“Yeah, I figured it’s gonna be all boring since she knew no one in Mr. Andrews’ class so I sat next to her.” Papi said.

“Okay. You guys ready for class?” asked Shane.

“I have English literature. I can’t say I’m too eager to go right ahead.” Carmen told the group.

“That’s on the third floor right? My first period is on the same floor. You wanna walk together? It’s the least I could do for bailing out on you yesterday.”

“That would be nice. Thank you.”

“Hey, uh, you guys mind if we go on early?” Shane turned to face Alice and Papi.

Sooner than Papi could object, Alice told them that it was perfectly fine for the both of them. “Nope, Paps and I don’t mind. We’ll see you guys later at lunch, okay?”

Papi gave Alice a baffled look, then thanked Carmen for the ride. Shane and Carmen excused themselves once more. Papi asked, “You playing matchmaker now?”

“No. I just needed to be alone with you. Duh?”

“Sarcasm, sarcasm. Well. What about me?”

“What? What about you? I don’t know.” Alice giggled before walking toward the school building.

“I’m hating you, Alice.” Papi jogged to catch up to Alice. “You really are a pain in the ass, you know that? It’s kind of like, you’re ‘cock-blocking’ me, for lack of a better term.”

“Cock-blocki…? Paps!” She laughed hard and tried to gasp for air after a few while. “You’re real funny, Papi.”

“Aw, hell.” Papi guffawed with her friend.