If I Ever Get Out of Here

Lewis sneaks into the school as the bell rings, with baseball bat in hand. He waits for Evan to emerge from his classroom. Visions of revenge dance through Lewis’ imagination. Just then, George grabs Lewis’ shirt collar and drags him into the boys’ room. He wants to know just what Lewis is thinking with the baseball bat. George mentions a lesson his dad taught him about not using a weapon you can’t handle, and about the possibility of it being taken away from you and used against you. Lewis is defensive, frustrated. George takes the bat from Lewis. Mr. Doyle walks into the bathroom. George claims the bat belongs to him. Mr. Doyle confiscates it, telling George he can pick it up after school. Mr. Doyle has Lewis follow him to the office.

Once in the office, Lewis meets with Mr. Groffini, the guidance counselor assigned to Native American students. Mr. Groffini discusses the situation with Lewis, about how he has been getting good grades and why he is throwing it all away now by refusing to go to school. Lewis tells him about Evan, and also that no one will do anything about it. While they talk, Lewis is belligerent, but Mr.