Out of the Rabbit Hole

Chapter 18

"Papers, people, papers!" Mr. Walt walks around the class, collecting our essays on the Kyber Pass.

It was a fun assignment. I learned a lot about different dynasties taking over the iconic Pass, expanding their empires throughout 2,500 years.

I look to the back of Simon's head, as Mr. Walt stops in front of him.

"Reynolds, did you do it?" He asks, his face showing a hint of amusement as Simon searches for his paper in his backpack.

Oh Simon.

"Sir, I swear to god I did it, but I can't find it. I must of left it on my desk." Simon really forages into his bag, each hand taking out anything but the paper.

I can't take it.

"Mr. Walt?" I speak up, causing both him and Simon to look back to me. "I saw Simon drop his paper, so I picked it up for him. Here's mine too."

I open my binder, taking out my assignments to give Mr. Walt. He looks between us, but leaves quietly. That was easy. Once he's gone, Simon turns around, facing me again.

"Andrea, that wasn't my paper, I'm sure I left it at home."

He looks from me to my binder.

"I know, it was mine." I smile a small smile. He sighs.

Could he be mad at me? I just wanted to help.

"Andrea, you didn't have to do that."

He pushes his hair back, scoffing in the process at my amazing save.

If he didn't turn it in, he'd have an F, and I feel like I somehow contributed to that in a way. We have been hanging out a lot, leaving less time for work. I get it done, but Simon may be having a bit of trouble.

"I know, but that's what hoes do, help get things done quicker. " I smile widely, enjoying his happiness that I'm continuing the joke from a few days ago.

The bell rings, everyone hurries to get out before the teacher tells us our homework.

"How'd you know I wouldn't have my paper? Did you sneak in my house at night or something?" He catches up with me, we follow the flow of kids to our next class.

I shift my bag on my shoulder.

"Well, actually I didn't. I got so excited about the topic that I completed two papers on different dynasties. It was accidental that I covered for you." I smirk, raising my eyebrows at Simon.

"I can't believe I fell for a geek."He wraps his arm around my waist, bringing me into his side.

I smile, leaning into his chest. He kisses my cheek, then continues walking this way. We pass by the group of girls from the soccer practice a few weeks ago. The same girls who threatened me. They glare at us, passing by without a word, just a hard face. Simon grabs my arm tighter, keeping me close.

I feel much more confident with him by my side. I'm sure if I was by myself when they passed, I'd be dead meat.

Simon drops me off at class, kissing me goodbye outside the door, then leaves with a 'see you later'.

He makes all my worries dissipate for a moment.

__________

By the time lunch rolls around, I'm not as happy as I was earlier with Simon. All my troubles slap me in the face when I walk in. I instantly spot the girls from History, flicking me off, mouthing cuss words to me. They must've been holding that in all day, no wonder they were quite in class. I glance to Cecil's table for a moment. He's too caught up in his lacrosse buddies to notice me though.