The Undo Button

Honestly, I feel cheated. The instructions on our research paper were foggy like January, and now the best I can pull off is a C+. Oh well. It’s not like my life is going to change. 

Of course, I see it now. I should have payed attention before. But at the time, my brain was flashing, “Vent, vent!” So, I did. Mr. Johnson didn’t appreciate my “constructive” e-mail; my parents freaked about the phone calls at work, and then they grounded me for two weeks.  If only there was an undo button in life...

 * * *

Barry’s Burgers isn’t a first good job for a junior in high school. I was at the restaurant, minding my own business. A buzzer blares. And just like Barry told me to do, I pull the fries (shake, shake), dump them under the heat lamp, sprinkle a little salt, and turn back to the burgers. I see Barry approaching, and he doesn’t look happy. On the contrary, he appears furious. 

“These fries aren’t done, Tommy! What are you doing?” Barry asked angrily.

I start to explain about the buzzer, but he points toward the grill, and I look. Burger bun tops are burning and the fry alarm is just now beginning to ring. I thought that alarm was for the fries. Where’s the undo button?

* * *

Every time is the same as the last. I promise my mom and dad that this time I would study; this time I would be prepared. But I like to watch a little TV after school to “clear my mind.” Okay, I know, that hour always turns into three. And then I found myself up until two in the morning, trying to cram facts into my overflowing brain. In the morning, one hour after my alarm goes off, I frantically jump out of bed and hope I can make it to school on time.

Now, as usual, here’s my test with lots of red marks and a blazing C-. It’s the same every time. Why can’t there be an undo button in life, where you can conveniently press it anytime, and those last few seconds (or hours in my case) never happened?

* * *

It started with a simple jog to the corner store, just looking for a chocolate fix. But I met up with Jerry and George, who are heading to the school football game. I decide to tag along. Then I catch Susan and we talk about college and our future over coffee. When I arrive home, I eat dinner, talk, and watch my favorite show. And now, here I am looking at the clock, and I realize I have to finish assignments in four subjects. I’m done for. Undo button, please!