Archaeology 101... The Classroom of Despair

~Day 2~

The next day, the class waited for Professor Ranking to enter the classroom. The air was much less tense this time around. Makayla and Mathi talked to Harp and Andrew while Andrew laughed heartily at something that was said. Harp had her typical bag of beef jerky and ate that throughout the whole conversation. Dave and Holly argued with each other as they always seemed to do, but this time Nico also talked with them. Dave seemed to need some guys' time as he never really listened to what Holly said as he talked with Nico. Ken, Alec, and Kiera had formed a strange bond, but the three of them looked over Earl with disdain.

"Hey Kiera, I noticed something yesterday but didn't get to ask you then, what is that necklace around your neck, it's awesome." Alec pointed out a cute penguin necklace hanging around Kiera's neck.

"Oh– Thanks! It was the last thing my mom left me before she passed away a while ago. I never take it off. It's kinda like a memento ya know?" She responded to Alec's inquiry. "Sorry if that's a little deep."

"Nah, Nah, Nah, it's all good that fucking epic, right Ken?" Alec said while he put his arm over Ken's shoulder.

"Yes. That is very interesting, it is very cute." Ken replied and glanced at the arm that just got thrown over his shoulder. "Anyways, I was also thinking this thing, Earl, was kinda on the creepy end, no?"

"YOU GET ME! HE IS TERRIFYING!!!" A smile spread onto Kiera's face as her hands raised in validation. Then She looked at Earl and turned him around so he no longer looked at them as Ken and Alec laughed. The Professor Ranking entered the room and everyone started to head to their seats.

"Whassup Professor!" waved Andrew. Everyone else also greeted Professor Ranking as he walked into the classroom. This put a smile on Professor Ranking's face. As he waved back to the class.

"Uhmm Professor..." Makayla said while she slowly reached into her backpack. "I, uhh, made this hat last night for Earl. I hope you both like it..." Makayla pulled out a purple knit beanie and handed it to Professor Ranking who looked at it and smiled and placed it carefully onto Earl's head while she turned him back around.

"It's perfect. Thank you, Makayla, I'm sure that Earl also loves it." This made Makayla smile and Matti patted her head while he gave a thumbs up, Makayla smiled back at him. Makayla got some congratulatory handshakes and high fives which she sheepishly smiled at and returned.

"Well if Makayla gave something to Earl, I should too!" Harp said while she stroked her chin in a ponderous movement. "OooOOoH! I got it" With that Harp started to rummage through her bag and she pulled out a bag of cookies. "I baked these this morning! Here Earl should have one!" Then Harp took out a large chocolate chip cookie and leaned it up against Earl's mouth. "Now he's full and warm!"

"Thank you both so much, I'm sure it means a lot to Earl." Professor Ranking said with a happy smile plastered on his face. Both girls said you're welcome and smiled at each other. Kiera rolled her eyes at the thought of gifting something to Earl and she locked eyes with Ken and Alec, and knew they thought the same way. With that, the lesson had started and silence with a few jokes started to emerge engulfed the classroom throughout. It was a very peaceful and fun learning environment for all the students. Professor Ranking was no less than a genius in Archaeology especially and explained everything very clearly.

Towards the end of class, Professor Ranking gave us the last 10 minutes to talk about the work with each other. Ken and Alec got along very well with Kiera and they all stood near Earl again. This time Kiera kept poking Earl with a dissatisfied smile on her face. However, during one of the pokes Kiera gave to Earl, Ken bumped into her and Earl went just a little too far off the edge.

BAM. A loud sound emanated around the room, and everyone stopped in their tracks, this included the air itself. There was silence. All eyes were directed towards the front of the room. Kiera moved slowly and carefully and picked up Earl. She held him at arm's length as she examined him. On the side, he landed there was an indented hole with a large web of cracks that crept up the side of his face. Kiera looked up toward Professor Ranking.

"I mean he kinda had it coming, he's so creepy... But I'm so sorry Professor I really didn't mean to." Kiera said, as she examined the cracks. Professor Ranking didn't say anything and just looked at the cracks on Earl's side. He sighed. He took Earl from Kiera's grasp and placed him back onto his spot in the front of the class.

"Well, I suppose I should go for the day guys..." A sullen Professor Ranking said as he left the classroom and building for the day. Everyone glared at Kiera, but Alec and Ken comforted her, assured her that everything was going to be alright. Earl was just a rock, and they were sure Professor Ranking would be over it soon. It was an accident after all. Kiera appreciated the comfort and they decided to hang out after class on campus a bit more. And so class ended.