Never Too Soon

Possibility

POV: Harper

"Harper, pay attention. If you doze off again it's lunch with me." My third period teacher, Mrs Miles, slapped my desk with a ruler.

"Sorry Mrs Miles. It won't happen again." I immediately started to frantically write down what was on the board. The ruler slapping my desk echoed through the near-silent room and that gained the much unwanted attention from everyone. Great.

"This isn't like you. Are you okay?" Mrs Miles asked me in a quieter tone so the whole class didn't hear.

"Just an off day. It won't happen again." I gave her a reassuring half smile. Five seconds ago she's threatening lunch detention and now she cares. How am I supposed to read and gauge people when they act like this?

All I got in return was a nod. She clearly didn't believe me, but that's not my problem.

"Harper having an off day? Shocking." One kid kicked up shit from behind me with sarcasm, earning a few snickers from his crew of idiots.

"Huh, your girlfriend said the same thing about you in the sheets." I knew how to push boy's buttons, and I used that knowledge as often as possible. Having a dad who is a lawyer has its perks.

My comment earned a look from Mrs Miles, but she didn't say anything since the douchebag was the one who started it and it was pretty funny. It even got a few 'ooo's out of the others. I didn't do it to get a reaction out of anyone else, but it was a bonus.

It wasn't just 'an off day' for me, even though I lied rather well.

Lauren was on my mind constantly. A broken record of Saturday has replayed over and over again in my head, especially the ending, and it elicits excitement from me, but it's also worries me.

What if I crossed the line? My dad said she reacted shocked, but in a good way. Maybe she went home and thought about it. Maybe she found some sense after some time to think.

The only text I got from her since then was if my dad was taking me to school or not this morning, which he did and is supposed to pick me up this afternoon. It's not like she's obligated to text me or anything, but she used to text me everyday even if it was just a 'how are you' and we'd talk for five minutes.

I made it through the rest of class and when I got to lunch it was a shit show, per usual. Pushing through everyone, getting picked on, random pushes, and any slur they can think of to hit me with.

"Attention all students and staff, there will be an early release after your fourth period class. There is a severe storm coming through that our buses will not be able to go through and it won't be safe for anyone to drive through, and tornadoes are supposed to spawn because of it." The principal sounded stressed over the intercom while students started to cheer and whatnot. A fucking big ass storm is coming through and y'all are cheering.

I hate storms. My dad usually can't get off and I have to walk through it. My mom usually got off on the other hand. She worked further in the city and they knew her drive was longer, so they let her go early. When it was just her and me, it was so, so much worse.

"If you need to make a call to home, please come to the office immediately. The buses will be taking you guys home if you take the bus. Be safe everyone." The click of the phone made me flinch from the ear-invading sound. I hate that sound.

The whole lunch room went crazy. Fourth period is going to be even more of a shit show now that everyone has pending excitement for an early release. The teacher can barely handle the students without the current circumstance.

I took my phone out of my pocket to text my dad.

Me: Hey, we got an early release issued because of the storm that's coming. Can you still pick me up?

I knew he was at work at the DA's office, but I didn't know if they were going to let him go home early because of the storm. It's a hit or miss with them.

Dad: They aren't letting me leave until 2. I'm sure Lauren will be able to.

I sucked my lips in and internally screamed. Great. Now I have to text Lauren or walk home. Both are dangerous.

Me: Hey, I just got an early release issued because of the storm. Will you be able to pick me up? If not it's okay. I can walk.

Not even a minute later, she texted me back.

Lauren: Don't even think about walking. What time do I need to be there?

I sucked my lips in to prevent a visible smile. That would be another thing I'd get picked on for.

Me: 1 is when we get out, so 1:10 is when I will be out there.

Lauren: I'll be there. Do you want me to bring you food?

Me: No thank you. I've got the school lunch.

Lauren: Ew, I'm bringing you food.

I couldn't stop the giggle that escaped.

Instead of waiting in line for ten minutes to get shitty food, I sat down at a random table with my bottle of water. Water should fill me up enough to get me through the next period. It hasn't failed me yet.

Forth period went eerily slow. Much slower than the usual torturous hour. I swear it was three hours instead of one.

"Be safe everyone. Your papers are due by Friday. You'll have plenty of time to do it today." My forth period teacher dismissed us five minutes early so we didn't have to do push through the crowds to get out.

I quickly packed up my shit and was the second person out the door.

My eyes scanned for Lauren's car as the sky got darker and darker by the minute. That doesn't look good at all.

"Harper, over here!" Lauren yelled rather loudly and got out of her car to draw even more attention from her.

Embarrassment from her obnoxiousness was exceedingly high as I crossed the parking lot to her car.

"Did I embarrass you enough or do I need to be louder?" Lauren asked me with an amused smile resting on her lips.

"You did more than enough. I can assure you that." I walked quicker when she honked her horn. "Please stop." I sneered when I got in the car and put my book bag at my feet.

"It's so much fun to embarrass the little high schooler." Lauren pinched my cheek before driving away, weaving in and out of the pickup line, and made it to the road. No one wants to hit Lauren's car. No one here can afford to fix damages on it. "Oh, and the fast food places were already closed for the storm, but your Nan cooks like a god, so I'm sure there is something she can make you. Any who, cue your attitude. I know it's coming."

"I'm not little, and I'm graduating this year. Also, I don't have an attitude." I rubbed the spot on my cheek that she pinched.

"Well Miss Senior, do you plan on going to college?" Lauren's eyes were focused on the road, so I had plenty of time to take in her look for the day. Black skinny jeans, loose grey shirt, and her hair tied in a messy bun at the top of her head.

"I plan on it. I originally wanted to go away for college and never show my face again in this town afterwards, but now that my situation has changed, I don't have to run." I picked at the skin around my finger nails. A nervous tick I have never been able to shake.

"Is the court date coming soon?" Lauren glanced over at me, and seemed to be hesitant with asking the question.

"My dad said December is the soonest they could schedule it, but he is trying to get it sooner. He claims to have a solid case and his lawyer has been his friend for years, so it's 'in the bag' according to him, though my mother is a sick woman who can't be underestimated. If she were to fight for custody of me, she'd be doing it to hurt my dad and... can we change the subject?" I audibly gulped at the thought of her trying to get custody of me. The possibility has crossed my mind a few times, and it is terrifying.

"Of course we can." Lauren didn't even protest it for a split second, and that was much appreciated.

I let out a quiet sigh of relief and went along with the random, light-hearted conversation that Lauren was able to start effortlessly.