Falling Read Free

locker, occasionally having to slow to a walk when I see a teacher. My locker is famous for getting stuck at the worst moments, but today my prayers are answered, and it opens on the first try. I grab my notebook and textbooks and turn to head to class, but ram directly into another person, who was also running.  We hit so hard I feel a little dazed. I shake my head to clear it, and notice my papers and books are scattered across the hallway. I crawl around and start gathering my stuff before I turn to see who the lunatic was that slammed the breath out of me. As I turn around and spot the lunatic, I know there is no getting away from him, at least not today.  All it takes is seeing him.
    “Abby, are you okay? I’m so sorry. Do you need help? I know I hit you pretty hard." Connor asks in a concerned voice as he kneels beside me.
    “No, I‘m fine, I think. Are you okay? I know I knocked you down too." I say as I rub my knee where it hit the floor. My shoulder is also sore where it ran into his muscles. He was like a wall.
    “Yeah, I can take a hit. I wouldn’t be much of a football player if I couldn’t. I fell more out of shock than impact,” he laughs then notices me rubbing my knee and shoulder. “Abby maybe you should go to the nurse. I will walk you.”
    “No I am fine. I promise. It’s nothing. Probably just is a little bruised.”
    “So just further proof that you really do deserve the nickname Klutzy. Let me see your knee. Pull up your pants leg. “
    “Connor, that is really not necessary,” I say as he kneels down and starts to fold my pants leg up. Thank goodness I shaved last night. Connor runs his hand up my shin bone until he reaches the injured knee. I feel like my legs are about to give out completely. I have got to hold it together. He can’t find out how much I like him. Hold it together Abby. Don’t think about him touching your leg.
    “Yep. It is already bruising. Does it hurt? Do you need some ice? I will run get you some.”
    “Really, I am fine. I need to go to class before the bell rings. I already have one tardy. “I glance at my watch just as the tardy bell rings.
    “I guess you have two now,” he frowns. “So, no hurry now. I will walk you to class and carry your stuff for you, since I basically threw you on the ground. What class you going to?" He puts his arm around my shoulders for support. I think I was walking better before he touched me because my legs are once again losing their strength.
    “English, with Mrs. Cloudy. I hope she doesn’t give me a hard time about being tardy.”
    “I can’t believe anyone would say something to you. You are like the perfect student. You never get in trouble and you make straight A’s.  Everyone loves you,” Connor grins at me. “You worry too much.”
    “Aren’t you going to be late?” I ask.
    “I have weight training this period. Coach Miller will understand, he trusts me." When we get to Mrs. Cloudy’s room, Connor opens the door and continues into my classroom.
    “What are you doing?” I whisper.
    “Getting you out of trouble.” Connor murmurs. He then walks straight up to Mrs. Cloudy and explains that it was entirely his fault that I was tardy. He told her how he knocked me down in the hall, but in his version he left out that I was already running late. Mrs. Cloudy looks completely charmed by Connor, and by the end of the story she is laughing.
    “Okay, Ms. Lowe, we will let this tardy slide since there seems to be a reasonable excuse." I peek at Connor who is grinning at me. He walks over to my desk and puts my books down.
    Then he leans down next to my ear and whispers, “See Klutzy? I told you I would take care of you." When I look up into his face, his smile disappears and he seems very serious. “See you later, Abby.” he says as he heads toward the door. I stare after him wondering what that look was all about.
     
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    Lunchtime is always an adventure. I rarely pack my lunch, so that means I