The Handcuff Effect

6

'Where were you yesterday, ms Van de Burg?' Interrogated Stevo. He was as old fashioned as the flipping terra cotta warriors in China, and hated it when we didn't refer to him as 'Mr Stevens.' So naturally, no one ever did, but that unfortunately find make him any less scary of a hospitality teacher.

'Uh, look,' I began, 'it's a long story.'

Stevo just grinned at me, flashing a few yellow teeth due to years of excessive coffee drinking. Gross. 'Then tell me all about it in detention at lunch.'

I let out a small sigh of frustration, one that only Nathan could hear if he paid close enough attention. Which he wouldn't. 'Montgomery!' Stevo barked. 'Why are you in my classroom?'

Nathan looked completely unfazed. His pulled his mouth down a little and shrugged solemnly. 'I got a little tied up.'

I snorted, and so did a few others.

'So why are you in my class?' He asked, not getting it.

I held up our joined arms, though his was practically dead weight and believe me, I never knew how heavy an arm could be until that moment. 'He doesn't get a choice, St-sir.' I caught myself at the last minute, unwilling to make it two detentions.

Stevo huffed. 'Fine. The pair of you are excused this time. Don't let it happen again.'

I frowned a little at that. How did we make it happen the first time?

Stevo moved on, stalking towards some of the other benches before finally speaking aloud. 'You have a recipe in front of you for a deconstructed rocky road. To make the whole thing in a hour would be foolish, so today we will take only one element, I will demonstrate and you will create.'

'Is he always this much of a tool?' Nathan asked, his breath whispering across the top of my cheek and ear. Singles shot across my skin, but I ignored them.

'Only on days that end with a 'y'.' I replied.

'Huh.' Was all he said, straightening back up to his normal 6'3" height. He should definitely play basketball.

'...Whisk the egg delicately, until it reaches that golden hue. Then you will gradually-- and I mean gradually-- add the the milk, continuously mixing...'

I looked up at Nathan, catching his eye after a moment. He leaned down so I could whisper in his ear. 'Loved the pun. Didn't know that was your kinda thing.'

I heard his soft chuckle, before we swapped positions. 'Its not. But I thought you might appreciate it.'

My eyes snapped to his, which had returned to his normal height. How did he know I adored puns? I don't think I'd ever told him. I felt my lips quirk up a little and I turned to face the front.

We remained silent amongst the others as Stevo continued to demonstrate, but two stupid girls continued to giggle behind us. I held my tongue, because saying something would undoubtedly get me in trouble rather than them. They'd get what was coming for them.

'Did he?' Belle exclaimed behind me softly.

'Shh!' Anna giggled. 'I don't want anyone to know.'

I rolled my eyes. I wondered if she was aware most people were listening in on their conversation.

'Emma! Be quiet! Just because you aren't here to learn doesn't mean everyone else isn't.' Stevo snapped.

My eyes widened. He thought I was talking? 'Sir,' I began, 'I wasn't--'

'Don't talk back!' He growled. I looked down, biting my lip. I took several deep breaths to make sure I appeared okay to everyone else. By the time I looked up again, everyone was back at their stations, working on the rocky road.