Can You Save Me? { Sam Pottorff }

Chapter 73 ~ It was Sam, mom.

Jazmin's P.O.V.

I look both ways and all around again, like I have been doing all day. I have been avoiding specific people all day and I don't want to run into them at all. Especially when I only have one class left.

"Jazmin." I freeze and turn around to see one of my six un-understanding teachers.

"Yes?' I continue to keep an eye out, but try to be polite and show that I am paying some attention.

"Well, I heard of your conditions at home. I know it may be difficult. So if it's needed, we can work something out too ease the pressure."

"Sir.." I have already had this conversation. "I am doing just fine. I can keep up with it all. Are my grades not good enough? Am I not doing the work well?" I thought I was doing well. Really well. I try really hard to make sure that all my work is correct, good, and excels all expectations. I know that not everything is going to be perfect, but it couldn't be that bad.

"You're grades are the same and it's all done very well, but I'm worried that the distractions will be overwhelming in the near future."

"They aren't distractions. They're children.." I shake my head, not wanting to believe I'm having this conversation for the third time today. "If you knew anything, I used to take care of my nephews all last semester. Did it seem like it then? Did you feel I had distractions?" My nephews aren't close at all to being as behaved as the twins.

"I didn't mean to upset you. I'm just worried about your academics." He says.

"Thank you for your concern, but I don't need any special treatment. I can handle everything on my plate. It isn't as hard for me as you think." I am about to walk away, but something pops into my head. "Were you going to tell Marley the same thing?'

"Why would I?" He furrows his eyebrows.

"My scores are higher than his.. I live with him. Said 'distractions' would apply to him as well, wouldn't they?"

"I wasn't aware of that." He looks down at a folder in his hand, like he had something to get done before he stopped me to talk.

"Well, don't worry about him either. We have everything under control." I say and leave him to do what he needs to do.

I am relieved when I make it to the table without having had a run in with someone unpleasant. I immediately lean into Marley and let out a huge breath I didn't know I was holding. I have been handling today nicely, and I can't let anything stop me from finishing that way. The twins and Aimee made my morning start off good, and hopefully if, God forbid, something happens, they will make it end good too.

"Are you okay?" Jeremy asks. "What took you so long?"

"Another concerned teacher." I don't hide my annoyance. "I get why, but why not ask. They just assume I need it. They don't ask if I'm having trouble, how I'm doing, how I'm handling it.. It makes me want to break something."

"Well don't break my arm." Marley laughs. I didn't realize I was squeezing his bicep. "We have just one more class to get through." He rests his head on top of mine and I sigh.

Not much is said. Jeremy has his face in a book, reminding me of myself. That would be me if it weren't for Marley making me forget my book at home, because he wanted us to be late again. I'm not surprised Mark is glued to his phone, laughing to himself. He's most likely on iFunny. Marley is playing with my hand, tracing the lines on my palms.

Mark looks up for a second and looks away too quickly. My heart skips a beat in the least best way possible.

"Um.. Where's James?" Mark looks around. I had been wondering the same thing. His eyes land on something behind Marley and I again. Jeremy stands and Mark does the same. "Guys.."