Chapter Nine- Strange Looks

Calvin entered class and sat down, not saying a word. He kept Hobbes on his lap. A few people chuckled and laughed at him, talking amongst themselves and pointed at him, but he ignored them all as if they weren't there. Ms. Monarch sat at her desk and began roll call for that period. When she called Calvin's name, she looked up and saw him sitting with the toy tiger on his lap.

"Calvin?" Ms. Monarch asked.

"Here, obviously." Calvin replied dryly. She scowled at him.

"What's with the toy? We don't have show and tell." This comment got laughs from the class. Calvin looked at her flatly.

"This is Hobbes. He's hanging with me today. Got a problem with that?"

She gave him a strange look, eyeing the tiger curiously before looking back at Calvin. She spoke softly, a slight concerned tone in her voice.

"Al…alright…" she nodded and continued with class.

"Calvin…" Hobbes whispered.

"What?" he whispered back.

"She's giving you an odd look… should I be here…?" he asked concerned. Calvin snorted.

"Sure, what should she care?"

"Just asking…" Hobbes fell silent and still for the remainder of the class. When the bell rang Calvin collected his things and walked out.

"…that went well." Hobbes said quietly. "Now where?"

"Study hall. Or as I call it, nap time." Calvin replied calmly as he made his way through the halls. He rounded the corner and came to a dead stop before retreating back around. "Shit!"

"What? What is it?" asked Hobbes, looking around. Just then. Ms. Marie rounded the corner.

"Oh! Calvin! Good to see you! How are you today…"she fell silent when she saw the stuffed toy in his arms. "Calvin? What's this?"

"What's what?" he asked defensively.

"Listen, its study period, how about you and I have a talk? Better then that boring old hall."

"How about not?" he snapped.

"How about yes?" she countered curtly, giving him a look. He groaned angily.

"Fine, fine whatever…"

"Good. Come now." She turned and walked away, and Calvin followed, grumbling. Hobbes looked back and forth between them.

"This isn't going to end well…"