When Jon walked into his science class the next day, he sighed as he saw the substitute teacher, Mr. Dean, standing in front of the whiteboard. He'd almost forgotten that this week, his science class was being taken over by one of those rather flimsy anti-abuse programs.
Oh great, he wondered. What are we gonna do today? The feeling of unpredictability was a bit of a change, but the lessons were boring and often obvious. He sat down at his usual table, consisting of shy student Keelan Ralston, who didn't seem to do much of anything outside of school, as well as two girls, Samantha Gomez and Gabby Fowler. While he'd talked a few times with them, he didn't know them all that well. Samantha played basketball and ran track, while Gabby was involved in the robotics club and probably enjoyed science more than anyone in the room. It was a solid lab group where Keelan could power through assignments and Gabby could keep labs on track.
As the opening bell rang, Mr. Dean got things in order. "Welcome back, class. Today, we're going to continue along with our series on abuse and look at the four different types of abuse. After that, to help you get an idea of what they are all about, each of your tables will come up with a skit based on a different type of abuse." Mr. Dean cast his gaze between the seven different tables of students in the room.
After another boring presentation of 20 minutes, it was finally time for the skit activity. "Alright, and we're going to do the skits now. The table in the corner over there," he began pointing at Jon and the others, "you'll do emotional abuse. The next table over, economic abuse. After that, sexual abuse..." Jon's thoughts trailed off. He looked at Keelan, who sat next to him, and the two girls across from him. Once Mr. Dean finished giving his instructions, it was time for the tables to come up with their skit.
Before Jon could even get in a word about not really wanting to act, Keelan spoke up. "Uh... Is it fine if I don't act? Maybe be the narrator or something?"
Jon sighed. "Uh, I was just gonna say..."
"Come on now," Samantha cut in. "You know Keelan can't act to save his life." Jon looked around, defeated, then turned to look at Keelan.
"Alright, you can be the narrator. So... How are we gonna set this up? Emotional abuse, right?"
"Well, we were thinking that it could be the three of us going into an ice cream shop. And we say something mean to you or clique-ish or whatever," Gabby explained.
"Hmm..." Something went off in Samantha's mind. She whispered to Gabby. After a bit of surprise, she nodded and then turned back to face Jon.
"What Samantha just suggested to me is that the script might be more easier to write..." She seemed to hesitate for a moment. "...if we had a third female role. That would...have to be you."
"Yeah! It'd be easier on us, and a bit different for you. Do you mind?"
Jon thought it over. Me? A girl? His hesitation was evident. "Ummm..." He paused again. "Alright," he sighed.
"Well then, first question. What should we call you?"
