What's Your Excuse?

It's just the cigars.

Picture of Adrian to the right. ---->

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Holly’s POV

When we were alone and sitting in the lobby waiting for our parents, the boy sighed and looked at me again. “I’m sorry. I wouldn’t have done that to you if I had known.” He told me.

I looked to where his voice came from and nodded. “I don’t want your pity because I’m blind.” I told him. “You should never speak that way to a woman, ever.” I added.

He shifted uncomfortably again. “I can’t promise that, but I will promise you something.” He said.

I was intrigued. “And what’s that?” I asked, pulling my glasses out my bag and putting them on.

“You can have my seat in the class, but only if I can sit next to you.” He informed.

I rolled my eyes at that and then shrugged. “What’s your name?” I asked before telling him my answer.

The boy sighed, but I could tell he was smiling. “My name is Adrian.” He told me at last.

Funny, the name suits his personality well. I like it. “Well then Adrian, I accept your offer.” I confirmed, “My name is Holly, by the way.” I added.

I heard the soft footsteps of a woman in heels and I instantly knew it was my mother. “Holly?” Her voice was panicked as she hurried over to me. “Honey, are you alright?” She asked me.

I stood and nodded, grabbing my bag. “I’m suspended for the rest of the day.” I told her.

When my mother didn’t reply, I guessed that she has noticed Adrian. “Mother, this is Adrian. Adrian, this is my mother Mary.” I introduced them.

I heard her adjust her purse on her shoulder and silently prayed she didn’t say anything other than it was nice to meet him. “Are you the boy that was picking on my daughter?” Oh lord, why can’t you just answer one of my prayers?

I reached for her hand, but accidently got her wrist. “Mom, stop. He’s fine. He apologized and now we’re okay.” I told her, sliding my hand down into hers and squeezing it softly.

I heard Adrian stand and it was moments like right here that I wish I could see. “Mrs. Summers. I am truly sorry for what I said to your daughter. I was unaware of her eyes.” He told her.

My mom was nodding at him. “It still doesn’t give you the right.” My mother told him.

Adrian laughed lightly. “I am fully aware. You daughter has taken quite a chuck out of my pride today.” He told her.

My mother turned and started walking away “Maybe she should have taken more.” She said to herself.

I stopped her from walking and I looked at Adrian. “I will see you tomorrow?” I asked him.

Adrian ran his hand through his hair. “No, I won’t be back until Wednesday. I got two days for the bullying.” He told me.

I nodded. “Then I’ll see you Wednesday. Have a nice evening Adrian.” I said with a soft smile, turning and leaving with my mother.

My mother was quiet until we got to the car. I should have known she would have something to say. “What did he say to you?” She asked, buckling her seat belt.

I laughed lightly. “He told me I was in his seat and that I needed to move.” I told her honestly. “And then Abby told him off. He went to say something back to her, but I stopped him and I called him pathetic.” I added. I could feel her gaze on me and it was a little unsettling to be honest. “Mom?” I asked.