to me as we were finishing eating. “I would like you do to something for me, Amar.” He asked. “As Master Liaison, and a grand chum of Carl’s, could you present him with his birthday cake?”

“I’d be more than happy, Shayne.” I gave him a hug. “I’m glad you stepped up and took charge of this for his 15^th Birthday. I got our Form to sign a card for him, and I slipped in a private card of my own.”

“I took up a secret collection in our form, Amar.” Shayne and Lars followed me to the kitchen. “We got him two Mozart CD’s Carl didn’t have in his collection.”

Chef O’Riley did a wonderful blue icing cake with a happy birthday Carl on it, and little candy musical notes!

Then as I carried the cake out, the entire Dining Room broke out in the Birthday song causing Carl to be WELL surprised! A bit embarrassed, but surprised none the less!

Shayne was also giddy that after he handed Carl the gift from his Form, Carl treated Shayne to a quick little kiss on the cheek!

******************

There was more reviews on our Physics test after lunch, the Coach was sweet today and gave us free swim, and we did some more role playing in Psychology final period before getting our tests back for more review.

I was able to get a near 98% on my Psychology exam which thoroughly pleased me!

*****************

And Erik DID come up with a grand plan, and I was well proud that he actually put his heart into a plan that should make everyone happy.

He had to announce it when we got home from school before the rest of them would begin helping Mum prepare dinner, and Erik and Parker would be the grand Grill Masters!

“Parker and Reece are going to head to school right after we have breakfast,” Erik explained. “They are going to meet with some of the chums from the Garden Club and start separating some of the larger vegetable seedlings that will be sorted and planted.”

Erik looked at me and I winked at him.

“While Parker, Reece and some of the other Garden Club members are doing that, Amar, Joopey, and I will be separating and taking a couple of flowers from Mum’s Garden in back so we can plant them at Joop’s brother Han’s grave at the Cemetery. After we finish there, the three of us will go to the Care Centre where Joopey’s Opa is staying at and we will hang a bird feeder that Joop made the last time he was at the North Sea.”

So far, everyone nodded agreement.

“When we’re done there, the three of us will head to school and help the rest of you finish planting and then clean up.” Erik went on. “When we leave school, we can stop and get a bite to eat and if you want, we can go bowling or go to the baths for a couple hours. Is everyone OK with my plans?” Erik smiled at everyone.

Everyone nodded agreement and gave hugs all around before they headed downstairs to start dinner, and I sat down at my computer to start this post.

Erik did poke his head back in my room and came up to me so I could give him a well proper hug.

“You did great, little buddy.” I said, kissing his cheek. “That would have been the same plan I would have given.”

“That’s because I learned from the best, Amar!” Erik smirked, giving me another hug before he sailed down to the kitchen to help the others.

One Bowl + Amar’s Brain = A bowl of melted putty! Add in all the other 10^th Form Lads, and you can change the bowl to a vat!

Then add in the sly smirks of the Profs doing the damage to our already over-worked brain cells, and you have a stunning comparison to the Wicked Witch turning Hansel and Gretel into hard chunks of uneatable molasses!

I shan’t continue to torture my readers, but I just had to share some of the suffering we all went through during our day of testing!

We will see if the Profs hold on to their promise of making tomorrow the “easy day Friday” they were telling us about BEFORE this day of testing!

*******************

Joopey was definitely back to his own self today, more so than yesterday!

“So except that my teeth were a little sore with the needles and things, the one that hurt the most doesn’t hurt anymore, Amar!” He boasted proudly. “I hope I never HAVE a tooth ache like that one ever again!”

Of course, this led me to stop before Chapel and have a bit of a chat with the Dean Master.

“I was wondering, Sir, if it could be worked out to have some scheduled Dental Exams with some of those lads who might not get them on a regular basis, if at all.” I asked him as he gave me his famous “I’m curious, but I’m listening” look.

“Go on, Amar,” He said.

“I’m just talking about the likes of Carel, Pieter, and Robin, Sir.” I said. “Since they are on scholarship, I doubt they have proper dental care coming from home. I would hate to see any of them suffering like Joop did if a tooth or two went bad on them. Just a basic exam through the school might be a big preventative.”

“You’re quite right, again, Amar.” The Dean Master smiled. “I’ll have a chat with the Nurse today and see what we can line up.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

*******************

So needless to say, this day did drag on with tests, essays, reports, and such. It was almost like we were in the middle of exams – but it was only the middle of the Third Term – which made us wonder what A-Level exams would be like at the END of this Term!

We were WELL tired after today, but no matter, all of the 10^th Formers were planning on having a (hopefully) relaxing weekend, but we also knew it would be telling when we found out what the Profs had in store for us coming up tomorrow!

I also had to spend some time thinking about the plans Joopey and I had, what plans Erik had, and once again how Reece would blend into that mix!

“But what are they going to do with Joopey, Amar?” Erik asked at the breakfast table.

“Well, my guess is they are going to fix the cavity that is buggering him for starters, little buddy.” I answered.

“I would also think the Dentist is going to give him a full exam and take X-Rays.” Dad put in. “I’m sure it has been quite a long time, if ever, that Joop has been to the Dentist.”

“Poor, baby,” Mum sighed.

“He’s never had bad breath that I know of.” I said.

“Except in the morning, but then again we ALL have bad breath in the mornings.” Erik smirked.

“And Joopey has been brushing his teeth both in the morning and at night when he stays here.” I said.

“Can I go with you when you go with Joop to the Dentist, Amar?” Erik asked.

“I don’t think I’ll be going with him, little buddy.” I said. “I’m certain the Dean Master won’t let me out of A-Level classes to sit with Joop in the Dentist’s office all morning. We have our big testing day coming up on Thursday”

“Maybe I should ask the Dean Master if I can go.” Erik hinted. “I could get out of Maths and World History this morning and then come back for Gyms.”

Dad folded his arms over his chest and gave Erik “the look”.

“OR, maybe not,” Erik blushed.

****************

“I think you might have had the ticket to go with Joopey if you hadn’t of added the comment of getting out of Maths and History, little buddy.” I nudged Erik as we rode the tram to school.

“I guess you’re right about that, Amar.” Erik sighed.

************

I poked my head into 7^th Form Base to see how Joopey was doing, but neither he nor Reece were there. It was Cam and Brody who told me Joopey spent the night in the Infirmary, and that Reece went down there right after breakfast.

“He evidently couldn’t sleep well, Amar.” The Nurse told me. “So the Dorm Master said it would be best here when I could keep a closer eye on him. His tooth might be starting to abscess since he is a little swollen and starting to run a bit of a temperature, but we have an appointment with the Dentist right at 8:00.”

Joop DID look a bit ragged, but I gave him a hug and kiss on his warm cheek. “Before long, you’ll be your old self again, Joop. In fact I bet when you get back from the Dentist, you will feel loads better, OK?”

“I hope so, Amar.” Joopey mumbled just as chimes sounded. “I have to hang that bird feeder for Opa this weekend, remember.”

“You two run along to Chapel now,” The Nurse said to Reece and me.

“But can’t I go with Joopey?” Reece frowned.

I looked at the Nurse and she raised her eyebrows.

“I think you’ll be better off staying here at school and helping Joop gather his assignments, Reece.” I said. “Come on, let’s go to Chapel now.”

Joopey gave us both a little wave before he lay back on his bed and let out a long sigh.

*************

The Nurse made it a point to come up to me at lunch and tell me that everything went fine with Joop and that he was sleeping it off in the Infirmary.

“He had three small cavities filled, and the one was just starting to abscess, but the Doctor took care of that right away.” The Nurse said. “We have another appointment in two weeks for him to have the other two cavities filled.”

“Thank you, Ma’am.” I smiled at her.

Shayne and Lars came up to me after lunch and told me what their plan was.

“We’re having a special meeting of the Drama Club after school, Amar.” Shayne said proudly. “Professor Springer is going to help.”

“What’s your plan?” I asked curiously.

“Shayne and I decided to have the entire Drama Club vote on which one of the plays to do for Reader’s Theatre for our final performance of the year.” Lars explained.

“Professor Springer is going to give a little synopsis as to what each play is all about, and then we will take a vote.”

“That’s a BRILLIANT idea, you two!” I gave them both a hug. “I’m well proud of both of you!”

*********************

Throughout our classes, our A-Level Profs were giving us the warning signs as to where they felt best for us to gear our studies for the big testing day on Thursday. They also promised (HA!) that they would go easy on us for Friday so we could have a more “relaxing” weekend!

When Erik and I visited Joopey after school, we was laying in his bed in his Dorm Room with Reece going over all his instructions for the classes his missed today.

“My teeth are all clean and smooth now!” Joop said, greatly appreciating the hugs Erik and I gave him. “The Doctor fixed my teeth that had holes in them, Amar, and I feel better also, yes? I just hated the shots with the little needle that hurt and then made my whole head go numb and then I couldn’t even talk right for a long time.”

“Novocain is a bit of a strange drug that makes your tongue and lips and mouth go dead so they can work on your teeth without it hurting, Joop.” I said.

“You just rest up tonight, Joopey.” Erik said. “Nurse Reece will take good care of you.”

Reece blushed, but Erik’s comment started us all giggling before Erik and I grabbed our totes and headed out to catch our tram home.

Steven said there would be days (weeks) like this during A-Levels and it appears this week is not going to be the exception!

We were pre-warned by our Profs that we would have a battery of review tests, as well as essays to work on all week. Thursday appeared to be the day we would have our series of tests on all subjects. I also wouldn’t put it past the Coach to give the 10^th Form a few extra drills to do in Gyms this week!

Of course I’m sure once dad caught wind of this; my Study Mode and time involved in it would take up more of my time!

I’m still working on Erik to step in and do a blog of his own, but even that would be a big challenge for him along with his studies to take my place for the week! So we will all just have to take things on a daily basis at this point and see what actually materializes this week!

But it was enlightening that Shayne and Lars had been doing some research and reading up on a few scripts! They haven’t come to a final conclusion just as yet, but at least they were on the right track and moving forward.

“We decided to do whatever we pick in the Reader’s Theatre format, Amar.” Shayne said as we met after lunch. “We like your suggestion to take it down a level and not do a full blown play.”

“Reader’s Theatre will be the easiest for our final performance this year.” Lars put in. “Maybe we can even use some basic costumes and makeup for more character.”

“I’m assuming you’ve both backed down from the Talent Show idea?” I asked.

They both nodded.

“Lars and I talked about it, and we think a Talent Show would best be done on a full stage.” Shayne said. “That’s what Professor Springer mentioned. I can’t wait for him to be full time Theatre Director next school year, Amar.” Shayne added with a swooning sigh.

“So what are your choices for Reader’s Theatre this year?” I asked.

“We narrowed it down to three, Amar.” Lars looked at Shayne for Dramatic effect.

“It will be between, Oliver Twist, Treasure Island . . .” they looked at each other, “And The Outsiders.”

I felt as if the wind was suddenly knocked out of me, and I feigned indifference. The Outsiders was one of my favourite books and movies, and I so wanted to be a part of it, but I know my schedule would not allow it to happen.

“Those are great choices, you two.” I forced a smile. “Whichever one of the three you choose to perform; it will be a great production.”

“You’re not upset, Amar?” Lars asked.

“Yeah, Amar,” Shayne leaned against me. “We know how much you wanted to do the Outsiders.”

“There’s no reason for me to be upset, you two.” I smiled, giving them both a hug. “I’ll enjoy it whether I’m in it or in the audience. Just remember, you two are the Directors – not me.”

They both gave me another hug just as chimes sounded and they hurried off to Base.

********************

I will have to admit that Psychology was quite interesting today, but we knew the rest of the week the pressure would be shovelled on!

We actually did a bit of role playing today – drawing small pieces of folded paper from a jar and portraying the emotion written on it. Then the class would have a fifteen minute discussion about that particular emotion, and talk about remedies or “cures” to deal with it. Then we would move on to the next drawing of an emotion, and so forth.

It was quite interesting, and turned out at times to be quite the challenge as well when opened to the entire class for discussion.

****************

I had a bit of a scare at final chimes though. When I was packing my tote and telling Ben and David goodbye, Reece came into our Base with quite the worried look on his cherub-like face.

“Is something wrong, Reece?” I asked.

“Joopey’s hurt, Amar.” He said quietly.

“What?” I gasped. “What’s wrong? Where is he?”

“He’s still in our Base,” Reece said, grabbing my hand as the two of us hurried off to 7^th Form Base.

When we got there, I was almost expecting to see Joopey rolling on the floor holding some injured part of his body. Instead, he was just sitting on a chair and leaning on his Station desk.

“Are you OK, Joop?” I asked as I pulled up another chair and put my arm around him. “What’s wrong?”

He looked so pathetically sad when he lifted his head and looked at me.

“My tooth hurts, Amar.” He whimpered. “I can hardly chew on my one side, and when I drink something cold, it stings real bad like someone’s poking a knife there.”

“When did it start hurting you, Joopey?” I asked.

“It wasn’t too bad at breakfast, but it got a bit worse at lunch, and now it like hurts all the time.”

“Let’s go talk to the Nurse and see what she has to say about it, OK?” I said, helping him up as Reece took his tote. “Why don’t you take both your totes back to the Dorms, Reece’s Pieces and tell the Dorm Master where Joopey is.”

Reece gave Joopey a hug before he grabbed the two totes and headed toward the Dorms, and Joopey and I headed to the Infirmary.

It turned out that Joopey did have a bit of a toothache. “Probably a cavity that got the best of him, Amar,” She said. “We’ll give him a baby aspirin and get him to the Dentist first thing in the morning. In the meantime, he can head back up to the Dorms. I’ll have a talk with the Dorm Master about his dinner and giving him another aspirin before bedtime.”

“You try and get some rest tonight, Joop.” I said. “Once you see the Dentist in the morning, you’ll feel so much better.”

“Will I still be able to hang the bird feeder outside my Opa’s window soon, Amar?”

“Let’s try and visit him again this Saturday, Joop,” I said. “I’ll have dad call to see if there are any restrictions in hanging bird feeders, OK?”

Joop gave me as best a smile as he could as we hugged and I gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek.