As we stood to leave, I said, "I want Texas to apologize to the substitute he was rude to." Mr. Robilliard agreed and excused himself to get back to work. Tex and I walked down the quiet halls of the high school. Memories flooded back as we went. We passed my old locker, where Janet Tillman had kissed me. I could remember feeling like a big shot walking down these halls.

Tex stopped at a door, and I could see a pretty blond lady at the front of the room. She looked barely older than the students.

"Is that your sub?" I asked. He looked chagrined and nodded.

"How were you being rude?"

"I got everyone to switch desks and answer to the name on the seating chart. It would have worked too, if Jerome Taylor hadn't been sitting in Danielle's desk. We all cracked up when he said 'present' when Danielle's name was called. Even the sub laughed. But then we wouldn't calm down. So she sent me out."

"How'd she know it was you?"

"Apparently, Mrs. Babcock told her I would do something. The sub asked me if I was responsible, and I told the truth."

"How valiant," I said dryly.

I knocked on the door. The young lady walked over and opened it, smiling, "Yes?"

"Uh, hi, I'm Mason McCormick. This is my brother, Tex. I understand that he caused some trouble in your class today. I want him to apologize."

"Ok, of course. Hello, again, Texas."

"Hello, Miss. Sorry that I caused trouble today and made everyone laugh and that they wouldn't stop laughing. If you are ever my sub again, I promise to behave."

He glanced sideways at me and added, "Again, I am really sorry."

"Thank you, Tex. Your joke was not malicious, just disruptive. Our time here is important and we had lots to do. That's why I sent you out. We needed to get our work done, and the class was unable to focus. You were unable to focus. Do you understand?"

"Yes, ma'am, I do. I never thought of it that way."

"Very well. I'll see you tomorrow."

"No, Miss. I've been suspended for three days."

Now the teacher looked upset. "That seems a bit harsh, doesn't it?"

"Not really," Tex said. "I've been in trouble some before now too. I should have known better."

"Yes," I said, "Please, don't worry about Texas. This punishment may be just what he needs to get himself straight." She looked between us and nodded.

Then to me, she said, "Do you go to Tulsa? You look familiar?"

"Yeah," I said, sort-of blushing, "I'm a sophomore and pre-law."

"…And he's on the basketball team," interrupted Texas.

"Oh, yeah!" the girl said, "I'm on the rowing team and an education major." She smiled and held out her hand, "April Sorenson." We shook hands, both smiling.

"Well," she said, "I've got to get back to class, before someone else gets any ideas."

Quickly, I pulled a corner off of the Tex's suspension slip and wrote my number on it. "Here's my number, if Tex ever gives you any trouble…or anything…." I smiled and immediately felt my face flush.

"Sure," she said cheerfully. "Nice to meet you, Mason, despite the circumstances." And with that she was gone.

Tex looked playfully hopeful. "Shut up," I scowled. "You're still in trouble."

"I know, but maybe something good will come of it."

"You won't live to find out," I promised.

"Ok," he shrugged.