The bell rings and students begin walking inside the science lab classroom. Milo walks to one of the lab seats, places his book bag on the ground, and takes out his notebook.
The biology teacher, Ms. Swanson, enters the classroom, immediately beginning the class once the second bell rings.
Ms. Swanson: Okay class, please take a seat at one of our lab desks so that we can get today’s assignment started.
Milo looks up when he hears someone sitting across from him. It’s Gwen Mesdrow, a girl with long, stringy black hair that nearly covers the majority of her face. Milo rolls his eyes before looking down at the notebook.
Ms. Swanson: Before we get started, can anyone explain to the class what is the process called when one cell splits into two within the human body?
The class stays silent. Ms. Swanson looks around the class before she sighs.
Ms. Swanson: This is basic biology terminology; everyone in the class should know this.
Milo looked around to see if anyone else knew the answer. He kept his head down, avoiding eye contact with the teacher. He clearly also did not know it.
Milo watches Gwen raise her hand, in which Ms. Swanson points at her.
Ms. Swanson: Gwen?
Gwen: It’s called Mitosis. It’s the process when a cell replicates its chromosomes to then split them into two, creating two identical cells in preparation for other stages of cell division.
Milo looks up at Gwen, amazed at the answer she gave for the class. He knew Gwen was one of the smartest kids in their sophomore class, but he didn’t realize just how smart she truly was in comparison to everyone else in this specific class.
Ms. Swanson: Beautifully put, Gwen; thank you.
Gwen turned around to face forward in her seat, quickly glancing at Milo before looking back down at her notebook.
Milo: *whispers* That was so easy how you put it.
Gwen: *confused* Huh?
Milo: The answer. You’ve explained Mitosis better than Ms. Swanson ever did in class.
Gwen doesn’t say anything back as Ms. Swanson stops her lecture and looks at Milo.
Ms. Swanson: Milo, would you like to add anything to our discussion?
There’s a slight pause in the room; nothing was said and the only sound in the room was from the other students turning their bodies to look at Milo. Milo appears nervous.
Milo: I was agreeing with you, in that Gwen put it in an easily understandable way.
Ms. Swanson doesn’t say anything back. She turns around and continues to teach the lesson.
Later in the class, Ms. Swanson picks up last week’s lab assignments and directs the class’ attention.
Ms. Swanson: *walks around, handing out papers* For those that did not do well on this lab report, I strongly recommend going to one of our after-school tutors before next week’s midterm exam.
Ms. Swanson places Milo’s lab report upside down on the desk. Milo flips it over to see the grade; a 55/100. Milo looks up at Ms. Swanson, who is now handing Gwen’s paper to her facing upwards, revealing the 100/100 grade.
Ms. Swanson: Please use all the possible resources we offer as you all know, a failing grade affects your major status at Waverly; especially those who are dual majors.
Ms. Swanson looks at Milo before moving toward another table. Milo looks at his failing grade again. The bell rings and all of the other students begin to pack their bags to leave the classroom. Milo watches Gwen get up from her seat with her book bag over one shoulder.
Milo: *gets up* Gwen!
Gwen jumps, quickly turning around to look at Milo. Gwen turns around, walking toward the exit of the classroom. Milo follows her.
Milo: *runs* Wait, Gwen!
Gwen: *turns around* What?
Milo stops running when he sees Gwen turn around abruptly, trying to not run into her.
Milo: How’d you do on your last lab report?
Gwen: Why?
Milo: You probably got the highest grade in our class.
Gwen: Again, what does that have to do with you knowing my grade?
Milo: *fidgets in place* Well, Biology isn’t my strong suit, and I didn’t do well on my last report.
Gwen: Once again; what does that have to do with me and my grade?
Milo sighs when the warning bell for the next class rings.
Milo: I need someone who can break down this class in a way that I can understand.
Gwen: *dismissive* Ms. Swanson said there are tutors in the student center; ask one of them to help you.
As Gwen starts walking away, Milo follows her, walking alongside her in the hallway. Gwen looks up at Milo before looking straight ahead.
Milo: But you actually make this stupid shit make sense; I really need to pass this class or—
Once again, Gwen stops mid-walk and looks over to Milo.
Gwen: I know. You’ll fail, and then your precious dual major is jeopardized. Instead of using me just to get a better grade in a class, you should really go ask a tutor to help you.
Gwen walks away from Milo, leaving him in the middle of the hallway. Not long after that, Milo’s name is heard. He turns around to see Jennifer and Nicki walking toward him.
Jennifer: Dude, we were calling you for like a straight 5 minutes! Who the hell were you even talking to?
Milo: *shakes his head* A nerd. A nobody.
Milo looks away and walks in the other direction, towards Jennifer and Nicki.
Letters From Liz. 