Woes of the Wingmen

№ 21:

Monday, January 22nd.

"So, Bill," Samuel said. Reading through his morning newspaper.

"Hmm?"

"The police said they're willing to look over all the details of the case. Meaning there's a good chance that it'll get reopened."

"That's awesome, should I call Vance?"

"They'll probably call him in any way, along with his old man. They said something about finding anyone who knew about it. So just tell him at school."

"When are they meeting with everyone?"

"Pretty sure today after school."

"I'll tell Vance in History. I have it first period."

...

Billy waited for Vance in the commons, even though they only had five minutes left. And he found him walking outside. He only used his car when picking up his friends. Not wanting to be arrested for driving without a license.

"So, I have good news." Billy said, clapping his hands together.

"What is it?"

"I would tell you now if we didn't have three minutes to get upstairs to History class."

Vance rolled his eyes and scoffed.

"Yeah fuck off, dipshit. I just slept in today."

"You always sleep in. How messed up is your sleep schedule?"

"As messed up as those History notes of yours."

"Oh close the shades, some of us are fast thinkers and don't think that much about our handwriting."

"And some of us are fast walkers, so keep up." He said before speed walking to the stairs. Billy, who had been used to Robin's slow walking, had to basically run to catch up with him.

They finally got to class through having to push through irritating little friend groups. As in, Vance shoved through them.

The bell rang as the two boys had just settled in their seats. They sat next to each other, And in the front row, originally because of prejudices about Vance. Having to enroll later because he only escaped in November.

"Class, for our starter today, I want you to write when the Era of Good Feelings started and ended." Mr. Williams pointed to the prompt on the chalkboard. An older black man with glasses and graying dark hair. And a teacher Vance absolutely adored.

Because of his love for the subject, he knew the answer almost immediately. The answer had been blanking on Billy, so he asked softly.

"Vance, when are the dates?"

"I'm not telling you unless you tell me what you wanted to say earlier."

Billy sighed, he had completely forgotten about the good news when he left his brain out the door. I mean he always did in History, he was nothing without Vance's secret nerdiness.

"Fine, but I need the dates first. I don't want to get you in trouble."

"Boys!" They both jumped at his ruler hitting Billy's desk. "I hope you're not sharing answers. I know it's Monday but c'mon. This is for me to know how much you know."

Billy then turned to look at him. "I know, Mr. Williams, it's just that I left my brain at the door. And Vance here is really good. Isn't knowledge passed on anyway?"

The teacher immediately snapped back at him. "Well bring your brain back in, Billy. We've got work to do."

Once he left, Vance leaned in and teased him.

"Did you really just try to charm him? You know I'm his favorite student in this class."

"I dunno know, I thought I could use what my dad calls 'charisma' but I guess I don't have it."

"Clearly not," he smiled and tried not to laugh in such a quiet room. But he used one of his highlighters, a blue one, and drew on his arm. Then showing it to Bill. Which read: '1815 - 1825'

"Thanks," Billy smiled and wrote it down on his paper. Then handing it in, along with Vance's.

"Okay so now can you tell me what the fuck is going on?" Vance grumpled.