Page 31 - SpringBoard_ELD_Grade7_Flipbook

vile: disgusting
aCTiViTY 1.3
continued
My Notes
interpreting the Text Using Close Reading
28 “Martha — wait.”
29 I turned and looked at him, waiting. What did he want now? I could feel my
heart pounding loudly in my chest and see my blouse fluttering where my breasts should have been. Something bitter and vile tasting was coming up in my mouth; I was afraid I was going to be sick. I didn’t need any sympathy speeches. He sighed loudly and went back to his big desk. He watched me, biting his lip.
30 “Okay. We’ll make an exception in your case. I’ll tell the Board, you’ll get your jacket.”
31 I could hardly believe my ears. I spoke in a trembling rush. “Oh, thank you, sir!” Suddenly I felt great. I didn’t know about adrenalin in those days, but I knew something was pumping through me, making me feel as tall as the sky. I wanted to yell, jump, run the mile, do something. I ran out so I could cry in the hall where there was no one to see me.
32 At the end of the day, Mr. Schmidt winked at me and said, “I hear you’re getting the scholarship jacket this year.”
33 His face looked as happy and innocent as a baby’s, but I knew better. Without answering I gave him a quick hug and ran to the bus. I cried on the walk home again, but this time because I was so happy. I couldn’t wait to tell Grandpa and ran straight to the field. I joined him in the row where he was working, and without saying anything I crouched down and started pulling up the weeds with my hands. Grandpa worked alongside me for a few minutes, and he didn’t ask what had happened. After I had a little pile of weeds between the rows, I stood up and faced him.
34 “The principal said he’s making an exception for me, Grandpa, and I’m getting the jacket after all. That’s after I told him what you said.”
35 Grandpa didn’t say anything; he just gave me a pat on the shoulder and a smile. He pulled out the crumpled red handkerchief that he always carried in his back pocket and wiped the sweat off his forehead.
36 “Better go see if your grandmother needs any help with supper.”
37 I gave him a big grin. He didn’t fool me. I skipped and ran back to the house
whistling some silly tune.
8 SpringBoard® English Language Development grade 7
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