Carry On, Claire

Chapter Two

Once we arrived to civics class about ten minutes till the end, we were scolded lightly. We sat together with iced coffees in hand and listened to Mr. Wanel talk about the Constitution for ten minutes. Eventually, after what felt like forever the bell rang. Mr. Wanel had a very monotone voice and a way about him that could just put you to sleep. He was an older man with little to no hair and normally always had on a sweater vest. Hailey, Brian, and I stood up together and checked what classes we had together. 

I would have Math with Brian, Psyc. with Hailey, and P.E with the both of them. Let's just say we were overly stoked about having P.E with all three of us. We went to leave and I was stopped by Mr. Wanel.

"Claire? Could I talk to you a moment?"

Great.

"Yeah." I waved to Hailey and Brian and walked over to his desk.

"How is the day going so far? Any trouble?" He looked up from the papers on his desk.

I thought he was going to scold me more about being late, so I let out a sigh of relief. Really didn't want to explain a detention already to my mom.

"It's actually been really good so far. It's nice to see friends again and mom seems to be happy. I think I even made a new friend."

He smiled. He actually smiled. Even though I kind of wished he didn't, because it was kind of creepy.

"That's good, Claire. I really am glad to see your smiling face again." He raised his eyebrows. "Even if it's late walking into my class. I'll let it slide, but please don't make it a habit. It's your last year. I know it's even more tempting, but keep in mind there are more pop up tests for my seniors."

I scratched the back of my head.

"Yeah, I know. Sorry, Mr. Wanel. I won't make it a habit."

He nodded and wrote on a piece of paper.

"Here's this in case you're late, because of our little chat." He handed me the paper. "If anything happens, and if anyone is bothering you, don't hesitate to let me know. Yes?"

I nodded.

"I will. Thank you."

I walked out with the paper in hand and a bit of confusion. He was weirdly nice, but I guess that isn't a bad thing. He isn't a fan of my mom, because when kids come from her class they're all riled up. Sometimes she puts on good movies and plays games for her class. Being an English teacher, she likes to keep it lively so kids don't fall asleep during the lessons. 

Everyone was headed to their own class and the only stares I got were from groups standing at their lockers gossiping. I weaved my way to Art class and sat at a table with only two other people. We sat pretty far from each other, so there wasn't really any conversation.  I looked around the room, but didn't see anyone I talked to.

I looked down and drew figure eights with my finger and heard someone plop in the seat next to me.

"Hey, now there's a face I know."

I looked up to see Emily's smile and twinkling eyes.

"I'm so glad there's going to be someone in this class that can understand my deep disturbing art." She placed her hand dramatically on her chest.

I smiled and shook my head.

"As long as it's not furries, then we're good."

"I would never." She gasped and then leaned close. Her breathe smelled of peppermint and it gave me goosebumps. "No promises on hentai though."