True to his word, as soon as the bell rang to signal the end of third period, Bryan walked into the room. He let students clear out, then stopped in front of my desk and picked up my books.
“Is this one of those better things you have to do?” Ashley asked after she looked him up and down.
Bryan raised his eyebrows at me.
“Bryan, this is Ashley,” I said, then picked up my crutches.
“Ashley Abrams,” she said with a wave and a smile.
“Bryan Farris.” He gave her a nod hello.
“Bryan is my next door neighbor and a boy scout,” I continued, giving Ashley a look. “I thought I’d sprain my ankle so he could get his merit badge for charity.”
“That was thoughtful of you,” Ashley laughed. “Helping out a boy scout.”
“I’m not a boy scout. She’s making fun of me,” Bryan explained. He gave me a
