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I didn't realize it was Phil until after drawing the head, hair and shirt. I know I messed up, but it wasn't like I was keeping it. Mr. June looked up from his papers and nodded to Phil. The student stood and walked out, as I stared at him longingly. I could taste the freedom, which in this case taste like drying paint.
"Dan, come here, would you?"
I stood and walked up to the desk. Mr. June came around to stand before me. There was about two feet between us, and I was uncomfortable.
"I caught you skipping class, and then you were late for detention. I have to ask-" he put a hand on my shoulder, his thumb grazing my neck- "is there something bothering you?"
I shook my head too quickly. "N-no sir."
"Please, Daniel, we're out of school. Call me Michael. You know you could tell me, if there was," his hand travels up my scalp and I shudder.
What could I do? Punch him in the face? He's a teacher. He traces the length of my arm, and grabs my hand.
"Is it me? Do I make you nervous? Teachers, well, I've been told in the past, that I can be rather... intimidating."
I scowl. This was disgusting. "It isn't you sir."
I tear my hand away from June's and storm out the door. Little did I know, Phil was waiting for me. I roll my eyes, but inside my stomach, panic was swirling. Did he hear? What would he think of me? What would he assume? How much of that would be true?
"Hey, m... hey." He smiles wanly.
My heart sinks, remembering how his shock melted when he saw me, after he'd ran into me.
"Hey, mate," I smile back, nervously. "Why are you still here, it's Friday, you should be excited to go home?"
"Just... wanted someone to walk with."
"H... how much of that did you here, when I was in there?" I ask.
He waits a minute before answering, almost like he was thinking, scanning through all the possibilities.
"None, why?" Phil's voice was casual.
"Let's just go, I gotta walk, and it's raining."
I shouldered my bag, and walked quickly.
"Why'd you have to stay late?"
I already thought of an excuse for this. "June figured since I arrived late, he'd make me leave in the same fashion."
We were walking close, as the pavement was thin in this area of the town. I shiver as I remember the ghost of June's hand grasping mine.
"Do you like video games, Danny?"
I nod. My turn was coming up. I longed to get home; the feeling was unnatural. I needed to get out of this atmosphere. Something is off. I realize then, it's Phil. He's making me nervous. I had to stay as far away as possible.
"Maybe you can come by, bet I can beat you at Mario Kart. We could start the Sims too, if you want."
"Maybe. I gotta go though. Bye."
"See you soon."
I hoped not.
I ran to my house, the broken home, up to my room, and began sketching to calm myself. Meanwhile, I was thinking of Phil, and the events between Mr. June and I. What if it had been Phil? Would it have been less weird because he was younger? What would it feel like to kiss him?
I pulled my pencil away with a jerk. When I saw the drawing, I felt sick. I tore the paper out of the book, folded it and slid it into the pocket of a black hoodie, hanging on my bedpost.
