Stamp of Approval

"All right, Ms. Gordon," Adam grabbed his clothes and made his way between the lockers. "Sounds like a plan."

*

"Coach Richardson?"

"Can't you see I'm busy? You already bugged me to use my locker room; what do you want now, Gordon?"

McKenna gave an apologetic smile, though Coach Richardson didn't see it. "Yes, I'm sorry about all this, but I was wondering if you may have a shirt my student could borrow? His isn't really safe to wear."

"Geez, Gordon, what do you have your students making? Anthrax?" He then blew his whistle, "C'mon, hit the open man." He shook his head in annoyance as he took out his key, "In my office are this years baseball jerseys." He then pointed at Adam, "If I don't get it back tomorrow, you're in deep shit."

Several of the girls who weren't in the game noticed Adam shirtless and laughed.

A pang of anger at the girls caught McKenna off guard... 'How dare they?' She took a breath to calm herself and smiled, "Thank you Coach. You have my word it will be returned tomorrow."

*

Vice Principal Roger Carpenter stood with his arms folded as he stared down the teens before him. "So who wants to explain why they are here first?"

"I will," Liam stood with a smile.

"Yes, don't dawdle. This should be old hat to you." Vice Principal Carpenter opened the Principal's door revealing the absolute figure of authority, Principal Rachel Larson.

Liam turned and flexed his fist with a sneer at the rest of his chemistry group before strutting into the Principal's office.

Robert's head shied down, certain of the story he was going to tell.

"Yeah, right," April shook her head with a mock laugh.

"You better," Kelly stared down April. "If my boyfriend gets..."

"Some boyfriend," April interrupted.

"What's that supposed to mean? Liam's the best."

April went slack jawed for a moment, completely stunned. "Do you even know what happened? No, of course YOU don't," she shook her head. "Adam, the guy you want to set up so badly, just saved your prissy life as you know it. That ammonia would have blinded you, scarred your face, and eliminated your sense of smell... And it was thrown at YOU by your amazing boyfriend. The best - ha! Don't make me laugh?" April sat in defiance, her arms crossed.

"Are you serious?" Kelly shook the thought from her head, "No way. I don't believe you."

April rolled her eyes as she Googled ammonia and its dangers on her phone. "Yes way," she held the phone to Kelly. "And that Dork as you call him, knew it too."

"He... He did?" Kelly stuttered, stunned at the information staring at her on the screen.

"Shut up, you two," Roland harshly interrupted. "You will stick to the story."

April took back her phone and crossed her arms again. "Yeah, right," she said under her breath.

*

The bell sounded.

"Shit, I mean shoot," McKenna put the cap back on the cream before moving to the sink to wash her hands.

Adam laughed, "No worries, Ms. Gordon. It's not like I haven't heard language like that before."

"Yes, I appreciate that," McKenna smirked. "I want to see you tomorrow morning to put another coat on your back." 'Does Adam really need more cream tomorrow?' She shrugged. 'Probably not; but it does make a handy excuse to see him again.'

"Coat?" Adam chuckled, "What am I? A canvas to be painted?"

"Kind of," McKenna giggled. It was easy to laugh with Adam. "As for right now, I want you to head to the Principal's office. I'm sure Liam is going to try to pin this on you. I'll be down there as soon as I get my class situated with Mr. Poole. I'm pretty sure its his off period."

Adam buttoned up his jersey, "Thanks again, Ms. Gordon."

"No problem," McKenna smiled, noting that his jersey had the number one on it. 'Yes he is.'

*

Adam put his hand on the door to the office and took a deep breath. 'Will this be my last day here?' He shook the thought from his head and entered.

"Oh, you must be Adam," Vice Principal Carpenter stoically announced from the Principal's office doorway. "We've heard from your fellow classmates already, why don't you come in and have a seat." He took a step to the side to allow him to enter.

April had just finished her interview and was walking toward the waiting area when she saw Adam. And he looked good in a jersey. She blushed as she offered a faint smile that could have easily been misunderstood as a cringe and a very awkward short wave. She huffed, dejected as she sat in her seat. 'Damn, I suck at flirting.'

Kelly's eyes fixated on Adam as he walked past. 'Did he really know the consequences? Of course the Dork knew.' Her thoughts then dwelled on the man with his arm around her. 'I know he didn't know what the liquid was, but it was chemistry class; how could he put me at risk like that? Scarred? Blind? If that would've happened, he would certainly have dumped me. And it would've been his fault.' She shook her head, becoming even more disgusted that Liam's arm was on her shoulder.

McKenna was lightning fast in her getting Mr. Poole to cover for her. She absolutely didn't want anything horrible to happen to her man... err, her student. She shook her head, "Focus." She marched through the office and walked right into Adam's interview.

"I'm glad you finally arrived, Ms. Gordon," Principal Larson tapped her fingers on her desk.

"Yes," McKenna bit her lip. "Sorry for the delay, but first I had to ensure Adam was physically safe just because of the sheer quantity of the ammonia solution on his back and then I had to get Mr. Poole to cover for my current class."

"Of course," Principal Larson smiled. "Student safety is our number one priority." She then stared down Adam. "You may wait in the lobby now."

Adam nodded as he stood, a whole cavalcade of What if's swirling through his head. 'Is this what a defendant feels like when a jury leaves to deliberate?' He plopped into a seat and a sharp intake of air whistled from his lips proving that was a mistake. He scooted forward in his seat to alleviate all the pressure on his back.

"Don't get too comfortable." Roland leaned into his ear, "This is payback for what you did to my girl."

Adam slumped forward, head into his hands. 'Suddenly my prospects don't seem to good.'

*

"Did you see what transpired?" Principal Larson leaned back into her chair. "Just to let you know, we have two different versions of this incident on the table. Four statements one way and three another. We are hoping for some clarity."

McKenna believed Adam, but that may not be enough. She couldn't lie. "I did not."

"I see." Principal Larson turned in her chair.

Vice Principal Carpenter shrugged, "Four to three."

"But I believe Adam," McKenna burst out.

"Oh?" Principal Larson swiveled to face McKenna again. "And why is that?"

"Uh..." McKenna nervously searched for an answer.

"Well?"

McKenna's eyes lit up and a small smile appeared, "If Adam himself was being irresponsible with the ammonia, how could he have possibly poured it onto his own back?"

"I see," Principal Larson turned back to Vice Principal Carpenter.

"Four to four, with reasonable evidence."

Principal Larson nodded, "I agree."

McKenna let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. "So what's the verdict?"

"With conflicting accounts, it will be complicated to get expulsion through the School Board. Ralph would certainly put me through the wringer if I can't get it to stick." Principal Larson's face grew stern. "I despise bullies and I certainly would be disgraced in the eyes of William if I don't act appropriately. Ten weeks in house suspension. That will get us close enough to graduation to wipe our hands of this issue."

McKenna nodded, though she had no idea who William was and why he would matter to her boss. "May I ask which students stories aligned with each other?"

"Adam, April, and surprisingly, Kelly all spoke that Liam was responsible.

"Really?" McKenna asked, shocked.

"Yes," Principal Larson straightened in her seat. "Now don't you have a class full of chemistry students that require your attention?"

McKenna smiled as she stood, "Of course."

"Roger, will you be so kind to bring Liam back in here and let the others know they are free to go."

*

"Hello? Earth to Hannah?"

Hannah shook her head as she came out of her reverie to her best friend's hand waving in front of her. "What? Huh? Oh, what's up, Maya?"

"You dazed out, again," Maya snickered. "What's the point of coming to The Roasted Bean and drinking over priced coffee and deli sandwiches for a last minute cram session for our math test if you're just going to zone out?" She then leaned forward with a cat ate the canary grin, "Was it Chad again? I do admit that day dreaming about Chad Riggs is far better than math. This shit is impossible."

'Chad? Chad who?' Hannah gave a telling smirk, "Not Chad."

Maya sat up in her seat, giving her friend her undivided attention, "Really? Who is it then? Any chance of some action, you know, the complete opposite of your former dream?"

"His name's Adam."

"Adam, yes, I like where this is going. Tell me more." Maya raised her eyebrows, "Or at the very least, tell me if he's available."

Hannah giggled, "He is single..."

"Yes," Maya interrupted.

"But..."

"No buts," Maya wagged her index finger. "A but means your going to find a way to not land your dream guy."

"I'm just not sure," Hannah tailed off.

Maya rolled her eyes, "Fine, tell me what the but is. Maybe I can help."

Hannah cringed, "He's my brother's friend."

"Wait," Maya held up her hand. "Isn't your brother in High School? How old is he?"

"Eighteen."

"So what's the problem?"

"He's my brother's best friend," Hannah exasperated.

"So," Maya took a drink from her latte. "Talk to your brother if it makes you feel better."

"Nolan?" Hannah shook her head. "He hates me."

"Fine," Maya raised her eyebrows to go along with her wicked smile. "I'll talk to the brat."

"No," Hannah waved off her friend.

"You do it or I will."

"Okay, okay," Hannah relented. "I'll do it."

"Good. Can we finally get back to studying?" Maya picked up her pen, "I really need to pass this test."

*

"Can I sit with you?"

The voice was meek, barely audible over the lunch room volume of the cafeteria. Adam glanced up from his economics book, "Oh, hi, April. Sure... Though you didn't have to ask. Just have a seat."

April let out a sigh of relief as she sat next to her... infatuation? She still couldn't quantify this feeling. She just knew that she needed to be with Adam. "So what are you working on?"

"I'm really behind on my economics paper about inflation."

April smiled... She had that economics class last year and, of course, she earned an A. "I can help if you want."

"You want to help me with my homework?"

April's smile went wider, and more awkward, "For you."

Adam let loose a slight chuckle at the sight before closing his book, "You didn't come over here to help with my homework, what's up?"

'Why did I come over? Because I just wanted to be in your presence? No...' April gave an awkward smile, "I just wanted to say thank you for what you did earlier. I'm ugly... I mean I could have been ugly... I mean the accident made me ugly... I mean..."

Adam put his hand over April's and smiled, "It's all right. I think what you meant to say was that you understand the consequences of what could have been, and your grateful."

"Yeah," April beamed. "That's it."

"You're welcome." Adam took a drink of his soda. "And April?"

"What?"

"You're not ugly, nor could you ever be ugly."

April's eyes went wide before rapidly grabbing her slice of pizza and taking a bite to hide her ungainliness.

"So, are you going to be our valedictorian?"

"M trng t b," April spoke with her mouth full. Her hand quickly covered her mouth as she finished chewing. "I mean, I'm trying to be. It'll be between me and Albert Granger."

"Good luck to you," Adam nodded. "Plans for college?"

'Plans? Of course she had plans... At least before today.' "I haven't narrowed it down yet. How about you?"

"Depends on my grades," Adam shrugged. "Let's just say, I'm working on it."

April tilted her head with a smile, "I'm an excellent tutor."

"I bet."

The bell rang signaling the end of lunch.

"No," April stood. "I mean, I'll be happy to tutor you in any and all subjects. Just think of it as a reward for protecting me."

"You don't owe me anything," Adam stood and collected his book.

"Please?" It came out as a desperate whine. "I want to."

Adam shook his head, "You may wish you had never said that. I am not one of the smart one's."

"So you'll let me?" April bit her lip in anticipation.

Adam nodded, "All right, you can help me study. When? Where?"

"How about tomorrow evening," April shrugged. "It's kind of noisy at my house, so if you don't mind, I can come over to your place?"

"Sounds good. My Mom typically picks me up after school. You can come with us or later or..."

April smiled, "I actually have a car. How about seven?"

"All right then," Adam scribbled his address on a piece of paper. "Seven it is."

*

"Hey, Adam, Nolan's already here. Where are you?"

Adam balanced his phone between his ear and his shoulder. "Sorry, Mom. I forgot my economics book. I'll be out in a minute."

"All right, I'll see you in a minute."

Adam stuffed his economics book into his backpack and secured his locker.

"I saw that it was you!"

Adam glanced down the hallway and to the commotion to notice Liam had Kelly's arm firmly in his grasp as he thundered. "Your name was on the same side as Adam's and April's that blamed me! I have ten fucking weeks of in house suspension because of you! Obviously, you don't care about me."

Kelly smacked his arm away, "You proved to me exactly how much you care about me; I could've been scarred or blinded or worse! How could you?"

"You fucking deserve it!" Liam smacked Kelly in the face, the force causing her to drop her book, papers spraying the floor.

"Ow!" Kelly's cheek burned red.

Liam balled his fist

"Hey!" Adam jumped in between Liam and Kelly.

"Break it up!" Henry Prill, a history teacher, came out of his room.

"Schools over," Evelyn Johnson, a Life's Management and Psychology teacher came from down the hall. "All of you need to vacate the building."

"Adam's at it again," McKenna whispered as she put her hand to her chest before moving forward. "Liam, haven't you had enough punishment for today?"

Liam stared at Adam, "This isn't over." He then took in the sight of all the teachers, "I was just leaving."

"You two all right?" McKenna asked while just looking at Adam.

"I'll be fine," Kelly cringed as she rubbed her cheek.

Adam nodded in agreement.

McKenna wanted to stay with Adam, but she also didn't want Liam coming back and causing more problems for her man... student. She quickly flanked Liam on his left to escort him out of the school, while Henry Prill was on his right hip, closer than a shadow. Evelyn Johnson shook her head at the situation and headed back down the hall and back to her classroom.

Kelly kneeled down to pick up her belongings and noted Adam did the same. "Why are you helping me?" She sniffled away a tear.

"I'm not sure what you mean." Adam pulled Kelly to her feet before handing over her book.

Kelly wiped at the tear, "I've been so mean to you and here you are protecting me twice against Liam and helping me pick up my things. Why?"

Adam shrugged, "Because it's the right thing to do."

Kelly couldn't hold back the tears.

Adam quickly embraced Kelly in his arms and soothingly rubbed her back. 'So precious and vulnerable.'

Kelly fell into the embrace. A comforting, warm feeling encompassing every inch of her being. Her free hand unconsciously clenched his jersey, never intending to let go. She let loose a soft giggle as she pulled back and her eyes found Adam's, "Thank you for that."

"No problem." Adam's eyes roamed down to where her hand was still clutching his shirt.

"Oh, sorry," Kelly gave a soft smile as she took a step back, finally releasing her captive. She then took a deep breath, glancing in each direction to notice an empty building. "I guess I need to find a ride. Thanks again, Adam."

"I may be able to help with that."

Kelly took another step back, stunned. 'Is there anything he can't do?'

"Mom, yeah I know, I'm really sorry, but there was a situation. Do you think you can give another person a ride home? Her ride left without her."

"Her?" Brandy smiled into the phone. "Of course."

"Great. I'll see you in a minute."

"Are you sure this time?" Brandy laughed.

"Yes, Mom, I'm sure." Adam shook his head as he hung up the phone. He then smiled at Kelly, "I got you covered."

Kelly's heart was pounding. 'What is this feeling? Is this love? Being with Liam never felt like anything like this.' "You truly are amazing; do you know that?" She bumped playfully into his side as they started walking. 'I have a lot of ground to make up.'

"Hey, Adam," Nolan called out as the back door opened. "You're Mom made me get in the front..." His eyes went wide as he whispered, "Kelly Hill."

"Mom, this is Kelly," Adam gestured to her. "Kelly, this is my Mom, Brandy Ratliff and this is my friend, Nolan."

"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Ratliff."

"Brandy, please," Brandy put the car into gear. "So where to, Kelly."

"It's not far." Kelly entered her address into her phone's navigation system so she didn't have to keep giving instructions and gave off a lamented sigh. Seeing the exact time was disheartening. "It's only four minutes away."

"Off we go," Brandy called out as she turned out of the school's parking lot.

For three minutes, Kelly sat in anticipation. Brandy turned the corner onto Bassett Drive and Kelly smiled as the car hit the small bump. She overexaggerated the effect and fell into Adam.

"Careful," Adam caught her.

"Sorry," Kelly smiled as she straightened herself up just in time for the car to stop. "That's my house."

"Nice," Adam nodded in amazement at the large house that could have easily fit two of his home inside of it.

"I never really thanked you properly for what you did in chemistry class," Kelly leaned in and kissed Adam on the cheek.

Adam's body went stiff. "No thanks needed," he squeaked out.

Kelly giggled, "See you tomorrow."

As soon as the car door shut, Nolan glared down his friend in awe, "What the hell? Kelly freaking Hill? Are you serious?"

"It's nothing," Adam shook his head. "In chemistry class, Liam was being an as...," he caught himself from swearing in front of his Mother, "a butthead, as usual, and I just so happened to push her out of the way from the ammonia he threw. That's why I'm wearing this jersey right now. My hoodie and t shirt were ruined."

"Oh my God," Brandy looked at Adam through the rearview mirror. "Are you okay, Sweetie?"

"I'm fine, Mom."

"You got a kiss from Kelly Hill," Nolan chuckled. That's a heck of a lot better than how she normally treats you. I thought she'd never forgive you for that soda incident."

"What soda incident?" Brandy looked at her son again.

"Nothing."

"Nothing? Ha!" Nolan laughed. "This guy, Mr. Two Left Feet, tripped over his shoelace and dumped soda all over Kelly and this other girl Serena and his spaghetti landed on Liam."

"Really?" Brandy snickered. "Why am I not surprised?" She then stopped the car, "All right, Nolan, see you later and thanks for the info."

"No problem, Mrs. R."

Adam also got out of the car, "Eight o'clock?"

"Eight o'clock," Nolan waved as he left.

Adam sat in the front seat and took a deep breath. It had been weighing on his mind most of the day, that is until chemistry class, but now was as good of a time as any. "Mom, can I ask you something?"