The Forbidden Fruit

When I walked into English, Mr. Ward wasn’t there. I slipped into my seat, dropping my Juicy Couture purse on the floor. Moments later, Derrick walked in, fluffing up his wet hair. His eyes darted to me, relaxing when he realized it was only me. I did a small wave, then rested my head on the desk.

“How did you get here before me?” He asked, plopping down onto his chair.

“I don’t know.” I said, not picking my head up.

“You seem tired.”

“I kind of am.”

“Well, wake up, this class is going to be interesting.”

I shook my head, and he groaned, “Don’t make me wake you up.”

“Don’t touch me.” I sang, closing my eyes.

“Don’t make me.” He sang back, standing up from his chair.

I sighed, opening one eye, peaking out through it, “You better not.”

He laughed, inching closer. I closed my eyes, deciding that he wasn’t going to do whatever he was going to do to wake me up. Suddenly, his hands were at my sides and were tickling me. I laughed loudly, standing up. I hit his hands away, then sunk back down. His hands were at my sides once again.

“Derrick!” I laughed, trying to pry his tickling hands from my sides.

“Are you awake?” He asked, tickling me harder.

“Yes!” I said, gasping for breath.

He took his hands away, then walked back to his desk, sending me a wink.

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“Oh, Maria!” My Mother said, walking in the door.

“Yes?” I asked, shoveling in another spoonful of Easy Mac.

“I have the greatest news!”

“Which is?”

“Dave has invited me to go on a cruise next week!”

“And?”

She sighed at my lack of enthusiasm, “And he said you could go!”

“No I’m not.” I said, setting my food down.

“Why not? Don’t you want to cruise around the Bahamas?”

“I would, but not with the creeper and his son.”

“Maria!” My Mother scolded, “For that comment, you’re going.”

“No I’m not.” I said, picking up my bowl of Easy Mac.

“Is there another reason why?”

“I’m babysitting!” I blurted.

“For who?”

“Derrick, he’s my friend’s Dad.”

“Which friend?” She drilled.

“Shane’s.”

“Hmm.” She said, pondering, “Why?”

“His Dad is… going on a business trip!”

“To where?” She drawled.

“Um… Shanghai!”

She eyes me, setting down her bags, “I guess so.”

“Sorry, Mom.” I turned away from her, snickering.

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“Ugh, I’m sorry about this again.” I said, walking into Derrick’s classroom, “But I need to chill at your house.”

“When?” He lifted his head, tilting it to the side.

“Next week sometime.”

“What for?”

“Can you stop with the 20 questions!” I asked, “I’m tired of answering questions.”

“Sorry, geeze.” He raised his hands.

“Sorry.” I sighed, “I’m just… stressed.”

“Tell me about it.” He said, motioning me over to him.

I sat on his desk, adjusting my baby doll top, “It’s just my Mom.”

“You know you’re welcome at my house whenever.”

I nodded, “I know, thank you.”

“Anytime.” He smiled, causing me to smile.