“Your eyes can get off the elevator, now,” Shannon smirked, cracking her gum. “2nd Floor, BIOLOGY : Dissection kits, Microscope Slides, Dead Pigs.”

Adam was still staring at her braces, thinking, ‘What age do those things usually come off?’ He whipped around at the mention of his name.

“Well, Adam?” Mr. Ruschetsky was staring at him, but Adam hadn’t heard the question. He was too busy wondering if the braces would hurt, should he be bold enough to kiss her, but he hadn’t even asked her out.

“Uh – sorry, didn’t hear the question,” he mumbled, eyes on his flip-flops.

Just then, someone knocked on the door and Mr. Ruschetsky’s attention was diverted. Adam scribbled a quick note and turned to hand it to Shannon but she was running for the door. Her notebook fell and papers skidded everywhere, but she didn’t stop as she ducked beneath the visitor’s outstretched arm. Adam bent to pick up the papers and gasped at what he saw.