Sophia

~The next day

I hope I'm still welcome in sir Whitlock's class.

Which is where I'm headed now, head down and feet wanting to turn away and run to a hole far away.

But I need to go to class. I should show them I'm not scared—or at least, pretend to.

So here I walk through the hallway, trying to hide myself behind my books. I'm lucky with Summer—who turned out to be my new roommate. I'm happy with that, because I like her and I feel safer with her.

She still hasn't said how she knows that Jake guy, but I'm sure she will eventually. Right now, I think we're both nervous for sir Whitlock. After I cried in his girlfriend's arms yesterday, he seemed less pissy with me. But still not quite happy.

We stop in front of the door, five minutes early. Fortunately, she's as punctual as me, so having her as a friend becomes better every second.

I duck away when I see a dark, broad figure walking down the corridor. Summer frowns at me. "He's not going to kick you out of class, Sophia. Not because of something you've apologized for for like thirty minutes."

I cover my stomach in shame and stand up again. My gaze is locked to the floor when she gives me a hug. "Hey, I didn't mean to make you feel bad."

"I know," I whisper. I'm just so awkward. Somehow, I always end up ruining something. Either a joke or someone's day, but I always succeed.

Sir Whitlock arrives at his door. I look away, feeling horrible I let him down yesterday. I know it wasn't really my fault, but still.

"Ah, miss Huxley!" He gives me a broad smile, which reliefs me a little, but also makes me suspicious. "M-mister Whitlock."

Summer squeezes my hand in reassuring way. The door opens, and I run in the classroom to get away.

But of course, sir Whitlock stops me with his voice. "Huxley! Not so fast, I want to talk to you before class."

My eyes widen and meet Summer's. She gives me a nod. "I'll save a seat. Good luck!"

I swallow and turn around, then walk to his desk. He sits down. "So yesterday didn't go very well," he states. I look down and slightly shake my head. 

Where is this going? Is he kicking me out?

"I am willing to give you another chance, given the situation. But you better not be late this time. That's a warning, miss Huxley. If this repeats and you don't have a valid reason, you are not welcome in my class anymore."

I quickly nod. His voice is stern, which makes me cringe.

"It won't happen again, sir. Thank you for the new chance, I appreciate it a lot." He nods, sitting up more. "Alright, then I'll see you at four right here. No more libraries, just my classroom. No one is allowed to be here without a professor, so you won't have a reason to not come. Do you understand that, miss Huxley?"

I nod again. "I'll be there, sir."

He nods and dismisses me. I run up the stairs and sit next to Summer, who's seated on the top row. I sat here yesterday too. We're hidden in some shadows, but we can see everything.

I glance at the seats a few seats from us, but the Hockey Four haven't arrived yet. Lucky for me, Summer is seated on their side, so I can hide me behind her.

"They're never on time," she says, because she sees me lurking at the seats. 

Oh. 

I nod and shift my attention to my notes. Lots of students have already chosen a seat, and I see some pointing at me and snickering.

My shoulders slump. My first impression wasn't really the best—I might stay that clumsy girl for my whole career here. I shiver at the thought. It wasn't even my fault!

Whitlock stands up and introduces him again for the students who start today. He gives them a playful grin. I like that he's not that strict, though it's not used to me.

He's got control over the class, but still lightens the room. Whenever it's needed, he scolds students, but he's calm and cocky for the rest.

But he keeps glancing at the doors. After ten minutes, I decide to ask why he's unfocused. 

"Miss Huxley? You have a question?"

I cough. "Yes. Sir, if you don't mind me asking, why are you so unfocused on the lecture?"

Someone mutters, "Pick me," which makes me want to cower away once again. Gosh, is everything I say awkward in this class?

Sir Whitlock's eyes glance at the door one more time, after which he shakes his head. "Nothing, miss Huxley. I expect someone, nothing more. Well, a few persons, but that's unnecessary for the lecture, you're right. Oh, and miss Hayes, asking those questions isn't pick me. It's paying attention."

I'm surprised by this turn of events, but not disappointed, as I slump back in my chair. 

The doors barge open and there they are. The four jerks. Instead of Hockey Four, I'm gonna name them the Jerk Four. Fits them more, I think.

Sir Whitlock's gaze goes narrowed at them. "You four. Any explanation on being late?" They just stare at him, a cocky smirk on their faces.

"No? Well, I suggest you come up with one, or you can't follow this class."

One seems to panic. I can see it on the change of his posture—it's the one that held me yesterday. Adam?

"Sir, I was at the library and suddenly—" "Suddenly you had another girl to grope? What a coincidence!"

I cringe in my chair, wanting to hide. What is he doing?

Summer bends down in her chair, a small smirk on her face. "He's doing the right thing, missy. Now enjoy it. It doesn't happen much that they get suspended."

The Jake guy frowns, his eyes roaming over the room. When he sees me, his eyes narrow. "We didn't do a damn thing, Whitlock. And even if we did, you still wouldn't have proof."

With that, they walk up. Up, up, up. All the way to the top row.

But instead of sitting at the places they sat yesterday, they sit around me and Summer. The Mason jerk sits next to me, one arm around my seat. Jake sits next to Summer, and the two others on the backs of our chairs.

I look at Summer, eyes wide with fear. I think I might start having a panic attack.

"So you're a snitch, huh?" Mason whispers in my ear. I shiver, terrified of what they might do to me here. Maybe the back seats weren't the best choice.

"N-no," I whisper, my voice faint and shaking. He chuckles, his arm tightening its grip on my seat, thought it feels lik he's suffocating me. I feel like crying.

Summer scoffs. "Mason, hands off. And you should wash more often." She wrinkles her nose. My eyes widen.

What is she doing? She's gonna get them mad and then it's just gonna get worse—

"Jake, leave me alone! I'm not your little sister anymore! And you two," she points at Leo and Adam, "get away. Sophia has made it clear she's uncomfortable around you four, so move your ass."

Little sister?

My eyes widen again. Oh my God.

I wince when I feel two more hands on my neck. They're not gripping me in a choke hold like I'd thought, but start massaging it. Despite that it doesn't feel too bad, it can't help me relax.

"Hockey Four! Front row, fucking now!" Sir Whitlock's voice booms through the room. The hands disappear and I see Adam sprinting down. 

The other four follow, slower than him. I relax against Summer, the fear leaving me as they descend. 

"I just scolded you for groping girls, and you're gonna start all over? You're even worse than last year. Fucking jerks."

I'm caught off guard by sir Whitlock's rage, but I'm not surprised by him calling them jerks. Well, I mean, they are jerks.

"Damn. Is this what you meant with fun classes?"