You Know I Like My Boys A Little Bit Older
Pointless AP European Class
There is nothing I enjoy more than sitting in 3rd period AP European History, especially since I sit right next to the window. I’m currently counting the snowflakes that are falling from the cloudy sky and contemplating how I’m actually passing this class. It can’t be that I pay attention. Because I definitely don’t. This class is right after lunch, and I have to fight sleep every single day.
“Addison!” I heard the person behind me whisper harshly and I felt him give me a slight shove as I snapped out of my day dream.
“Nice of you to join us Miss Endicott,” My teacher, Mr. West said giving me the hairy eye-ball as I muttered a 'sorry'. “As I was saying, many people have placed the blame on Germany, Serbia, and Austria-Hungary for World War I but some believe that other nations are also responsible.” West paused for a knowing second and the hand of a small red-head with glasses shot up. “Yes, Alexandra?” He asked in a bored tone.
“What do you mean other people think that the blame is shared by nations other than Germany, Serbia, and Austria-Hungary? I mean it’s obvious that those are the only three that are worth mentioning,” The annoying, know-it-all said.
“How can you say that it’s obvious that only those three are solely responsible?” I asked, surprising everyone including myself. No one ever contradicts Alexandra. Unless, of course they want to be filleted alive. “A case can be made to blame any one of the European powers.”
“Oh really? You think so?” She said giving me a disgusted look. I merely nodded, sensing my doom. “I’d love to see you find France guilty in some way.” She laughed evilly which earned a few odd stares from our classmates. “Well? I’m waiting, Addison. How is France guilty for aiding in the causes of World War I?” I remained silent for a second until I had a thought.
“It’s true that France cannot be directly blamed for the cause of the war seeing as how Gavrilo Princip did not kill the Archduke Franz Ferdinand in France,” I paused for what I swore was a millisecond, glancing up at Mr. West.
“You’re only helping to prove my point, Addison.” Gosh I don’t like her. Not one bit.
“That’s because you haven’t let me finish yet, Alex.” She hated when people called her Alex. I continued, “Like I said, France is not directly blamed but they can be in a way. France was allies with Russia at the time. When Russia started mobilizing troops France just kind of sat there with their arms up. France can be blamed for not stopping Russia and saying “oh come on guys, can’t we all just get along?” We could have avoided conflict if they had. If Russia hadn’t mobilized then Germany wouldn’t have retaliated by mobilizing and invading Belgium.” Alexandra looked at me in shock for a second. She recovered quickly though.
“That’s just your opinion. It sounds pretty weak to me.”
“It may sound weak to you, but I think it is a potential point that definitely has the potential to be proven.” Mr. West saved me from having to come up with some lame come back. "Alright, that’s it for today. I’ll give you guys a little extra time so you can get together your groupings for your DBQ (Document Based Question) that’s due tomorrow.” The entire class groaned. I can personally say that I would much rather takes notes with a feather and ink on cow’s hide than write an essay in one night.
“Tomorrow my new student teacher Thomas Donovan is starting. He won’t be teaching your class. He’ll be kind just of chilling during this period. Oh and by the way Alexander Jackson, your assistant principal for those of you who have been sleeping throughout your entire high school career, is coming in tomorrow to talk to you about taking the AP exam in May. Look interested.”
“Addison!” I heard the person behind me whisper harshly and I felt him give me a slight shove as I snapped out of my day dream.
“Nice of you to join us Miss Endicott,” My teacher, Mr. West said giving me the hairy eye-ball as I muttered a 'sorry'. “As I was saying, many people have placed the blame on Germany, Serbia, and Austria-Hungary for World War I but some believe that other nations are also responsible.” West paused for a knowing second and the hand of a small red-head with glasses shot up. “Yes, Alexandra?” He asked in a bored tone.
“What do you mean other people think that the blame is shared by nations other than Germany, Serbia, and Austria-Hungary? I mean it’s obvious that those are the only three that are worth mentioning,” The annoying, know-it-all said.
“How can you say that it’s obvious that only those three are solely responsible?” I asked, surprising everyone including myself. No one ever contradicts Alexandra. Unless, of course they want to be filleted alive. “A case can be made to blame any one of the European powers.”
“Oh really? You think so?” She said giving me a disgusted look. I merely nodded, sensing my doom. “I’d love to see you find France guilty in some way.” She laughed evilly which earned a few odd stares from our classmates. “Well? I’m waiting, Addison. How is France guilty for aiding in the causes of World War I?” I remained silent for a second until I had a thought.
“It’s true that France cannot be directly blamed for the cause of the war seeing as how Gavrilo Princip did not kill the Archduke Franz Ferdinand in France,” I paused for what I swore was a millisecond, glancing up at Mr. West.
“You’re only helping to prove my point, Addison.” Gosh I don’t like her. Not one bit.
“That’s because you haven’t let me finish yet, Alex.” She hated when people called her Alex. I continued, “Like I said, France is not directly blamed but they can be in a way. France was allies with Russia at the time. When Russia started mobilizing troops France just kind of sat there with their arms up. France can be blamed for not stopping Russia and saying “oh come on guys, can’t we all just get along?” We could have avoided conflict if they had. If Russia hadn’t mobilized then Germany wouldn’t have retaliated by mobilizing and invading Belgium.” Alexandra looked at me in shock for a second. She recovered quickly though.
“That’s just your opinion. It sounds pretty weak to me.”
“It may sound weak to you, but I think it is a potential point that definitely has the potential to be proven.” Mr. West saved me from having to come up with some lame come back. "Alright, that’s it for today. I’ll give you guys a little extra time so you can get together your groupings for your DBQ (Document Based Question) that’s due tomorrow.” The entire class groaned. I can personally say that I would much rather takes notes with a feather and ink on cow’s hide than write an essay in one night.
“Tomorrow my new student teacher Thomas Donovan is starting. He won’t be teaching your class. He’ll be kind just of chilling during this period. Oh and by the way Alexander Jackson, your assistant principal for those of you who have been sleeping throughout your entire high school career, is coming in tomorrow to talk to you about taking the AP exam in May. Look interested.”