Date: August 21
Frank was only a little surprised when Coach Hedge told them that they would not be playing dodgeball, but rather discussing an important topic.
"You don't even need to change into your gym clothes," Coach Hedge said.
Drew cheered, but Silena looked glum and told Beckendorf she had gotten cute new athletic shorts. The students were directed towards the bleachers and as they sat down, Coach Hedge brought out his megaphone.
     "Now, I'm sure you all know about the drama going on," Coach Hedge said. "What makes this different than your usual drama is that teachers are involved. Now, I don't want you cupcakes to get on your high horses because let me tell you: you're no better. It's true; you all get into loads of drama. And what is the source of that drama?"
     "Shoes?" Travis asked jokingly.
      "Popularity," Drew said.
      "Relationships," Piper said.
      "Piper is the closest," Coach Hedge said. "The source of all high school drama is the urges you all are feeling. Now, I know you cupcakes are pumped full of hormones, but put your clothes on and keep them on! Don't let your — your urges stop you from graduating drama-free. As Stronae once said, 'Everyone knows how to make babies, but not everyone knows how to be a father.' Got it, cupcakes?"
     "We got it Coach Hedge," the class chorused.
      The bell rang. The class filed out. Frank doubted that Coach Hedge's speech would change anything. He could see Drew flirting with Dakota and Silena looking at Beckendorf like he was a full moon and she was a werewolf.
Frank's suspicions were confirmed in totality when he heard kissing in the bathroom.
"What are you doing in the boys' restroom, Valentina?" Frank asked.
"Oops," she said, giggling.
She blew a kiss at Paolo and strutted our as if she was walking on a catwalk instead of leaving the bathroom. Paolo started speaking rapidly in Portuguese and Frank was glad that he couldn't understand him because Paolo's tone did not sound complimentary towards him.
When Frank left the bathroom, he noticed the election posters up everywhere. Great, another source of drama, he thought. Coach Hedge and Piper were wrong; this drama will have nothing to do with relationships unless everyone was running to get dates.
He resisted the urge to rip up Octavian's election poster. Rachel has spent time on it and the slogan "Better Than a Pillow Pet" was sorta funny, but Frank could not get over his dislike of Octavian. He was two-faced and ambitious to the point of being malicious.
He heard strident tones and guessed he was overhearing a couple fight. He walked the other way and headed towards his locker. He needed to get his things before his grandmother picked him up.
"Hey, Frank!" Hazel said. "How are you?"
"I'm doing well," Frank said. "And you?"
"I'm going horseback riding with Jacob," Hazel said, grinning. "Well, see you around Frank."
Her words were like licorice: sweet and bitter at the same time. He watched her walk away and he supposed Piper was right. He liked someone who was already in a relationship. Frank grabbed his books and walked out to his grandmother's car. Coach Hedge was right; relationships only caused drama. Perhaps it was better if girls didn't like him.