Wouldn't it be Funny?

Chapter 2

I was screeching into the parking lot with two minutes to spare. I had just enough time to get to class if I ran.

Keyword: IF.

So I walked the empty halls anticipating the unholy wail of the tardy bell. As luck would have it, the bell rang as soon as I sat in my seat in my first-hour class. Billie gave me a questioning look as the teacher passed out bell-work.

"Slept in" I mouthed to her. The ear-piercing screech of the door opening welcomed a late student.

Honestly, they should switch the tardy bell to a sinister laugh, mocking students still in the hallway. I made a silent promise to myself to become a principal for that sole purpose.

"Mr. Allot, do you have a pass?" Mr. Gary asked. I didn't bother turning around. Nathan Allot was late almost every day.

Nathan no doubt was flashing Mr. Gary his award-winning, crap-eating grin. He was the fastest kid in our school and has been in state competitions all three years so far. The school is rooting for another great year from him. They can't afford for him not to compete because of too many tardy's.

"Why of course Mister G! Coach wanted me to do one more lap before coming in," Nathan said before sitting behind me in his assigned seat.

I held my breath, hoping he didn't forget to freshen his deodorant this morning. The air conditioner blew a gust past us and I took a careful sniff.

And we are in the clear.

"Alright class, five more minutes to finish up your bell-work and then I will take volunteers to share..."

***

The lunch line was painfully long as usual. I stood in line with Billie and Lauren, chatting about Billie's new hobby. Painting.

It was actually quite interesting, all the different paints and how they affected the visual effect of the art. As I listened, I let my eyes wander. A girl, two people away was standing in line, staring at her feet. I knew that posture, the look on her face.

Without thinking, I reached over and tapped her shoulder.

"Hiya! Come over here for a sec. I wanna talk to ya." I gave her my brightest grin.

She's all alone.

She gave a nervous glance at the two Juniors in front of her. But after I physically held my hand out, she passed up the upperclassmen and joined me in line.

Lauren and Billie gave me an odd look, but I nodded to them and turned back to the girl.

Billie can tell me all about her paints later.

The girl was tiny, but the innocent look in her eyes told me she was probably a freshman. She was definitely interesting to look at. With her Batman earrings, cat-eye glasses, and her loud Spider-Man t-shirt, it was hard not to notice.

"My name is Ember. I haven't seen you around are you new?" She wouldn't look me in the eyes as I talked to her.

"Um, I'm Charolette Haley. Today is my first day." I barely heard her over the roar of students in the cafeteria. That was strange, we were almost a month in and today was her first day. Before I could ask another question she blurted out: "My brother and I were homeschooled." As if that explained everything, she closed her mouth and stood silent. Charolette's earrings jangled as she winced. I took sympathy on the girl, it was awkward. So I broke the silence.