But . . .

Do we ever fully outgrow it?

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Mr. Nagle asked you to stick around a moment after the bell.

"I'll admit, you have been working harder in class, and when you've done the lab work it's always been very good, and I haven't had to speak to you about not paying attention in quite a while. But . . . "

There's always a but.

It's a magical word. You can say anything you want, go on for as long as you want, and then all you have to do is add the magic word and instantly everything you said is erased, turned meaningless, just like that.

You're a really nice guy. . . .

Your mother thinks you need a new computer. . . .

You've been working harder in class. . . .

But.

You keep looking at Mr. Nagle as he explains how a few zero homework grades really knock down your average. You nod, and you're thinking that everything he is saying is true.

You are smarter than this.

You could be getting all As.

You could be on the High Honor Roll.

And that if you don't straighten up soon, you won't get into college.

You won't be able to find a decent job.

You won't amount to anything.

And you know it's all true.

But.

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You by Charles Benoit