Читать книгу Better English. Английский в историях для школьников онлайн

"Ugh, I wish," JB groaned. "I haven't even started building mine yet. I'm such a procrastinator."

I chuckled. "Yeah, we know." I pulled out a small, boxy contraption41. "Check this out. It's a robot pencil sharpener. Never have to worry about messy shavings again."

The bell rang, and we shuffled into Mr. Stern's history class. As Mr. Stern droned 42on about the Victorian factories, I pulled out a beat-up 43lunchbox. "My grandpa packed my lunch today," I explained. "He's kinda grumpy, but he's the best."

JB peeked inside. "Wow, those look like fossils44!"

I grinned. "They're army biscuits. Grandpa's been saving them since the war. Bet you can't eat one in under a minute without drinking anything."

JB's eyes lit up with a challenge. "You're on!"

Mr. Stern continued his lecture, oblivious 45to the bet taking place in the back row. JB chomped down on the biscuit, his face contorting 46as the dryness hit him. He chewed furiously, his eyes watering, but stubbornly refused to reach for his water bottle.

Suddenly, a loud choking sound erupted 47from JB's throat. Mr. Stern whipped around, his eyebrows raised in disapproval. "Mr. Simons, Mr. Williams," he sneered48. "Would you care to share your fascinating culinary experience with the class?"

JB, gasping for air, managed to squeak out, "That’s a… biscuit."

Mr. Stern's lips tightened into a thin line. "Detention49, both of you."

“I wish you gave him one to try too,” whispered JB after a few gulps of water.

In detention, we found our place in the back of the classroom, since it was pretty full with other of Stern’s students. It was hot. Flies lazily buzzed in the air, tuning in to the humming of the air vent.

JB slumped in his chair, grumbling. “I can't even do this stupid homework, let alone build a robot.” He pushed an empty worksheet away in frustration50.

Mr. Stern loomed over, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Is that your best effort, Mr. Simons? Your historical knowledge seems as lacking 51as your table manners."

JB's face flushed. "But I tried, sir," he muttered.