Catch Me When I Fall [BxB]

Dumb Khai Shit

With Mrs. Laney's help, I manage to finish my math homework right before the half bell.

"Thanks for your help." I tell her as I close my math textbook. She was actually really useful. I have a much better understanding of the concepts now.

"I also have to write a couple poems for English. They don't have to be done until this Friday, though." I say. "And there's only four. They're not overly hard."

Mrs. Laney nods.

"Well, it's Wednesday today, so you have two days. You could write two on each day and you'll be good." Mrs. Laney suggests, and I nod. I switch out my math notebook for my English one, and begin to brainstorm.

After half an hour, I have my Haiku poem finished, and I've started on my lyric poetry. I spend the last few minutes talking to Mrs. Laney, and even after the bell rings, I stay with her for a bit. 

I'm in no rush, it's not like I have a bus to catch. I can just walk whenever I want. 

Besides, I'm somewhat fearful that the bullies will be back, and if I wait, maybe they'll be gone before I head home.

Mrs. Laney suddenly waves to someone outside the library.

"Poor guy. I think I'm the only staff member who truly cares for him." She says, referring to the someone.

The library door swings open, and when I turn around, I see Tyrone. He looks at me, somewhat confused but also... concerned? 

I don't know if I'm good at reading people. I thought he was mad at me.

"Hey, you weren't in PE." He brings up.

"No. I wasn't really feeling up to it." I tell him. He nods and takes a few swigs from his water bottle.

"Hey, Tyrone!" Mrs. Laney greets him. He waves at her and gives a forced smile.

"Got a lot on your mind?" Mrs. Laney asks. Tyrone nods.

"Always. But don't we all?" Tyrone sighs and turns to me. "Be careful out there. I can't come to your rescue today if something goes down. I've got an extracurricular." He tells me.

"I'm not your responsibility, Tyrone. You don't have to be my bodyguard." I say with a little smile. Tyrone shrugs. 

Suddenly, he smiles. A genuine smile. When we make eye contact, I can tell he's got some idea brewing up there.

"Do you know what my extracurricular is?" He asks, and I shake my head.

"I'm in a martial arts/self-defense club. We cover boxing, kick-boxing, various martial arts and of course, self-defense itself. You should join."

"Oh Tyrone, don't make him violent, he's such a sweet kid." Mrs. Laney interrupts, but I can hear by her tone that she is smiling. Tyrone stares at her for a few seconds.

"And that's why he needs to learn to defend himself. People take advantage of that." Tyrone explains where he's coming from.

"Of course, I'm only joking, hon." She places a hand on Tyrone's shoulder and squeezes it. Tyrone's gaze shifts to me.

"So, what do you think?"

"I was going to sign up for some extra-curriculars anyway. I almost forgot. I think it's a good idea. I should probably see Mr. Williams and inquire about what else this school offers."

"Or, you could sit in today and watch, see if it's something you'd be interested in. Then you kind of know what it's like ahead of time." Tyrone recommends. I nod.