Fat Cat by Robin Brande

Author:Robin Brande
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9780375893575
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Published: 2009-10-07T04:00:00+00:00

44

By the time the bell rang in Mr. Fizer's, Matt wasn't there. So far both of the guys I wanted to avoid today were helping me do it. I let myself relax.

But that lasted about five minutes.

"Miss Locke, may I speak to you?"

Mr. Fizer was holding the notebook I'd just turned in. I did not have a good feeling.

I went up to the front.

"Out in the hall," Mr. Fizer said.

Even worse.

I had no idea what I'd done wrong. As far as I knew I was meeting all the criteria--doing my research, keeping accurate records, turning in my notebook every Monday.

"I'm concerned, Miss Locke. Your project seems to have stalled."

"Sir?"

"While it's fascinating to learn that you have perfected a recipe for lentil and barley loaf, I fail to see the science in this anymore."

I swallowed hard. I seemed to be out of saliva.

"Miss Locke, what is your project really about?"

The truth? As if I could tell him that. It's about me trying to be pretty, sir, and maybe someday fit into a size 8. And hopefully kick Matt McKinney's butt in science while I'm at it and finally get my revenge.

"It's about ... trying to conform our habits to the healthier lifestyle of our ancestors."

That didn't sound bad. I kept going.

"And you can see from my notes that I've been doing a lot of research into other native and primitive cultures, just like you suggested, and comparing how much healthier they were without all the processed foods and modern luxuries we have today."

Mr. Fizer studied me over the top of his half-glasses. I hate it when he does that. It's worse than when Amanda stares me down.

"Let me ask a different question," he said. "Do you feel that your project, as it stands right now, rises to the level of a superior science fair entry? One that might qualify to compete internationally?"

Well, if he was going to put it that way ...

"I guess not," I admitted. "Not right now."

"Are you bored with your project, Miss Locke?"

"No! Not at all."

"It's not a crime," he said. "Some of your classmates have found it necessary to shift directions. As scientists we can't afford to become entrenched in our ideas. We always need to be able to approach our work with fresh and open minds. If you feel you've done all you can with your original premise, then it's time to step back and re-evaluate. There's no shame in that. In fact, it's the mark of a great scientist that he or she constantly asks new questions and pushes ahead toward new horizons. Do you understand?"

I slumped against the wall. "Yes, sir."

Mr. Fizer handed me back my notebook.

"Don't be discouraged, Miss Locke. We all have moments when even our finest ideas seem to have run their course. Remember what Einstein said: 'The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.'"

I attempted a smile. "Yes, sir."

"You're a bright young woman," Mr. Fizer said. "I was impressed by your analysis of whether early hominins used fire.

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