“You’re right, it’s not.”
“I had no idea Maverick wouldn’t be in school today. We’re not exactly friends.”
Mr. Barnes’s hard mask remains firmly in place, unmoved by my plight.
“Please,” I plead. “I worked… I mean we worked hard on this assignment.”
I nearly choke telling the lie. Giving Maverick credit burns me up inside.
“You have until tomorrow, no exceptions.”
“Thank you so, so much.”
“And ten percent will be deducted from the final grade.”
“That’s completely understandable. I really appreciate this.”
The energy and hours spent perfecting the presentation were for nothing. I can’t believe this is happening. It’s bad enough I completed the entire project on my own, but Maverick added further insult to injury with this stunt.
The morning chugs along at a snail’s pace. By the time lunch rolls around I’m a ball of fury. I spot Nix and Dee in the hall.
I step into their path. “Where the fuck is Maverick?”
“Whoa, someone’s PMSing.” Dee chuckles.
“Don’t fuck with me today, asshole!”
“We haven’t heard from him,” Nix says.
I shoot daggers at him.
“Honest.” He holds his palms up placatingly.
“I’m going to his house right now.”
Nix shakes his head. “That’s not a good idea.”
I ignore his warning and stomp towards the exit.
“We should warn him,” I hear Nix say.
“Absolutely not,” Dee responds. “Let them sort out their own shit.”
I bang on the door for several minutes before a short woman opens it.
“Hello,” she greets me in a thick accent. “Can I help you?”
“Hi, is Maverick home?” I tap my foot, too agitated to keep still.
“He’s not available.”
I grind my teeth, losing patience fast. “Would you mind checking at least?”
She nervously glances over her shoulder. “He asked not to be disturbed.”
“It’s important,” I grit out. “I need five minutes, tops.”
“I’m sorry,” she says regretfully. “Come back later.”
