The next morning, I walked to school, trying to hold my breath as I walked past the Dupain-Cheng bakery as the smell of croissants just made me even more hungry. And again, we didn’t have any money left for breakfast.
I went into homeroom early and was reading my book when Marc sat next to me again. I hope he never finds out the truth of my situation or I would be so embarrassed.
‘Hey’ Marc smiled at me as I peeked over my book and said a quiet ‘Hey’ back, hoping he wouldn’t see my red cheeks.
‘You still good for meeting up for tutoring this afternoon?’ he asked me.
I smiled and nodded shyly. ‘Sure’ I replied. ‘At your house, right?’ I clarified.
‘Yep, that’s fine’ he replied as I took a internal sigh of relief. ‘My parents will still be at work and running errands, but I have a key to get in so it’s no problem. Meet outside on the steps after school?’ he asked.
I smiled and nodded as he looked at my book.
‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire huh?’ he smiled. ‘I loved that series too. I won’t spoil it for you.’
‘It’s okay, this is the third time I’ve read the whole series, I love reading’ I replied.
‘Oh cool!’ Marc smiled. ‘Well, I love writing!’
‘I’d love to read your stories one day’ I smiled.
‘Really? Sure!’ Marc smiled. ‘They aren’t about wizards though, but I write stories about super heroes and Nathaniel illustrates them. Would really love your feedback!’
‘Really?’ I asked, almost in disbelief.
‘Absolutely!’ Marc smiled. ‘I’ll get you a copy of our latest story out of my locker and give it to you this afternoon when we meet up for tutoring.’
‘Sure’ I smiled as Ms Mendeleiev came in and homeroom class began.
At lunch I went around asking people if they were finished with their food. But not anyone in my grade or especially Marc or he’d get suspicious of why.
I managed to score half a PB&J sandwich, a bag of apple slices and a banana as someone got their little sister’s favourite fruit instead and they hated bananas. So at least it was something. I ate it in a quiet corner outside alone and read more of my Harry Potter book until the bell rang.
Pretty soon it was the end of school and time to meet Marc. I had a half bottle of perfume in my bag so I quickly spritzed it on, as showers are pretty far in between for me. I hoped he wouldn’t notice.
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Marc smiled as he walked up to me. ‘Hey Ann-Marie! Ready to go?’ he asked.
