I drove all across town to campus and found the closest spot to Harnet Hall I could, which, of course, was like a five-minute walk to my class since all the lots were packed.
I turn on the sidewalk that leads up the stairs and quickly close the distance to the double doors. A couple of students bustle out of them before I can reach for the handle. Pushing past them, I bolt for the staircase.
Second floor, room 215.
I hit the second landing.
Ten feet.
Rushing the last few feet, I throw my arm out, managing to get my hand on the door handle seconds before Mrs. Randall reaches for it from the other side.
I throw the door open and politely smile at her.
She raises one eyebrow. “Pushing it, aren’t we? Find a seat, please.”
I brush past her and sit in the closest seat I can find, practically top row—my least favorite spot. But it will have to do for today.
Setting my backpack on the ground, I unzip it, rifling through it for my notebook and pencil. Mrs. Randall locks the door and descends the steps to the front of the room.
I finally take a deep breath and settle into my seat. Tearing my gaze from my notebook, I look to the front of the room.
You have got to be fucking kidding me.
Nope, not today.
Not abso-fucking-lutely not.
I’ve dealt with enough, and it’s only ten a.m.
I throw my notebook and pencil back in my backpack and zip it shut.
I stand up and throw my bag over my shoulder as I shuffle out of the row.
My hand is barely on the door when Mrs. Randall clears her throat in the mic. I roll my eyes and turn around. Everyone’s looking at me and my cheeks flush a deep crimson.
When I let my gaze stray to the reason for my leaving, his eyes find mine instantly, and I can see the thousand questions he wants to ask floating behind his stare. But that’s a rabbit hole I will not be falling down.
“Ms. Young, where are you going? Late to class and then trying to leave a minute in? Enlighten us all.” Mrs. Randall locks her focus on me, awaiting my answer.
Are you kidding me right now?
I know I’m not every teacher’s favorite student, but is thisreallynecessary?
I put no amount of effort into my vastly vague answer. “I’m sorry. I have to go.”
Mrs. Randall clears her throat once more. “Leave now, and you’ll receive an F on the pop quiz today, which is fifteen percent of your grade. Please sit and be respectful of our guests.” She smirks, knowing I can’t afford that F.
Dammit!
As much as I want to wave my middle finger to the front of the class and take the F, I can’t.
Sighing heavily, I drag myself back to my seat. I can’t help my eyes from drifting to Alec and his team. He can’t hide the little smirk on his face.
Annoyed, tired, hungry, and coffee-less, I sink into my seat, crossing my arms.
Mrs. Randall gives a brief introduction of the team and what they will be speaking about. They weren’t originally scheduled for my class, so I thought I didn’t have to worry about it. But the class they were supposed to be at got canceled at the last minute, so they came here.
Yay me.
