Never Give Up

SPACE

"You're 10 minutes late Ms. Heartfilia? You know that we have punishments for tardiness especially on a Monday."

"Sorry, sensei. I..."

"It's not her fault, sensei." Sting chimed in.

"Mr. Eucliffe, what are you still doing here?"

"I just wanted to make sure that Lucy won't get in trouble for helping me earlier."

Porlyusica raised her brow. "Help with what?"

"I didn't know how to get here, so I asked Lucy to come along with me. But on our way here, we had some car trouble and it took a while before I was able to fix the problem. That's the reason why we are late." Sting said in an apologetic tone. "I am very sorry for getting Lucy in trouble."

Lucy just stared at Sting. She can't believe he could create a story on the spot.

"Your brother got here earlier, Mr. Eucliffe. How come you didn't go with him?"

"We fought so he left me behind," Sting answered without hesitation.

"Is that true, Ms. Heartfilia?"

"Uhm..."

Porlyusica raised her brow.

Sting slung his arms over Lucy's shoulder.

"It's okay, Lucy. You can tell sensei the truth." Sting winked at her when Porlyusica was not looking.

Lucy was stunned by Sting's action. Little did she know that Gray was watching them intently. He was staring daggers at Sting for putting his arm over her.

"Well, Ms. Heartfilia? I'm waiting."

"Just go along with my story," Sting whispered.

Lucy took a deep breath before she spoke.

"Y-yes, sensei. It's true what Sting said. W-we had some car trouble that's why were late. I'm sorry." Lucy bowed her head in apology.

Porlyursica stared at them for a whole minute. Wondering if she should let this one slide. "How stupid do these kids think I am?"

Lucy was sweating. She was so nervous. She is so not used to lying, but desperate times require desperate actions.

Sting, on the other hand, seems unaffected by Porlyursica's stare.

"Fine. Since this is your first time to be late I'll accept your lame excuse."  

Lucy blushed in embarrassment. She knew that Porlyursica would see through their lies no matter how good Sting is. She checked on Sting and saw that he was grinning.

"But this is the only time I will let this slide. Understood?"

Lucy nodded.

"I want to hear you say that you understand, Ms. Heartfilia."

"I-I understand, sensei. It won't happen again."

"Good. Now, go to your seat."

Lucy nodded. As she walked towards her seat she saw Gray looking at her which made her stop moving.

"What's wrong now, Ms. Heartfilia? Quit dawdling and go take your seat."

Lucy flinched with Porlyursica's voice. She looked away from Gray and resumed walking. Finally, she reached her destination and took her seat.

"Mr. Eucliffe what are you still doing here?"

"I'm just making sure Lucy gets to her seat safely."

Everyone snickered.