Free Investigating the Hottie by Juli Alexander

brightest smile. “I’ll see you there!”
    I turned and walked away, letting my ugly bruise be the last they saw of me. Take that!
     
    In Art, Alana, the girl at my table who could actually draw, decided to talk to me. She was apparently just being friendly. Go figure.
    “I could show you some of the basics about drawing sometime if you want.”
    “Are you saying I need help?” I joked.
    “Well . . .” She looked uncomfortable.
    “I’m kidding. I definitely would . . . will never pass this class. It’s nice of you to offer.” Of course, I didn’t have time for it, and I didn’t have to worry about it, because I was going home soon. Note to self—never, ever, take an art class. You suck. Underline.  Underline. Underline.  
    She put her elbows on the table and leaned forward. “I’d offer to help Will, too, but he probably doesn’t need it.”
    Now I was offended. “Why not? He’s at least as bad as I am.”
    Her chin-length brown curls bobbed as she nodded. “Definitely, but he’s the golden child of PA. He can do no wrong.”
    “Really?” I should probably ask her more. I was supposed to be checking out what others thought of Will.
    “Well, he’s a good student, popular, and a leader on the soccer team. Plus, he works really hard and all the teachers know it.” Like a co-conspirator, she whispered, “You can’t help but like him.”
    “Everybody does seem to like him.”
    “Yep. He could probably get away with murder around here.”
    Yikes. Maybe, he was planning something bad for Monday. But being likeable wasn’t a crime. Could being popular really show bad character? Jenny and Meg came to mind.
    Will came in and sat down with us just as I said, “I’d like some help, Alana. Thanks.”
    Will looked at me and then at her. “You’re gonna help Amanda with art?”
    “I offered to give her a few pointers. Something to get her started.”
    “Can I get in on this?” Will asked.
    Alana blushed. Those 200-watt blue eyes boring into her had an impact. “Sure.”
    I didn’t realize she was shy around Will. I said, “You draw so well. Anything you can show us would have to help.”
    “Thanks.” A big smile broke out across her face. “I love drawing. Math on the other hand is a nightmare.”
    “I’ll help you, or er, Will can help you in math. He’s good at it.” What am I doing? Blowing my cover by knowing he tutors and setting up Will to spend hours with someone else. A pretty girl. I couldn’t screw up more at one time if I tried.
    “Sure,” Will said, eyeing me. “Just let me know.” He looked at Alana. “I’ve got to do better in this class or my grade point average is shot.”
    “Thanks for taking pity on us.” I winced thinking Will might not want to be included in the “pitiable” category.
    The teacher walked in carrying a big bowl of fruit. “Today,” she said, gesturing with her chin, “we will concentrate more on shading.”
    My stomach growled. I’d much rather eat that apple than draw it. I hoped Will hadn’t heard it. How embarrassing. Body noises were not meant for sharing.
    “We’ll wrap up a little early today, so I can tell you about your choices for your first term project.”
    I opened my sketchpad and braced myself for more failure. I really, really liked to do things well. I hoped this week in Art wouldn’t permanently cripple my self-esteem.
    Looking over at Alana, I whispered, “How do you know where to put the shading?”
    Alana gave me a friendly smile. “You look at the light and shading.”
    I guess my face conveyed my response of “duh.”
    “I’ll give you an example. Look at Will.”
    Okay. I turned to look at Will, who squirmed.
    Alana got up and came to stand behind me. “Let’s say you were drawing him. You’d study his features.”
    “Right.” Not a bad way to spend an Art class.
    “See how—” she started.
    Will raised his eyebrows and crossed his eyes.
    “Cut it out, Will,” Alana scolded.
    He really didn’t like