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the mess. I always think I’ll be more organized for start up, but it never seems to happen.”
    She smiled. “No worries.” Sitting down across from him, she pulled her class schedule out of her purse.
    “So tell me what brings you here during one of your last days of freedom,” the counselor asked.
    “It’s about this,” she replied, handing him the piece of paper. Her heart picked up its pace, and her fingers were feeling a little clammy. “I was really hoping for Barnes for history, and PE first period is…well…you know, not exactly every girl’s dream.”
    He studied the schedule and then placed it on his desk. Leaning forward he made eye contact with her and smiled, nodding his understanding. “Normally I’d say just give it a try. But since you went to the trouble of coming in, let me see if there’s anything I can do.”
    “I was thinking maybe we could switch PE and history periods. If Mr. Barnes has a first period class, that is,” she suggested.
    Mr. Woodruff jiggled the mouse for his computer and then clicked on a link. He scrutinized the screen silently, while Maddie held her breath, praying for a miracle.
    “Hmmm…” he murmured. “Let’s see, here.” He clicked a few more times, typed in something, and then leaned closer to the screen. After a moment, he said, “Okay, it looks like Mr. Barnes has a fifth period class, too. But it’s pretty full,” he said, leaning back in his chair and directing his attention back to her.
    “What about changing PE?” she asked.
    “All the PE classes are impacted this year. And the PE teachers just spoke at the staff meeting about how they are unhappy about being the class everyone thinks of as flexible or disposable. So, you’re probably stuck with first period on that one.”
    “Oh.”
    “But here’s the good news. First period is homeroom, so you have ten extra minutes. They usually give half of that to the students on the back end so they get more time to get ready for the rest of the day. You can just wear your PE clothes to school and then change into your regular clothes after class is over.” He paused. “Let’s give the fifth period class a try on the computer and see if it will take another student.”
    Madison smiled, shooting up a silent prayer as she watched Mr. Woodruff click on something on the screen again, type, and then sit back in his chair. “Okay. You’re on his roster. Want to walk over and meet him? He’s in his classroom working right now. Good way to get in his graces,” he added with a wink.
    “Sure,” she replied, her nervousness returning. As she stood, she rubbed her palms against her skirt, wiping off the perspiration. Breathe , she told herself silently, following her counselor out of the office.
    In contrast to Mr. Woodruff’s room, the history class was neatly organized. Textbooks were stacked in even rows on the back counter; a smart board and computer were in place in front. Mr. Barnes was seated at his desk, a dozen sharpened pencils in a cup next to the lesson plan book spread out before him. As they entered, he stood to greet them. “Hi, Chuck. Do you have a new student for me?” he asked the counselor.
    “This is Madison Baron. She came to see me today to request your class,” he replied.
    Mr. Barnes extended his hand to her. “Nice to meet you, Madison.”
    “You, too,” she said, shaking his hand. “Luke Johnson told me you’re a great teacher.”
    He smiled. “Luke’s going to be missed around here.”
    Madison nodded in agreement.
    “We’re looking at putting Madison into your fifth period,” Mr. Woodruff said. “I know that’s your largest class but according to the computer, you have one opening left.”
    “Okay,” he replied. “Sounds like you’re in, Madison.”
    “Thanks,” she replied. “I’m looking forward to it.”
    Mr. Barnes smiled. “I hope your enthusiasm is contagious, young lady. You may be aware that many students aren’t too fond of