Just Picture It

Chapter 35- Staring Eyes and Lunchtime Drama

Monday, January 30th 9:30AM

Lincoln High School Hallway

It was easy for Jamie to find her locker, and the combination worked the same as in all her other schools. She stored her tennis things, and took the rest with as she headed down the hall looking for Mr. Shank's English class.

She found it quicker than she would have thought. At the door, Jamie wondered if she should have waited, but reminded herself that Korbin would be there. All she had to do was get through the introduction. She took one more deep breath and pasted on a confident smile before she opened the door, and all eyes turned toward her. Why did they always stare at the new kid, she wondered as she strode confidently across the room and handed the note to the teacher. While the teacher was looking at the note, Jamie quickly scanned the room. A real smile formed when she saw that the open spot in the classroom was next to Korbin.

Mr. Shanks finished the note and introduced Jamie to the class. He glanced around the room and frowned as he said, "It appears that we have only one open seat."

"That will be fine," Jamie said as she sat next to Korbin.

"Good, good," said the teacher. He looked at Korbin and said, "We can always rearrange the room if needed."

Korbin glared at the teacher for that suggestion. Jamie wondered what the problem was, but she was so relieved that she just smiled and nodded.

Jamie was assigned a book and looked at the discussion on symbolism. She had even read the book that they were discussing. Mr. Shanks quickly continued the discussion in a way that made it interesting. Jamie almost raised her hand a couple of times, but decided to watch a little more first, and let the discussion go on around her as she looked over the sheet explaining the grading. One line caught her eye. The number of points next to a group project was huge. The panic started as she remembered the epic failure of being partnered into groups at Roosevelt.

It was like Mr. Shanks had read her mind. He started talking about the project, and was telling them to find a partner. At least the partner wouldn't be assigned. Jamie turned to Korbin quickly, and found him already looking her way. Jamie raised an eyebrow and Korbin nodded. The panic went away, but Jamie wasn't sure why Korbin looked as relieved as she did.

There were some other things that seemed strange. When the teacher had the class name their partners, he shot her a concerned look before continuing down the list. When class was done, most kids rushed the door. Jamie took her time gathering her things, and checked her schedule. When a shadow fell across the page, she looked up at Korbin with a smile.

Korbin smiled back and said, "Ms. Johnson came through. You have the exact same schedule as I do, and your locker is next to mine."

Jamie stiffened when they got to the door and saw the swarm rushing past, but Korbin just took her hand and bulled through the halls. People stepped to the side and Jamie followed in his wake. When they reached their adjacent lockers Korbin was able to block the foot traffic as they put away their books. She was even able to relax enough to look around the halls. She didn't watch the other students. The huge numbers might freak her out, but she did find the cameras and blind spots that she had noticed earlier.

Even entering the next classes weren't too bad. Korbin stayed with her while the class stared, and somehow the spots next to him always seemed to be empty. With Korbin at her side she even felt good walking into the lunchroom and getting her tray.

As they turned to face the tables Jamie paused nervously, but Korbin already had a plan. He led the way to one of the tables furthest from the door and the main traffic as he asked, "Wall or aisle?"