EIGHT

You might recognize this chapter… :D The first time I wrote this I FORGOT the second interruption. Duh-huh. But um, enjoy. :)

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I'm first in class today. All the boys come in, and I greet them as usual. The only difference is that Hanschen acknowledges me, giving me a slight nod of his head like the one he gave me at church yesterday. For whatever reason, this makes me smile.

Moritz is asleep. I feel like I should poke him so he won't get in trouble. But as soon as the thought crosses my mind, Herr Sonnenstich calls on me.

"Herr Robel, and…?"

Standing, I continue where Hanschen left off. "Italiam, fato profugus, Laviniaque venit, litora—"

"Herr Stiefel?"

I sit. I'm surprised I remembered what I was supposed to.

Moritz doesn't wake up. I resist the urge to kick the back of his chair. Herr Sonnenstich calls on him again, and he stands up, disoriented. I feel sorry for him already, and I cringe as he gets the question wrong.

"Multum… Olem."

Twice.

"Olem? Multum olem?!" Herr Sonnenstich continues to mock him. I feel awful. Poor Moritz! Herr Sonnenstich waves his switch menacingly I tense, but the blow never comes. Melchior is standing now, glaring at Herr Sonnenstich.

"If you please."

They argue back and forth. I cannot understand most of it, something about conjectures.

The next thing I know, I hear a loud snap and Melchior is doubled over. I cringe and bite my lip as he's hit again. He sits down roughly. Moritz quickly follows.

Herr Sonnenstich orders us to write out the next seven lines… From memory. I grab my slate from under my chair.

Melchior and Moritz are whispering. I ignore them, assuming it's about what just happened. Herr Sonnenstich sees them and grabs Moritz's ear. I freeze.

"I need hardly remind you that of all our pupils, you are in no position to be taking liberties! I will not warn you again!"

We continue with no further interruptions, and finally, class is over.

"Well, I'm off," Otto says.

I smile, thinking of whatever delicious treat Mama has waiting for me at home.

"Me too!" I head for the door. Hanschen is in front of me. He stops and turns, looking me over.

"I'll walk with you, Ernst."

My eyes widen. "You… will?" My voice sounds higher than usual.

"We'll huddle over the Homer. Maybe do a little Achilles and Patroclus."

Confused, I hesitate for a few seconds. Hanschen's eyebrow raises as he smirks. He jerks his head towards the door, and without waiting for me to answer him, he turns and leaves. What have I got to lose? I follow him, not knowing what to expect.

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I know this chapter was kind of lame, but BIG NEWS YOU GUYS…
Ready?
I finished this story! I'm excited and scared. No really, I'm excited for y'all to read the rest but sad that I'm finished writing because it was TONS of fun!
As always, I appreciate each and every review, so thank you! :)