Read Online Take the Reins by Jessica Burkhart - Free Book Online Page B

pre-spider-bite sort of way. He took a deep bow. “I’m Mr. Ramirez,” he said. “Welcome to your first film class. In this class, I’ll be taking you on a journey through the world of film. We’ll be covering classics like E.T. , cartoon blockbusterslike Toy Story, and love stories such as Titanic. ”
    The theater was quiet. Mr. Ramirez continued. “You’ve probably heard this is an easy class.” Several girls in front of me nodded. “Well, that’s not exactly true. You’ll write papers, learn film terminology, and memorize many film quotes.”
    The guy on my right shifted over and put his arm on the armrest.
    â€œLet’s start with a little comedy to lighten the mood,” Mr. Ramirez said. “We’ll be screening the 1959 classic, Some Like it Hot, with Marilyn Monroe.” He turned down the lights.
    â€œI’ve seen this movie a couple of times,” Jacob whispered. Hopefully, he couldn’t hear my pounding heart. I didn’t have the nerves for this boy thing!
    The enormous movie screen crackled as the film started. Jacob and I sat in silence for a few minutes, but soon we were laughing at the movie at all the same parts. He caught my eye a couple of times and my earlier embarrassment started to fade. I forgot about my English paper due next week and the fact that Charm and I had knocked a rail during practice yesterday. All too soon, the movie ended. The lights came on, with an annoyingly bright glare, and Jacob shot me a smile.
    Mr. Ramirez stood in front of the screen and clapped his hands. “We have so much time, and so little to do! Strike that, reverse it.”
    â€œ Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory !” Jacob called out.
    â€œCorrect, sir! And you are?” Mr. Ramirez asked.
    â€œJacob Schwartz.”
    Mr. Ramirez stepped into the row in front of us and sat on the back of a chair. “What did you think of the film, Jacob?”
    Jacob didn’t hesitate. “I think that any guy who wants to understand girls should watch the film.” His comment sent Mr. Ramirez and the entire class into laughter.
    â€œAnyone else?”
    I raised my hand and he nodded to me.
    â€œThe movie seemed like it may have been ahead of its time,” I said.
    â€œGood, good. Your name, please?” Mr. Ramirez asked, a smile on his face as he rubbed his clean-shaven chin with his hand.
    â€œSasha Silver.”
    â€œThat was a good observation, Sasha. So, if the movie was ahead of its time, why do you think the studio took a risk on it?”
    â€œProbably because it’s so funny. People come to the movies to escape.”
    â€œThat’s very good. Quite true.” Mr. Ramirez moved off to another row.
    After a few more questions, he brought up the dreaded topic of homework.
    â€œEach of you will need to choose a film and write a three-page paper about it. The topic is up to you. You may use a film from the library or from your own collection. To ensure you read the syllabus, I’m not going to tell you the paper’s due date.”
    The rest of the class began packing up their books. I tried to think of something else to say to Jacob. “Good movie,” I said finally.
    L.A.M.E.
    â€œYeah, it was.” He grinned and, with that, headed out of the theater, disappearing into the crowd.
    Â 
    â€œHe did what?” Paige asked.
    â€œHe smelled my lip gloss.” I crashed onto my bed with a sigh. “Paige, we’ve been talking about this for twenty minutes! There’s not much left to tell.”
    She ignored me and flopped onto my bed. “How many times have you seen him? He definitely likes you.”
    Rolling my eyes, I got up off the bed and switched on my laptop. “I don’t know. And anyway, all he said when we left was ‘see you around.’”
    â€œThat could mean anything. Like, ‘maybe I’ll see you around’ or ‘see you for sure at the