Page 39 of Just a Little White Lie

Much to my surprise and relief, they slump onto the floor and allow me to take the roll. There are eight of them today, and I’m praying the class doesn’t increase by one each time I walk in here, because I seriously think that might end me.

I fill in the online system how the tech guy taught me to, and I don’t think I screw it up. The only painful part is how long the roll takes to call because these guys think it’s hilarious to answer to the wrong names and bust out jokes that aren’t even funny.

Working my jaw to the side, I internally count to ten and will myself not to run for that door. I can picture myself leaving a Lauren-shaped hole in the wood. If only it were that easy.

Clearing my throat, I perch on the end of the small desk Bianca let me steal from the back of her classroom. Gripping the edge of it, I stare the students down and silently remind them that I’m the one in charge.

“Okay, since this is a dance class, we’re actually going to do more than mock the teacher today. If you can swivel around, I’m going to show you a few YouTube clips. We’re going to spend a little time on rhythm, and then we’ll try out some basic steps.”

My heart is hammering as I press Play on my computer, but they watch the first clip with minimal talking and don’t get really restless until the end of clip four. Cutting it short, I clap my hands to get their attention and make them spin back to face me.

“So, what did we learn? Tell me something about rhythm.”

Silence.

“Anything.”

Nope.

I purse my lips and gaze around the stubborn faces. Some of them are grinning at me like they’re winning, some are looking bored, and a couple are decent enough to look guilty. I click my fingers and point to a boy in the back.

“You. Cedric, right?”

His narrow, freckled face floods red, and he glances up at me, darting a look to Maverick before sniffing and muttering, “What?”

I give him a withering look, and he sits up a little straighter. “Tell me something you learned from those videos. One thing.”

“I don’t know.” He shrugs.

“You don’t know.”

He shrugs again. Was he sleeping through it? It wouldn’t shock me.

Or maybe this is a preplanned prank.

Don’t answer any of her questions, guys. Let’s make her sweat it out today!

“Okay, fine!” I start to pace, walking toward the glass windows that look out over the fields. A Frisbee is being thrown between players, and for a second, I can relate to that poor piece of plastic. I’ve been thrown into this class, caught against my will, and now these kids are squeezing the crap out of me, ready to fling me through the air and watch me fall.

I spin, forcing my voice to that bright, firm place that can usually get something out of a class. “Clap me a rhythm.” I point at the green-eyed boy.

Cedric looks at me like I’ve just asked him to dance naked in front of the entire school.

Geez Louise!I can feel the steam bubbling inside me. These guys are being impossible!

“Copy this, then.” I clap out a rhythm, making it as easy as I can.

Clap-clap-clap-pi-ty-clap.

They stare at me, not moving a finger. One of them sniffs. Maverick smirks, and some girl with purple lips titters. Trixi. I don’t remember her from yesterday. She’s sitting next to Alexia and looks as though she knows all about me.

I was right. They planned this. The little toads.

Letting out a heavy sigh, I perch back on the desk and ask them, “So, this is how it’s gonna be? We’re just going to sit here doing nothing each day?”

Maverick smirks and raises his eyebrows at me. “To be honest, Miss, I’m kinda surprised you’re back.”

“Yeah, well, I need the money.” As soon as I say it, I know I’ve made a mistake.

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