A Lesson In Crime

Chapter Two

The roles we're originally switched (Jack was teacher and Alex was student) and I don't know why I changed it but I did so if anything is wonky that's why, srry xo

The next day was better, the class already knew what to expect - which wasn't much. Alex made a makeshift sign in sheet so role wouldn't take much time. It was Shakespeare day, after all. 

He sat back and went through the lesson plan paperwork as they students slowly filtered in. He still couldn't believe he wasn't being paid for this, he thought to himself as he scanned over next week's Bukowski assignment. English was really, really his thing. It was so liquid, so many exceptions and interpretations - no solid truth. He liked how malleable it was in his hands.

He'd still like a paycheck, though.

At least it wasn't math.

Meanwhile Jack straightened out his papers, sneaking rushed looks at Alex where he was sat at the teachers desk. He was thankful he was in the front row, whereas in any other class that would be a nightmare.

"Ryan wanted to start on Shakespeare" Alex started. "I would have suggested Blink 182" he joked.

Jack grinned in his seat as his classmates laughed at Alex's stupid joke, and he smiled directly back at him. Jack blushed, looking down at yesterday's notes and tucking a lock of his hair behind his ear as he did so.

He looked nice today, Alex thought. Sporting a fall out boy shirt and an unzipped black hoodie over it. His hair was slightly wavy that day, Alex didn't know why he noticed these sorts of things.

-

Jack was late, not that Alex was waiting on him or anything... His shirt was soaked, and there was already a blue tint forming around his right eye. Alex eyed him carefully before noticing Jack was hyperventilating.

He went to him immediately and had it had been any other time, Jack would have backed away. Had he not been horrified, that is. The teacher guided the non responsive boy back to his desk, pulling their notepad out.

What happened?

Jack eyed the paper for a bit, maybe even five minutes before answering.

I'm not well liked he non verbally confessed.

Alex dug his nails into his thigh, admittedly not the best with anger.

Who? He asked.

Jack hesitated, not really wanting any trouble. Knowing how much worse bullying could get.

I don't know he lied.

Alex didn't let it go.

Are you trying to protect someone?

Yes, myself

It's confidential, Jack

So he confessed, not sure why he was doing so. He never sat with anyone at lunch, didn't have any friends to sit with so it was usually get his lunch and sit on the grass near the gymnasium. Ended up being get his lunch, get his lunch poured all over him, and get beat up behind the gymnasium.

Alex tapped his foot lightly under the table.

You should eat lunch in here he suggested.

Jack nodded back eagerly as soon as he saw it, smile stretched wide and cute across his face.

I'll get my lunch and come back here?

Jack thought about it, realizing that plan may not work so well if he still has to go to the cafeteria.

"I'll pack two lunches" Alex quickly added, out loud, sensing Jack's sudden doubts.

Jack pursed his lips together, eyebrows furrowing even closer.

That's too much trouble, Alex.

...No, Jack. It's not. Alex reassured him, slowly inching a hand forward to  place it over one of Jack's quivering ones. C'mon, tell me about your favorite bands again.

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