Page 24 of Private (Private 1)

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a point.

My mouth was entirely dry.

“Next. Mr. Simmons,” Mr. Barber said.

“I see you’re new here,” he said with a smirk, looking up from

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his ledger. Every person in the room turned to look at me. Thanks.

Mr. Barber was incredulous. He took a few steps forward and

Thanks a lot.

crossed his arms over his chest. “I believe the question was fair,

“Yes,” I managed to say.

Miss Brennan.”

“I’ll give you an easy one, then,” Mr. Barber said condescendingly.

I opened my mouth to respond, but he cut me off.

I wanted to smack him and thank him at the same time.

“And why do I believe the question was fair? Because I expect

Give me something I know. Please just give me something I know.

my students to think, Miss Brennan,” he said. “I expect them to

“How many terms did Franklin Delano Roosevelt serve as presi-

take one moment to consider the options before simply blurting

dent of the United States?” he asked.

out the first response that pops into their heads. This is not the Yes!

set of Jeopardy! , Miss Brennan; this is your education. You should

“Four,” I said, grinning.

be more conscientious in the future. Do we understand each

“I’m sorry. The correct answer is three,” Mr. Barber said.

other?”

My eyes and face burned with humiliation even as my brain

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