the fairy | john bender ✅

eight

"Why is that door closed?" Vernon questions, walking into the library. Cue the awkward silence. "Why is that door closed?!" he repeats louder.

"How're we s'posed to know? We're not s'posed to move, right?" Bender answers with another question. Vernon turns, looking at Claire for an answer, but Julian is the one who speaks.

"We were sitting here like we're supposed to. It closed." Awkward silence is great.

"I think a screw fell out," Bender speaks. Julian glimpses at him before looking back at Vernon, who glares at Allison.

"Who?!" The answer he receives is a high squeal before a light thud, Allison's head hitting the table as a shriek leaves her.

"She doesn't talk, sir."

"Give me that screw," Vernon orders, stomping towards Bender.

"I don't have it."

"You want me to yank you outta that seat and shake it out of you?" Vern threatens.

"Screws fall out all of the time, the world's an imperfect place."

"Give it to me, Bender."

"Why does anyone want a damn screw?" Julian cuts in, raising a brow.

"Another one, Camel."

"Did you get a degree at Clown College?"

"Another. I recommend you shut your mouth." Vernon walks towards the closed doors without another word, his face looking like he ate one too many tomatoes. Bender turns his head, looking back at Julian, the later distracting himself by pulling at some of the hair in front of his face. A moment passes before Jc looks past his hair, looking at John. He gives a soft smile, making the Bender turn in his seat, looking forward again.

Everyone looks at Vern, who's trying to prop the (at least) thirty-pound door with a flimsy chair. He holds it there before letting go of the door, only it to slam in front of his face.

"God damn it!" he exclaims. Light sniggers travel across the tables, the teenagers trying to hold it together. Vernon yanks the door open, looking around for a second before calling out, "Andrew Clark! Get up here! Come on, front and center, let's go!" Andrew gives a look of annoyance and tiredness, bit complies nonetheless.

"Hey, how come Andrew gets to get up?" Bender questions. "If he gets up, we'll all get up, it'll be anarchy!" he exclaims. Julian chuckles softly, rolling his eyes.