Ryan's ruined clothes were balled up and tossed to the side of the miniature shower, as he sat in the shower trying to drain the blood off himself. For some reason even though the water wasn't red anymore, he still felt like he missed some spots. Ryan was still shell shocked by the sound of the shoe nearly hitting him and making him the same undistinguished puddle of goo that Steven was. Would anyone know that it was him? Or would it be just like Steven. When his mom cleaned him up, could Emily or anyone else know what happened to him? Would it matter?

These thoughts ran through Ryan's head at just how insignificant his presence was in the house. Just one misstep or mistake and he could be just as dead as Steven. Ryan had to take precautions as not to be like Steven. He needed to warn Emily and his mother, and he would have to be strict with them. This was his life that they could destroy in a second by thinking he was a fucking bug!

Like Steven...

Ryan bite back a sob at the thought of the younger man's demise. He didn't even have time to react before his mother killed him.

Speaking of, what will he say to his mom? Did he yell and scold her for killing Steven? Would she even care? She thought it was just two bugs... she thought he was a bug. What would she do if she knew she almost killed him? How would his mom react? Did he want to know?

It horrified Ryan to think about. Part of him wanted to shame his mom and make her sad at what she did and could have done to him. The other part of him was horrified that she might never forgive herself for almost harming him. There was a possibility that she turned it around and scold him for not being more careful, that it was his fault for being on ground level at night.

Ryan shook his head. He didn't want to think about this. It was just too much right now. Still trying to recover from the experience, Ryan finally turned the water off and started to get out of the shower. As he got out he noticed how ruined and stained his bloody clothes were. Did he try to return them like this or toss them out? There was a slight thought that maybe he would be investigated for the blood, but than again no one cared what happened to a shrinky.

Did anyone really care about shrinkies?

Ryan let that thought float around a little as he figured he rather toss the clothes. He went over to the dark side of the sink and peered over into the black abyss over the side. No one would have been able to see the enormous trash can off to the side of the sink, but Ryan knew it was there from countless years of using it. He simply let the clothes fall downward till they vanished from sight. He didn't even hear them make a noise when they landed in the trash. They were too insignificant and tiny to make much noise, kind of like himself...

Ryan hurried away from the edge, as he figured if he stood there long enough he might find a reason just to jump and end it all now.

"I can't do that. Not to Emily," Ryan said finding a good enough reason to keep going. Just the thought of Emily finding out he was gone and the way she would react.

Ryan paused, how would Emily react? Would she cry? Would she break down and weep, or would she move on? Would she even care that he was gone? It almost seemed like they were growing apart from the lack of time together and all the extra steps he had to go through just to talk with her. As Ryan headed down the large sink to get back to bed, he saw Emily still sleeping. Oblivious to his frightening fears and his near death experience not even an hour ago.

There was a disconnect between them now. Something that Ryan felt was growing every day.

"How do I fix that?" Ryan asked out loud, knowing that no one could hear him or even give him an answer.

Ryan sat in his makeshift bed still having a slight panic attack about this morning, that and the increasing worries of his new life at his size. He was too deep in his own distraught he didn't even see the looming face of Emily that appeared to his side. As Ryan was dwelling on the events a few hours ago the large voice of Emily, "Good morning," freaked him out to fall out of his small bed.

"Jesus, Emily," Ryan shouted getting up. "What was that for?"

Emily frowned at Ryan's question, "I was just saying good morning, you're the one that freaked out. What was that for?" Emily gave Ryan a concerned look, "Something wrong?"

Ryan hesitated at unloading his worries and fears to Emily. Would she understand his fears or think they were just silly fears? Ryan swallowed his fears away as he decided he would keep them hidden, just like the fact that his mom killed his only friend since he shrunk. "Nothing."

Emily's frown grew harder as she looked at Ryan, who was obviously lying and had a lot on his mind. Ryan did his best to fake a smile but it did little to help Emily's suspicion about him. She finally shook her head and let out a huff, "Fine." She was obviously upset at Ryan's lack of communication with her and Ryan knew he messed up.

"Wa-" Was the only thing he got out before Emily already was getting out of her bed, and out of earshot. "EMILY!" Ryan shouted again hoping she heard him or the earpiece picked up his yelling. Neither seemed to get to Emily as she headed to the bathroom. Ryan watched as she made the trip in just a few seconds which carried her out of the room. The bathroom door was closed shut, which normally Emily wouldn't have done just in case Ryan needed something. This showed how pissed off she was. "Fuck!" Ryan yelled at his stupid behavior. Why didn't he just tell her what was bothering him? "So stupid," Ryan insulted himself.

Thinking about maybe waiting here for Emily, Ryan sat in his bed and waited for Emily to get out of the bathroom to at least continue their conversation or try to apologize or something. The last thing he wanted was to increase the distance that was starting to grow over this stupid thing.

The sound of the shower coming on could be heard right before Emily left the bathroom and head to the dresser.

"Emily," Ryan tried to call out over the shower but the sounds of his voice was drowned out by the falling water. That or Emily was ignoring him. Soon, Emily had her clothing with her and headed back to the shower not even giving Ryan a glance in his direction. Again the door closed and Ryan was alone in the bedroom. Part of Ryan wanted to be difficult and just not move till Emily acknowledged him, but the other part of him was starting to get hungry. As much as he hated to leave and head to the kitchen, Ryan was sure his stomach was going to implode. Hating that he had to make the long journey there and leave the bedroom in such a sour mood, Ryan headed off to grab something to eat for breakfast.

Emily was still in the shower by the time he made it to the kitchen counter, and started to climb up. Ryan couldn't help but look off to the side where Steven meet his end. There wasn't even a speck of him left as evidence of what happened. The floor was clean and spotless.

"Morning Sugar," Ryan's mom called out from behind him frightening him making him almost lose his grip.

"Jesus," Ryan reacted as he regain his grip, "What's with everyone trying to freaking me out."

Mary didn't respond as she leaned in closer until she was crouching beside Ryan watching him struggle his way upward. "Do you need me to help you," Mary asked before reaching out toward Ryan without waiting for his answer.

"Mom I can do-"

Ryan felt the looming hand pluck him so easily of the ladder that if he didn't let go, his arms would have been left behind. Ryan was dragged upwards at speeds he wasn't used to as his mom set him down on the counter, "There we go! See that was so much faster."

Ryan had to stop his heart from bursting from the sudden unexpecting help he got. Maybe if he was ready he wouldn't have been so freaked out, "Mom I said I didn't need-"

Mary looked at Ryan before cutting him off, "Oh right." She let out a light laugh, "I forgot about..." She fished around in her pocket and pulled out the little earpiece before spending like 2 minutes trying to turn it on. Finally she looked back at Ryan, "What was that dear?"

Ryan just glared at his mom before saying, "I told you mom, you HAVE to wear it at all times! What if you were about to step on me?!"

Mary gave Ryan a look like he was crazy, "Oh sweetie, don't be like. I wouldn't be so careless." She laughed, "I mean I did raise you as a child. I think I can take care of my little man when he's this small," Mary said showing how big he was with her fingers. "I mean you were such a handful back than," Mary said as she went on about her tales of raising Ryan as a child. Mary walked away from Ryan as she continued and started to make her breakfast, completely ignoring Ryan who was trying to cut her off. She was totally missing the point. Finally after what felt like 30 minutes of her talking and pouring a bowel of frosted flakes she paused, "What were we talking about before..."

"The earpieces mom. Why didn't-"

Mary nodded her head before cutting Ryan off again, "Right the ear thing. They hurt my ear if I wear it too long," She said already pulling at the device to rubbed the spot before putting them back in. "I didn't think we would have to wear them all the time," She said defending her point as if it wasn't a big deal that she wouldn't be able to hear him without wearing it.

Ryan was on the verge of saying something about last night and how she killed Steven or almost killing him without knowing, cause she was fucking deaf to him if she wasn't wearing it. However Emily coming into the kitchen. Ryan went to call out to her or to talk with her about earlier, but Emily didn't have her earpiece in either!

"Oh come on! Why did we even get them if you both wont wear them."

Mary looked to Emily who obviously didn't hear a thing. Emily looked at Mary confused, "What?"

"Ryan wants to know why you're not wearing your ear thingy thing," Mary pointed to her earpiece.

"Well, you can tell Ryan that I don't feel like talking to him. Apparently there's nothing to talk about, so you let him know, when I want to talk I'll put it in."

Ryan looked at Emily shocked at how she was acting. Emily obviously wasn't going to even dignify him with a look in his direction. She went into the kitchen and grabbed a bowl of cereal too, only Emily headed to the kitchen table instead of the counter top to go eat. She was purposely avoiding him.

"Are you two fighting," Mary asked.

Emily and Ryan both answered at the same time.

Ryan said, "No."

Emily said, "Yes."

Ryan was starting to get upset and felt himself starting to rant out his side of the story. "We are?! What? Why are we fighting? I just didn't want to say anything about how I-"

Ryan's mom again cut him off, "Baby, I don't think she can hear you."

"This is some bullshit!" Ryan yelled hoping that Emily could hear him. She couldn't. What the fuck. This was worse than the silent treatment. At least than he knew his words could reach her. Now he knew that she couldn't even hear him, which was total bullshit.

Mary on the other hand gave Ryan an upset look, "If you're going to speak like that," Ryan watched his mom remove her earpiece.

"MOM! WHAT ARE YOU..." Ryan watched as Mary went to join Emily at the table.

Ryan was fuming right now. Seriously! Even his mom seemed to be siding with Emily.

Here Ryan was standing on the kitchen counter while the two giantess continued their morning together as if he didn't even exist...

"This is some bullshit," Ryan repeated to himself as he went to go eat whatever crumbs he could call breakfast.

Ryan could do nothing, as neither his mother or Emily had put in their earpieces since breakfast. Ryan was left alone on the counter, not really feeling like there was anything he could do. He could only watch as Emily and his mother sat on the couch talking and watching some TV. Ryan just sat there like an upset child who was being punished, which it kind of felt like it with the way they were treating him. All over a simple misunderstanding.

Ryan was thinking of maybe finally heading to the bed room to find something to do. There wasn't going to be anything, but he was getting tired of just waiting for the other two try and interact with him. If they were going to pretend he didn't exist he might as well just get out of here. Ryan stood up from his makeshift table and chair and started to head off when he heard the doorbell go off. Ryan froze at the ringing sound that flooded the room with it's annoying buzzing noise. Ryan looked over to Emily and his mom to see Emily get up and start heading for the door.

"Who could that be," Emily questioned out loud as she approached the door. She didn't bother looking as she opened the door and greeted the person on the other side. "Allison? What are you doing here," Emily asked sounding shocked.

"Hey, Em," Allison greeted at the door. "I haven't seen you or Ryan in a while. I thought I would stop by and say hi. Is Ryan here," Allison asked peering behind Emily.

Ryan's heart pulsated in fear. Allision?! She can't be here. There's no way she would come by. However there was no mistaking her voice on the other side of the door. Luckily, the counter that Ryan was on was obscured by the way the door opened up. Allison wouldn't be able to see the counter top that Ryan was panicking on. He kept looking for a place to hide. Why? He wasn't sure but he just had a feeling he might want to find some cover.

"Well," Emily said hesitant, "He's, uh, busy right now."

Ryan would need to thank Emily for the nice cover. She wasn't telling Allison about his situation. Hopefully she could get Allison-

"Who's there," Ryan's mom called out from the couch.

Ryan couldn't see Allison's face but he could hear the questioning tone in it, "Is that Ryan's mom? Hi Mrs.-"

Mary cut her off, "Oh please dear, just call me Mary, like everyone else. Come on in," she invited her in.

Ryan threw a dagger like look at his mom. Was she crazy?! What the hell was she doing?!

Emily tried to say something, "I don't think-"

Allison just happily cut her off, "Well if you insist, I don't mind."

Ryan spotted the cold coffee maker and panicked. He hurried toward it before Allison came through the door and into the small apartment. Ryan did his best to hide and watch at the same time as he spotted Emily looking toward where he used to be and found he wasn't there. She did a quick scan over the counter. Emily didn't spot Ryan, and quickly turned her attention back to her friend.

Ryan saw Allison's eyes and head scope out the entire room as if she were looking for something, or someone.

"Hello there dear, It's been a while," Mary said getting up and giving Allison a warm hug. Why was Ryan's mom always so cheery and welcoming of everyone?

"Hi Mary. It's been a while, right? I just came by to check up on everyone." Allison turned to Emily, "I haven't seen Ryan in a while. Is he ok?" Ryan ducked back behind the coffee maker as Allison looked around again. "Ryan?" She called out.

"He's, uh not feeling too good right now," Emily told Allison. She was doing her best not to expose Ryan which was what he-

"What? He's not," Mary gasped obviously clueless of Ryan's wishes to be quite about his situation with Allison.

"No, remember he's sick," Emily told Ryan's mom. Hopefully she would catch the tone she was implying.

"He's not sick," Mary scoffed, "He's just small, that's all. There's nothing wrong with being tiny."

Ryan smacked his head on the coffee maker. God damn it. Why did his mom have to be so... his mom!

Allison lifted an eyebrow at Mary's words. "So the rumors were true? He's got... shrinkism?"

Ryan wasn't sure if anyone other than himself had caught the almost hopeful wishing in her words.

"Look Allison, I hope you understand. Ryan isn't feeling... the best. This is really hard on him and," Emily gave Allison an 'I am sorry look'. "We thought we would keep it quite till Ryan was ready to let others know. He's very upset about the whole thing and well, we thought it would be better to wait till he was feeling more comfortable about his size. You understand right?"

Ryan peeked around again to see Emily and Allison talking. He couldn't help but notice how Allison didn't seem to be phased by it. In fact Ryan was almost under the suspicion that she didn't care. In fact the way her eyes seemed to be looking past Emily and his mom, like they were still searching and probing around the apartment.

"She's looking for me," Ryan said as he pulled back behind the coffee maker praying she didn't have X-ray vision.

"I totally get it Em," Allison told her. "But, do you think I can at least say hi to Ryan?"

"Sure," Mary said still being a little too simple for this situation. Ryan really wanted to throw something at her.

"Uh," Emily said with hesitant before adding, "I don't know. He's still kind of... shy about it. Do you mind?"

Allison was quite for a few seconds before smiling and saying, "Oh, of course. Can you give Ryan a message? Tess from work says that he left a few things at the office and that he should come in and pick them up."

"What things," Emily asked.

Allison shrugged, "Don't know. But maybe I could take him in sometime to get them?"

"Sure," Emily told Allison, "I'll let him know."

Yeah, no... there was no fucking way Ryan was going into the office for some "items" he left. The only thing Ryan wasn't sure of, was if Tess really said that or if Allison was making it up... or maybe it was both of them working together?

Ryan shuddered at the thought. Those two working together just to get him, was a new nightmare all on it's own.

"Alright, well," Allison started to head for the door before calling out, "BYE RYAN, SEE YOU SOON!"

Ryan didn't respond. He was too frightened that she might hear him. Ryan's breathing didn't return to normal till he heard the door close and Allison was finally gone. As Ryan was calming down from his near heart attack that Allison nearly gave him, his mother decided it was now time to ask her question, "What was that about?"

Emily ignored the question as she came toward the counter. She took her earpiece and put it in before calling out, "Ryan you still here?"

Ryan didn't move for a moment as he tried to calm himself down before saying, "Yeah I'm here, just getting some coffee." Ryan heard Emily coming around the corner of the counter and spot him just sitting next to the giant coffee maker.

"Are you ok," Emily asked noticing how Ryan was sitting behind the device, hiding.

"Yeah, just... what an unexpecting visit, right," Ryan laughed with no real humor behind it. "Thanks for doing that," Ryan told Emily who was reaching out for him. "Sorry you had to cover for me and everything but thanks," Ryan apologized again. "Was she mad?"

Emily shook her head no. However she seemed a little sadden, "She wasn't mad but... well," Emily looked at Ryan a little worried, "when she learned about your size, she had a slight look of..." Emily tired to recall it. "I think she was kind of happy?"

Mary now with her earpiece in thought that now was the time to join in the conversation, "Happy? Why would she be happy? You two shouldn't be treating your friends like this. She came all this way to say hi and see how you were doing. The least you could have done was greet her," Mary scowled Ryan, "I thought I raised a better child than this."

"Mom," Ryan called out with a bit of anger in his voice while in Emily's hand. He needed to get this through her head, "I'M NOT A CHILD!" Ryan wanted to go at it with his mom, but calmed done a degree, "I love you mom, but you have to stop treating me like a kid. I'm a grown-" Ryan stop himself at the contradicting word and his size. "Adult, who can make his own discussions on who I want to be with and who I don't want to talk to. I need you to stop running MY life," Ryan emphasized on the word by pointing at himself. "Like it's YOUR life," Ryan said pointing at his mom.

Ryan's mom stood there with an appalled look. "I don't treat you like-" The look on Emily's face stopped Mary from continuing her objection. "I-I," Mary said before she finally realized that she wasn't going to change anyone's mind here. Silently she seemed to accept it before walking away.

"Mom," Ryan called out trying to get her to come back. "Mom come on," But she didn't listened as she went to her room. "I messed up again didn't I," Ryan asked Emily.

"Yep," Emily confirmed his worry. "You're not wrong about how she treats you but, there was probably a nicer way of going about telling her."

Ryan sat there silently as Emily continued to hold him in her palm while she sat at the counter. It was nice being held like this. As horrifiying as Allison's visit was for Ryan, he was kind of glad she showed up. It at least got Emily and him to talk, if not just for a little while.

It had been a few days since Steven's death and Allison coming over. Again Ryan was used to waking up earlier than everyone, however there was no point in doing it now. There wasn't anyone to hang out with or talk to. However Ryan didn't feel like sitting in bed unable to sleep while he listen to Emily sleeping peacefully. Ryan slowly got out of his bed and started his morning routine of his five minute walk to the bathroom and than another five or so to the kitchen for some food.

By the time Ryan was on top of the counter and started to pull together some kind of breakfast, he heard Emily starting to get up. The sound of a shower starting signaled that she was getting ready for her day. After Allison came over, Emily still seemed a little less upset, or at least less distant than before. Ryan hated that Emily was acting like that, but maybe a goodbye would change her mood? Ryan wasn't sure but it was better than nothing, right? The other day Emily was still mostly silent. She seemed to be distancing herself more and more since that morning.

Finally after what Ryan thought was at least half an hour, Emily came out of the bathroom. She was already heading to the kitchen when Ryan saw her eyes lock on him.

"Morning," Ryan greeted. Ryan had to fight back his anger, as he watched her fish out her earpiece she should have been wearing.

"Sorry... did you say something," Emily asked innocently.

"Just good morning," Ryan repeated.

"Still waking up early," Emily asked as she started to make a quick thing before she had to leave.

Ryan was feeling a little better now that she had said more to him now than in the past 2 days. "Yeah, I'm still stuck in that weird work schedule," Ryan laughed. Emily didn't comment as she grabbed some bread to make some toast, before pouring some coffee. "So, yeah..." Ryan said trying to not let the little conversation they just had die so easily. Ryan didn't know how much he craved talking to Emily till she didn't speak.

Emily raised an eyebrow, "Yeah? Yeah what?"

Ryan just shook his head, "Nothing just, you know..." Ryan could see the disinterest growing in Emily's eyes and panicked as he said the first thing that was coming to his mind. "Work... I was, thinking, I could... go... with you?"

Emily nearly choked on her coffee, "What? No wait, Why?" Emily corrected her question to Ryan.

Ryan not sure why he did but he kept going, "Because we haven't talked in a while and I just wanted to, you know... be with you for the day."

"Ryan," Emily protested as her toast popped up, "We can talk when I get home."

"Or I can be with for the day," Ryan told her as she was already grabbing her stuff to leave. Emily was almost at the door before she stopped and turned to look at Ryan. She didn't look too thrilled but Ryan saw something that under her worry that made him smile a little. Emily wanted Ryan to come to work with her.

"Are you sure about this..." Emily asked hesitant at bring Ryan with her.

Ryan didn't even give it a moment's thought, "Yeah. It'll be fun."

What could go wrong?

Ryan's excitement and joy of being with Emily soon vanished the moment she walked toward the high school's doors. What was he doing? Why did he think this was a good idea? No... no it'll be fine.

Or at least that's what Ryan was hoping to trick himself into thinking, as Emily walked toward the door and into the high school. Ryan watched from a small side pocket on Emily's purse that he was hidden away in. He was able to stand up in it, but still be slightly obscured. The enormous glass doors were easily pushed open by Emily as she walked through them. Ryan watched as Emily walked through the front doors of the nearly empty high school. Ryan found that there were a few young high schoolers already in the building on their phones as they waited for something. Ryan made sure to duck a little bit further down just in case one of them looked up and toward the purse he was in.

"Morning, Cathy," Emily called out to one of the students who looked up at Emily.

"Morning, Ms. Baker."

"You finish last nights homework," Emily asked in a teasing tone.

Cathy apparently just laughed, "I still have till fifth period, I got time."

Emily gave a mocking tsk sound, "As long as it's done before my class starts..."

"I will Ms. Baker," Cathy told her before going back to her texting.

Emily went into the administration office to check in before heading to her class room. There she greeted her fellow educational staff members. Just as Emily was done signing in, someone much older man came out of one of the many rooms attached to the administration room.

"Ah, Ms Baker, good morning."

"Principal Rice," Emily greeted. Ryan felt Emily shifting her arm to shake his hand. Ryan was bounced up and down as the man shook her hand, and in turn the purse with him in it. Ryan held back a jarring sound till the shake was done.

"How are things," Principal Rice asked.

"Things are going good," Emily responded as she readjusted the bag that Ryan was in.

"I thought I should be the one to tell you this, but we are going to have to combine Mr. Sanford's class with your eighth period class. I checked that you have some open seats, enough for the new students."

"Combine," Emily asked sounding confused, "It's kind of far in the year to merge our classes like that..."

Principal Rice apologized, "Sorry, but the class has dropped to 7 students over the year. You could say it's shrunken," Principal Rice said with a little chuckle before he found he was the only one laughing at the joke. He cleared his throat before saying, "It's probably the most we've seen in a while. We plan to merge the class and free up an empty class room, for some of the newer teachers to have time to collaborate and build their curriculum for the upcoming year." Principal Rice handed Emily a small folder, "This is the list of student's that are joining your class, Mr. Sanford left some notes on them and where he left off with them. Do you think you can handle this?"

"I..uh," Emily said sounding unsure. After a brief pause, she finally said, "Yeah. Shouldn't be an issue at all."

Ryan could hear the joy in the Principal's voice as he thanked Emily, "I knew I could count on you Ms. Baker. I'll have to remember to get you a thank you gift. You like doughnuts? I could bring some in for you tomorrow morning?"

"Oh, you don't have to," Emily said. "I should probably get going, I need to set up for first period."

"Right, right. Off you go than, and keep up the good work. I hear your student's enjoy your class the most," Principoal Rice praised Emily.

Emily laughed, "Oh I'm sure they're only saying that to make their other teachers jealous."

Ryan watched as Emily moved, and headed out of the administration office. Once they left the office Ryan saw that more students were in the hallway, waiting for the first period bell. As Emily walked to her class she greeted student's from all ages. Young ones that looked like maybe freshmen, to older ones that looked to be seniors in school... or maybe they were held back a few years. It shocked Ryan how well Emily was known or how everyone seemed to be friendly to her. Of course she was always a friendly person, especially with kids. It was why she went into education, she liked helping and teaching new things to these young adults.

Finally after what felt like 100 or so greetings, Emily made her way to her class room. Ryan felt the purse he was riding in start to move more as Emily took it off and set it down on her desk that was set up at the back of the class room. Ryan looked out at the enormous room. There was about 30 or 40 seats set up in rows as they faced a whiteboard. There were posters of math equations or jokes scatter around the room. Some were things that Ryan remembered like pythagorean theorem or that PEMDAS thing. There were other's that Ryan didn't recall but remember he had to use in his last math class years ago.

"So this is your class room," Ryan asked as Emily helped him out of her purse as she started to go through her stuff on her desk.

Emily who was still wearing her earpiece nodded, "Yeah. Have you not been here before?"

Ryan shook his head before saying, "I don't think so." Ryan knew he never been here before, he never had a reason to come to Emily's school. Not till now. As Ryan looked onto the foreign room seeing some funny math posters like, why was 6 afraid of 7?

"Well," Emily said as she grabbed a stack of paper and started to straighten them up. "I guess I should tell you my schedule. I have a class of freshman for algebra first and second period. Than for third period I teach Algebra 2. Fourth and fifth is Trigonometry. Sixth and seventh period is planing and lunch. Than last period is calculus for the upper class men. They're mostly seniors and a few juniors."

"Oh ok," Ryan said not really following what she was telling him. He figured he might as well ask now, "So how many have shrinkies?"

Emily paused as she thought about it. "I've never really thought about it," Emily told Ryan now just thinking about it. "Usually I'll get a note or something from a parent or the Principal letting me know that someone isn't going to come back. As for those who have Shrinkism and still in class, I think 5 in total?"

Ryan wasn't sure if he should get upset with the fact that Emily wasn't at all that concerned or even knew how many of her student's were shrinkies or not. "What's their sizes," Ryan asked wondering if there were any his size, and how they are still around.

"Well, Mark just got it, he's in my second period. I think he just lost half an inch? I'm not sure..." Ryan wanted to be appalled, how could she not know? Than again, Ryan didn't recall all his classmates over the years that caught shrinkism. Could he fault Emily? Emily went on as she started to think of her other student's, "William dropped out I think it was last week, so no one in my fourth. My Fifth period Kayla and Derrick are still here. They're your size already."

Ryan popped up at the response, "My size? How are they doing?"

"Uh, well... I guess good. I mean, as good as they can be at that size. I usually have Derrick sit on my desk, his vision isn't as obscured back there, and Kayla has her twin sister Kristy to help her." Ryan didn't say anything about how it must suck to watch your own twin sister shrink. It would be like watching yourself get smaller and smaller. "And I think I'm getting a shrinky from Mr. Sanford's class..." Emily said as she was reading through the folder that the principal gave her. "Teddy... looks like he's been with the class as a shrinky since day one. Huh," Emily commented as she looked over it. "He's been doing good on his test too. Must be a smart little guy," Emily told Ryan.

Ryan wasn't sure if she did it on purpose or by accident, but a little smirk flicked across her face when she said, little guy. Maybe it was a subconscious joke or she was trying to get Ryan to laugh with her, but when Ryan didn't, Emily's smirk disappear just as fast.

"Welp, just a little longer and my student's will arrive," Emily commented as she got up from her desk and headed to the classroom door. "If you need anything I'll be listening, ok?" Emily said pointing to her earpiece.

"Can I talk dirty to you during class," Ryan joked.

Emily tried not to laugh but failed, "I swear to God Ryan..." Emily warned still smiling.

Ryan begged, "Please?"

"Ryan, don't make me regret this," Emily told him. "Or I'll sit you on top of the book shelf."

Ryan looked over to the large tall book shelf that held all the math books that Emily kept in her class for student's who "Forgot" to bring their book to class. It was enormous even at normal size. So for him to be put up there, would be like set on mount Everest with no way down.

"I'll behave," Ryan told her.

"Good boy," Emily mocked as she opened the door just in time for the morning bell to ring.

Ryan was just calming down from the joking when he spotted the first bright eyed student to come into Emily's classroom.

"MORNING," He shouted as the young teen quickly headed for his seat.

"Good morning Zac, please take out your homework and I'll collecting when class starts."

The kid did as Emily asked and it wasn't long before a small group of girls came in greeting Emily at the door. She instructed them to do the same thing as Zac. After a few more seconds another group of student's appeared. Soon the class room was filling up with freshman who looked eager to learn, or were too tired to talk. Once the class was filled and everyone had taken their seats, Emily closed the door just as the bell rang.

"Ok class," Emily greeted everyone. "I'll come by to take your homework in a moment. Before that I wanted everyone to say hello to someone." Ryan wasn't expecting this, he watched everyone turn in their seats to look for someone in the room, obviously not expecting to look on Emily's desk for a shrinky. After a few moments of looking Emily finally continued, "His name is Ryan, and he wanted to meet everyone in class today."

"Ms. Baker, who are talking about," Zac asked for the class as he didn't understand who she was speaking of.

"Look on my desk," Emily told everyone.

Finally Ryan noticed all the 30 or so set of eyes focus on him as they finally spot his tiny form on Emily enormous desk.

"It's a shrinky!" Someone called out which everyone now looked at him with wonder. A shrinky in class, on their teacher's desk. This was a very special occasion for sure. Ryan could tell that everyone was getting excited or antsy about his presence. Something that Ryan felt like should not be happening.

"Ryan say hello," Emily called out.

"uh, Hi," Ryan said waving. Obviously no one heard him.

"He says hello, Class, please greet him too."

A loud chores of, "HELLO RYAN," Filled the room.

"Ok, now class, please be on your best behavior for our guest," Emily instructed as she started to collect the papers. Ryan noticed some of the students' eyes lingering on him before they turned around for class. Those looks, were a little frightening as there was something dark hidden in them. However when Emily came to them for their homework, they quickly turned around and paid attention to her instructions.

Ryan watched as Emily finished collecting the work and brought it to her desk where she put the pile down before saying to Ryan, "Do you mind grading these for me?" She gave him a playful smile before heading back to the front of the classroom.

Ryan rolled his eyes at the impossible feat of going through 30 some pages of homework before the class was over. Assuming he even remembered how to do algebra correctly. Instead he sat on the desk and watched Emily do her thing, teaching the class about exponents and whatever. Simple Math terms that Ryan wasn't paying attention to, which some other student's couldn't either. They couldn't stop looking over their shoulders when Emily had her back to them. Ryan kept an eye out for those 2 or 3 student's who were unable to stop looking back at him.

Although, it was impossible for them to even try something if that's what they were planing. He had his collar and Emily had her earpiece in. She would hear Ryan call for her if there was an issue, not to mention Emily seemed to always turn around and glance to make sure Ryan was doing ok up on her desk. Soon any fear that Ryan had at the start of the day was fading away. It wasn't long before Ryan was sitting there relaxing on Emily's desk enjoying the show of her teaching these kids how to do math. It was kind of adorable watching her smile and explain how to properly finish the equations she gave the class to practice. Soon the class was over and the bell started to ring.

"Don't forget to do the problems on page 258, 1-13 odds, and the ones on 267, 2-20 evens. I'm talking to you too Jack, don't make me give you a zero for forgetting again."

"Yes Ms Baker," Everyone called out as they started to hurry up and leave the class for their next subject.

"That wasn't so bad," Ryan told Emily who was still at the door.

"First period always is the easiest," Emily told Ryan. Ryan wasn't sure what she meant, but before he could ask Emily to explain, she was greeting everyone from her next period as they came through the door like her previous class. "Please get your homework out," Emily told them as they all approached their desk. Some of the kids were talking with their classmates or sending a quick text or whatever with their phones before class started.

Ryan couldn't help but hear some of the class snickering, "Here he comes." or "Incoming shrinky..."

Ryan looked to the door to see a very depressed 9 year old... no it wasn't a 9 year old. He just looked that young because of his lack in height. If the kid was anything like his classmates, he must have lost about 2 feet of height. The small nearly 3 foot tall child walked into the classroom. The room was getting louder with whispering and murmured words. This had to be Mark.

"Morning Mark," Emily greeted not mentioning anything about his height.

"mmm," Mark groaned.

"Hey tiny over here," Someone called out.

Emily looked to see who said it but the class was already laughing at Mark before Emily could spot who was being rude to Mark. Mark on the other hand was already heading toward his seat. Ryan wasn't sure if it was bad luck but Mark was near the back of the class and where most of the gossiping and talking came from. Mark was literately in the center of were all the bullying was coming from. Ryan wasn't sure if Emily could hear some of the remarks that were being made about Mark, but Ryan was close enough to hear them all.

Once everyone was in their seats, Emily greeted everyone again as the class started and again introduced Ryan. Ryan on the other hand wasn't so sure about this. As the class gazed on him, everyone, except for Mark and maybe one or two other student's smiled a very uncomfortable looking grin, especially the ones that were closest to Mark. It took Emily a little longer to get everyone to turn around and pay attention but that's when things started to get bad for Mark.

As Emily taught the class, the kids around Mark started to whisper things to him.

"Pst, Mark. When your that small... I got first dibs on you. I got a spot I need you to scratch that only a shrinky can reach. You know where that is?"

Mark didn't say anything as he tried to not feed into their taunts.

"Mark," Another bully called out too quite for Emily to pick up. The crude girl just leaned over and said, "You're going up my cunt, bitch."

The small group snickered and laughed as quietly as possible.

"Jammie," Emily called out, "Would you like to tell the class what is so funny?"

"Nothing Ms. Baker," Jammie the one who was laughing the most said trying to keep it in.

"Don't make me have to send you to the principal's office again." Emily warned.

Ryan knew that it wasn't much of a threat for the girl who just calmed down her laughing. Soon Emily went back to her teaching, and so did the bullying. It was 50 minutes of pure horror for Mark, as Ryan listen to ever rude and possible disgusting thing the bullies had for him. One involved gluing him to the bottom of someone's seat in class, Ryan could only guess that the person wasn't the cleanest kid, and having him suffer there all class. Another was sticking Mark to the eraser and watch Ms. Baker scrub him into the white board till he .... well Ryan didn't want to think of Emily accidentally killing her student that way. There were more twisted ideas, some were chewing parts off or taking him to science class to dissect him. Ryan tried his best to not listen, but like Mark, he was stuck there having to listen to the torment go on for the entire class. Emily was completely oblivious to it all.

Ryan wanted to call out to her, but he had a sinking feeling that the bullies attention would be pulled toward himself and that was something Ryan wanted to avoid... sorry Mark.

By the time the bell rang, Mark was the first one to jump out of his seat before Emily dismissed the class. The bullies laughed as they got up and started to head after him. Ryan wasn't sure if it was cause they had the next class or wanted to share some more twisted ideas that they came up for him. Either way, he felt bad for Mark. He just hoped he dropped out sooner than later.

As the bell rang and everyone got up and started to leave, Ryan tried to get Emily's attention by calling out to her. Maybe he could let her know what was going on? Sadly all the chatter and noise from everyone leaving must have drowned out his calls to her or she just assumed it was one of her student's trying to say goodbye. Either way, Emily didn't hear anything and it seemed she was actually clueless to Mark's situation.

"Emily," Ryan called out now that the class was empty.

Emily who was waiting at the door looked back at Ryan, "Yeah?"

Ryan wasn't sure how to put it, but he figured to ask her about the bullying Mark was getting. "Did you not hear-"

"HI MS. BAKER!" A student called out as he greeted his teacher, obviously cutting Mark's words off. Emily turned to greet the student and proceeded to hand out what looked to be a worksheet.

"Not a pop quiz!"

"Chad, I gave everyone fair warning about it," Emily remarked.

Chad just laughed, "I thought it was a joke. Come on MS. B, don't do this to me, I was having a good morning."

"Well, you don't have to take it if you don't want to," Emily told him.

"Really?" Chad perked up as he sat down. Emily handed out another pop quiz to another incoming student greeting her.

"Oh yeah, really. I mean I'll have to mark it down as a zero, but it's up to you."

Chad shook his head, "Your mean, Ms. B."

Ryan watched as the class room filled up soon. Unlike before, Emily didn't introduce Ryan. Everyone was quite as the class did their pop quiz over whatever it was they were suppose to know. Ryan couldn't help but be bored as he sat on Emily's desk while she walked around observing and helping student's that had questions about the quiz. Suddenly someone raised a hand.

It was Chad, "Can I sharpen my pencil, MS. B?"

Emily nodded as she went on to the next hand that came up with a question. Ryan watched as the large sophomore, or maybe he was a junior, came toward Emily's desk. Ryan wouldn't have had an issue except as the child came closer his size seemed to grow rapidly until he was towering over the desk. The enormous teen was way taller than Ryan was expecting. Soon the massive child was standing in front of the desk that Ryan was sitting on. Luckily Chad hadn't noticed Ryan as he started to shove his pencil into the electric sharpener.

Ryan wasn't prepared for the whole desk to shake and vibrate like there was an earthquake. The deafening sound of whirling and grinding could be heard through the classroom as the pencil was shredded and peeled apart bit by bit till until a tip started to form. Ryan had to hold his ears and try and stay grounded as the desk continued to vibrate and try and throw him off. Finally after what felt like minutes, Chad removed his pencil and inspected it. He shoved it back into the pencil sharpener again and the sound of his pencil being grated down again filled Ryan's ears.

Chad just stood there grinning as he kept sharpening his pencil over and over until Emily noticed the annoying sound that was still going, "Chad," Emily called out.

"Yeah Ms. B?"

"I think it's sharp enough."

Chad seemed to be having fun teasing Emily, which for some reason was getting under Ryan's skin. Chad did a couple more jabs into the pencil sharpener which filled the room with a few quick burst of whirling sound. Emily gave Chad a warning look, which finally he took serious before heading back to his seat.

"Is he always that annoying," Ryan asked about the large child's behavior. Emily didn't say anything, but Ryan caught her nodding her head to answer his question. Trying to lighten Emily's mood, Ryan said, "Should have known with that hair cut." To Ryan's delight he got Emily to stifle a laugh in the middle of the quiz. Everyone looked at Emily who had to apologize for her sudden burst of noise.

Emily tired to cover it up with a cough and said, "Sorry." This was immediately followed up by a glare from Emily. Ryan couldn't help but smile. It was kind of nice being able to tease Emily like this. However he didn't want her too mad at him, so Ryan held back his many jokes that he could have followed that one up with.

Finally after the quick quiz Emily collected the papers and started to hand them back to random students to do a quick class grading. The rest of the period was going over the quiz and handing them back to review what was done right and wrong on the test. Just minutes before the class was over, Emily finally recollected the papers to grade and gave out her homework assignment for everyone.

"I'll see everyone tomorrow," Emily called out as the bell rang and the class started to leave. Emily came and sat down and started to go over the papers really quick to see how the class average was doing, giving Ryan some time to talk with her.

"This isn't so bad," Ryan told Emily as he went on, "I mean Chad was a little something, and the kids from second period-"

Emily frowned as she went over the marked grades, "What about second period?" Emily questioned as she didn't break her concentration from the pop quiz, "Melisa... We went over these," Emily sighed as she saw someone's results.

"Well, I think that maybe you might want to-"

"Hi Ms Baker," A female student greeted as she came into the class room. This brought Emily's attention away from the papers and Ryan's conversation.

"Amanda, did you have a nice weekend," Emily asked from her seat.

"It was ok. Didn't do anything," Amanda told Emily as she took her seat.

Ryan was about to say something when again, another student appeared and greeted Emily. It wasn't until now that Ryan found that he wouldn't have much time to talk and spend with Emily till later. When was her lunch, sixth period? That shouldn't be too long from now.

Fourth period started in a few minutes. This time Emily seemed to forget that Ryan was here, and didn't introduce him like in the first two classes. Maybe she forgot...

Ryan hoped not, that was a terrifying thought that Emily could lose track of him in her own class room. Yet, Emily didn't mention or even look at him through the whole class. Emily was only concerned about her classroom full of large teenagers trying to learn about shapes and numbers. Finally the bell rang and everyone started to leave.

"Bye Ms. Baker," most of the class said as they headed out.

Ryan was waiting for Emily to come back to her desk to maybe look over her previous class's quiz, but instead she stood at the door. Ryan was slightly annoyed, because to him it seemed that she still hadn't recalled that he was in the classroom with her. Ryan was about to call out to Emily, but someone came into the doorway. The person was a grown man. and he looked to be carrying something.

"Derrick, Mr. Holt," Emily greeted.

At the name of Derrick, Ryan noticed the small object in Mr. Holt's hands happen to be moving. Ryan wasn't sure if Derrick said anything to Emily's greeting or not but Emily took the small student from the man who started to leave.

"Who was that," Ryan asked as Emily walked to her desk.

The slight look of surprise told Ryan that his worse fear came true. She had forgotten about him, "That, was one of our Administrators," Emily explained walking Derrick to her desk before continuing, "Administrators help care for the students, even the smaller ones like Derrick. They walk them to class or other places."

Ryan finally was able to see Derrick as he was set down on Emily's desk.

"Who are you," Derrick asked looking surprised and confused at Ryan.

"Ryan," he introduced himself.

"Uh, why are you here," Derrick asked still confused and looked to Emily who was already walking away.

Ryan looked over the pretty simple looking high schooler that was around his size. "I'm Emil- I mean Ms. Baker's boyfriend," Ryan told the teenager.

"Boyfriend?" Derrick obviously didn't believe him. "But you're a shrinky, like me."

"Really?" Ryan asked looking at himself. "oh my... I didn't notice," Ryan said sarcastically emphasizing on the fact that he was well aware of his size.

Derrick laughed, "Sorry... just, Ms. Baker never said she had a shrinky."

Ryan didn't press the way Derrick said that. If Ryan wasn't mistaken, it almost sounded like Derrick thought he was Emily's pet.

"Hi Ms B," a student greeted Emily. Ryan looked over to see that it was a girl who happened to be carrying something- no someone. Just like the Administrator a few moments ago.

"Kristy, Kayla. You finished the assignment over the weekend?"

"It was a piece of cake," Kristy said. "Kayla thought so too... I did not," Kristy said toward her hand. Kristy rolled her eyes, "Kayla says I copied off her paper."

Emily smiled, "Nothing wrong with helping each other, but you should do your own homework."

"I know," Kristy said as she walked toward her seat. Ryan noticed just as she was about to sit down that she too had an ear piece in her ear.

"She's got a communicator?"

Derrick nodded, "Yeah. It helps her and Kayla ask questions in class."

"... can Emily not hear her?"

Derrick frowned for a few seconds trying to think who Emily was before he spoke, "You didn't know? The communicators are linked to set pieces. Like, you could call out for Kristy and she would never hear a syllable from you."

Ryan was shocked. He didn't know this. He thought anyone with an ear piece would hear him. That was a little more frightening now that he learned this.

"How long have you been a shrinky," Derrick asked.

"Not long," Ryan told him not wanting to give out his age or how old he was when he started to shrink. "You?"

Derrick sighed, "8 years. If it weren't for my mom... I wouldn't ever walk into a classroom. But she thinks that even at my size, I need an education. She doesn't get it," Derrick started to complain. "I'm more likely to end up ..." Derrick stopped from saying something he probably had heard hundreds of times in school. "I don't know what she's thinking, it's not like I can get a job, or even go to collage." Derrick shook his head, "She always says, 'they might find a cure, than what? You want to be a drop out when that happens?' Like that would ever happen."

Ryan seemed to understand where Derrick's mom was coming from. A lot of people tried to stay positive about the whole Shrinkism thing, but honestly it was wasted. No one was closer to the cure or how to prevent the Shrinkism. Just look at himself, it shouldn't be possible but here he was too old to catch it and he still shrunk.

After a few more words, Ryan heard more students starting to come closer to the open door.

"Cathy, it's fifth period," Emily reminded the student Ryan saw earlier this morning.

"It's fine Ms. Baker, I got it right here," Cathy said smiling as she shook the pieces of paper. "I got it done like 20 minutes ago," Cathy laughed.

Emily shook her head at what she hopped was a joke, "As long as it's done, and done right."

Cathy paused, "Well... it's done that's for sure." Cathy gave Emily a playful grin.

"Go take your seat," Emily pointed. Cathy laughed as she headed toward Kristy and Kayla where she took her seat behind them. Cathy proceeded to proper her feet up on the small metal bar that hung below all the class room chairs. The small connection of Cathy's feet shook the desk ever so slightly. This vibration caused the small girl that was sitting on the table top of the desk to fall backwards from the quake.

"Hey, watch it!" Kristy warned as she spun around.

Cathy just snickered, "Ops, sorry."

Kristy gave a warning glare before turning around and helping Kayla back up.

Derrick sighed, "She always does that."

"Emily doesn't do anything?"

"Like what?"

Ryan shrugged, "I don't know... send her to the principal's office or move Cathy's seat?"

Derrick just scoffed, "For what?" Derrick used air quotes, "An Accident?" Derrick shook his head, "Trust me, this is harmless... some of us would be grateful to get that kind of treatment." Derrick didn't continue as it sounded like there were fates worse than being bothered like that.

Soon more students came into the classroom and finally the class was full.

"Ok everyone, I'd like you all to turn in your homework," Emily called out as she started to collect the paper.

"Except for Kayla, no point in reading what a Shrinky wrote," Someone on the other side of the classroom said before everyone started to laugh.

Emily looked toward the voice, "Careful, don't make me send you out of the class again, Trevor."

Ryan was appalled that was all Emily was going to do. However the look on Derrick's face told him that this was an average threat that Emily used for the class. After the homework was collected, Emily started the class like any other period. Derrick, as much as he hated the idea of school, was actually taking notes and copying Emily's teachings. Ryan didn't want to interrupted Derrick or Emily teaching but with someone his size near him, Ryan couldn't help but ask questions.

Derrick entertained Ryan and answered what seemed to be basic math questions that Ryan should have known. Still, it was kind of nice to talk to someone without worrying that they misheard his voice. Most of the class went by without much of an issue. That was until there was only 10 or so minutes left.

"Ms. Baker, can I used the bathroom," Kristy asked.

"You may," Emily responded as she continued the last little bit of her lesson.

"oh no," Derrick grumbled. "Not again."

"What," Ryan asked confused.

Kristy was already out of the classroom to use the bathroom, and Ryan saw that she left her twin sister in the class. Before Ryan could say anything, Emily turned her back to the class to write something on the board. Cathy took this time to use her feet to drag the desk which was connected to the seat that Kayla was on toward herself. Kayla fell down again like before. Cathy's classmates smirked at the reaction of the shrinky falling down on the desk. Cathy dragged the desk closer making a noise that maybe Emily turn around.

"Sorry, Ms. Baker. Feet slipped," Cathy explained. Emily seemed to buy it as she turned around.

"What, no Emily she's-" Ryan tried to say only to watch as Cathy brought her feet up and set them in the seat that was connected to the desk. Ryan found that most of the class was more interested in what Cathy was up to than the lesson itself. All eyes were on Kayla as she stood there helpless. Cathy proceeded to use her feet to rock the empty desk. She was able to tilt the desk upward knocking the shrinky onto her back before Cathy set the desk back down. Cathy smirked as she wiggled the desk around on it's wobbly legs. Ryan watched as Kayla let out screams for help as she was shaken and rocked around on the desk in random directions. It looked like Cathy was playing a wicked game, as she moved the desk with great skill. Obviously she was used to playing this game with Kayla.

Ryan tried to get Emily's attention to turn around, however when she did turn around. Cathy was too quick. She had the desk flat on the ground like nothing had happen. Emily had a puzzled look and just gave Ryan a, "What?" look. It was pointless...

Once Emily was turned back around, Cathy was at it again as she wobbled the desk left and right flinging Kayla almost off the edge.

"She's going too far," Ryan protested.

"It doesn't matter..." Derrick told him. "I just hope, Kristy gets back soon."

Cathy grinned as she used her feet that were manipulating the desk with great skill, to tilt it upward. She rocked the desk into a slanted 70 degree angle. Ryan watched with fear and pity for Kayla as she had nothing to hold onto and start to slide. She was flying fast toward the ledge of the desk, where she would fall off and hit the floor. Somewhere Ryan was sure where Cathy wanted the small little person. Kayla was falling faster and faster to the ledge-

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" An angry Kristy yelled from the class room door.

Cathy quickly stopped what she was doing and set the desk down, "What?" She asked innocently. "I was keeping your seat warm for you."

Emily noticed what was happen and was about to say something when the bell rang.

"Whoops, time to go," Cathy quickly said as she laughed before bolting out for the door. Avoiding any kind of punishment or argument with Emily or Kristy.

"She does this a lot," Ryan asked horrified.

"Anytime she can. A few weeks ago she used a few spit balls to try and hit Kayla..."

"What the fuck," Ryan said disgust and rage. "And Emily didn't stop her?"

Derrick just gave a sad smile, "She can't protect Kayla all the time. You saw it, she's got a class to teach." Ryan didn't know what to say. Suddenly Mr Holt from before came into the room. Derrick said in a joking tone, "Looks like my ride is here. It was nice meeting you."

Ryan watched as Derrick got into Mr. Holt's hand and was carried off to where ever his next period was. Ryan was dumbfounded at how casual everyone was, like they didn't just witness Kayla getting thrown around like some toy by Cathy. Yet, no one said anything or remarked about it as the classroom emptied and left just Ryan and Emily.

"Lunch time," Emily announced as she headed toward her desk. "Time sure flies when you teach a class," Emily remarked as she sat down in her chair and pulled out her lunch.

Ryan waited until she had her food out of her lunch box and decided now was the time to ask, "So are we going to talk about it?"

Emily paused mid bit of her sandwich, "About what?" She asked confused on what Ryan was talking about.

"Your classes."

Emily still confused just shrugged, "Sure. What about them," She asked as she took a bite of her meal.

"Well, what about Mark? Did you not know the kids in the back of the classroom pick on him all class?"

Emily just frowned at Ryan, "You mean the teasing?"

Ryan wasn't sure what she meant by teasing, but the disregard she had for it seemed to tick him off. "Teasing? You call that teasing? The kid was almost crying in class! That wasn't teasing that was straight up harassment!"

Emily didn't seem so convinced, "They make fun of each other all the time," Emily blew off Ryan's concern.

"That wasn't fun." Ryan told her, "That was verbal abuse. Did you even hear what they said to him? Do you ever wonder why Mark is the first out of the classroom?"

Emily still didn't seem phased, "He has class on the other side of the building. I'm well aware of what the other say to him. Mark always joked around and said funny things back at his friends. Nothing's changed since he lost a few inches," Emily told Ryan.

It was now that Ryan realized that she hadn't picked up on how the kids were treating Mark lost his height. In fact it almost seemed like she was unaware of Mark's plight in her class. Ryan felt so lost right now. Was Emily that oblivious to a shrinky's problem that she couldn't tell when they needed help? Well... what about the others.

"Ok, so what about Kayla today?"

Again Emily paused mid bite of her sandwich that was now starting to shrink in size. She was finishing up with her food while Ryan complained to her. "What about her?" Emily asked just as confused as to why he was bringing her up like Mark.

"What about her? What do you mean?! Did you not notice how Cathy was tormenting her?"

"Tormenting," Emily sputtered. "What are you talking about?" Emily asked bewildered.

"Today, Cathy was picking on Kayla. Did you not see her nearly throw her off the desk she was on?"

"Ryan, what are you talking about?"

Ryan was aghast at Emily's blindness to her students. "Emily, Cathy was kicking the desk that Kayla was on. Did you not notice Kristy's reaction when she got back to the classroom?"

Emily shook her head, "Look, Ryan, I'm glad you're taking notice of my students, but I've been teaching them for nearly a year. I think I know them better than you do. Maybe they play a prank or two, but they're just kids. This stuff happens."

Ryan watched as Emily brushed off Ryan's words. She was ignoring the harassment and bullying happening right under her nose. She didn't care at all. Was it because they were shrinkies or cause she didn't care about her students? This was beyond disturbing. What if one of her students started to bother him during class? Would she take his side or just act like it's a normal occurrence? A kid just having fun? If so than what was Ryan to Emily, some pet to be played with?

Ryan wanted to get Emily to open her eyes to the acts that were happening in her class, but she was too busy eating and grading papers. Emily's attention was anywhere but with Ryan. It was either a glance at her food as she tried to eat, or on one of the papers that she was grading.

"So can we talk," Ryan asked trying to at least discussion something important.

"Yeah, sure," Emily said still not breaking concentration on her work.

"Well, I was wondering... how do you see... what do you see when you look at me," Ryan asked wanting to finally know what his girlfriend truly thought of him at his size.

"...see what, what did you say?" Emily asked glancing back at him for a moment before going back to the small yogurt cup she was eating now.

"ME! What am I to you?!"

Emily flipped over a page of paper and looked at a few seconds blinking. "You.... Are... uh...Sorry... do you think we can talk later? I got a lot to grade, we can pick this up after we get home, ok?"

Ryan stood there looking defeated. She never once glanced at him, just acted like she was talking on the phone with him and not to him. She was too engrossed in her work to remove any more of her attention from it. It was now that Ryan realized that coming to work with Emily was silly. Obviously she would be too busy with work and her students to even bother with him.

Disheartened by the lack of attention, Ryan just agreed, "Yeah, sure." He had a feeling when they got back home Emily would forget about their talk or just be too busy with something else to give him any attention.

Ryan sat on Emily's desk watching her continue her lunch break and grading for the next hour and a half. Occasionally she would offer a little crumb or part of her meal for Ryan, but it was usually a quick glance or not even her looking toward him. She was fully immersed in her grading. Marking spots on the paper circling things and arrows and other marks. Emily was dedicated to her classes and helping them prepare for whatever exam they would need to pass at the end of the school year.

Ryan could see the clock was getting close to eighth period. They had about ten more minutes before the bell would ring.

Emily let out a sound of exhaustion, "Finally... maybe I shouldn't give them so much homework," Emily laughed as she leaned back in her chair and stretched her arms. "Ok... so what were we talking about?"

Ryan perked up at Emily remembering they were trying to talk like an hour ago. "I was saying-"

Suddenly Emily spotted a folder that Ryan was sitting on, "SHIT! I forgot about the new students! Oh man..." Emily gently picked up Ryan and removed him from his seat that he had been using all day. Emily quickly opened the file that Principal Rice gave her earlier today. She quickly started to go through it while muttering things like, "They know derivatives... z axis... what about..."

Ryan let out an upset sigh as Emily was once again back into her work. Of course, leave it to Emily to get his hopes up for talking and throw them away thanks to some stupid students joining her class.

The rest of the time that Ryan thought they would have together was wasted on Emily making a few adjustments to the class and the topic they would be learning. She moved a few extra chairs/desk around and corrected a couple of notes on her lecture before the bell finally rung for seventh period to end and to head to everyone's last class of the day.

"Don't worry Ryan," Emily said as she headed to the door to open it up for her students. "Last period always goes by in a flash."

Ryan just let out a sigh as he could care less. It wasn't like he was in a rush or anything. He just wanted to finally able to be with Emily who would be paying attention to him rather than her students. Ryan knew he was sounding very greedy and selfish but the only reason he came was so he and Emily could talk and spend some time together. Something they hadn't done since he started to shrink.

Ryan's thoughts were interrupted when an older teenage boy came into the doorway with another boy his age.

"HEY MS B, What up?! Is it true that Ethan's class is joining us?" the cheery boy asked tilting his head toward the other boy.

Emily couldn't help but smile at the boys enthusiastic greeting. "Rex," Emily greeted as she answered his question, "We are getting new students, yes."

"Sweet! Yo, Ethan you're going to love Ms B's class. She is dope as fuuuu- heck," Rex grinned at Emily as he stop from cursing in front of his teacher. "Ms. B you don't have to worry about a thing. I'll get Ethan caught up in like a few seconds, you don't have to sweat a thing," Rex told her.

"Well, thank you Rex, but you might be surprise. Ethan's class is actually ahead of our class."

"WHAT?" Rex asked looking shocked. "No way. Dude, why didn't you tell me that," Rex asked Ethan at the door way. Ethan just shrugged. "Alright let's grab a seat," Rex told Ethan as they headed into the classroom.

Ryan watched the two older teens grab seats near Emily's desk but they didn't notice him at all. Ryan couldn't help but listen to the conversation they were having.

"So it's true, you guys had like 20 shrinkies in your class?"

Ethan nodded, "Yeah... little things were dropping out like flies. Only got a few of them before we merged classes."

"Sweet dude," Rex said. "They still around?

Ethan scoffed, "No. Broke those little nerds like the first night. Shrinkies are so weak man. I swear..."

"And you didn't even share," Rex laughed.

Ryan gulped at the horrible words coming from the big teenagers. They obviously didn't care if you were a classmate or not, a shrinky was a shrinky to them. Yeah... he would definitely try and avoid them at all cost. Wanting to hide, Ryan looked around on Emily's desk only to find that it was pretty empty for things to use for cover.

More students filled the room and soon the class was filled with probably the largest and oldest student's all day. Ryan realized that they were all the upper class men and it showed as they were easily larger than anyone he had seen today. Some were even taller than Emily.

"Ok class," Emily started, "Obviously everyone can see that we have new students. Mr. Sanford's class will be joining our class till the end of the year. Also there is someone else I'd like to introduce, class please meet Ryan." Ryan watched with horror as the whole class turned around and looked to where Emily was pointing, right at him. The absolute horror that Ryan experienced was worse than any of the other classes. These weren't kids, they all looked like monsters as they all had different looks on their faces. Some were of disgust, others were of surprise and delight, and than there was the ones on Rex and Ethan's. They both glanced at each other with a knowing grin over their face.

Before Ryan could warn Emily about the looks she went on, "Now as for Mr. Sanford's class, does someone want to introduce the 7 of you to the class?"

Ethan stood up and said, "Actually there's only 6 now. Teddy isn't here anymore."

"Really," Emily asked confused, "I didn't hear anything about that-"

There was a knock on the door before another adult like person was at the door. Ryan watched as the man who was close to his age, possible a little older came in.

"Ms. Baker. Sorry for interrupting but, I forgot to give Principal Rice a few things from my class. Do you mind coming to my classroom down the hall, it will only take a few minutes."

"Oh, Mr. Sanford, uh," She looked at her class before saying, "Class please do the problems on page 228 and 229, as warm ups. I'll be right back." Ryan watched as Emily started to follow Mr. Sanford. The last things he heard before Emily left was her and Mr. Sanford chatting.

"You can call me Rick," He replied as they left.

"W-w-wait, Emily," Ryan called out trying to get her attention before he was left here with a very terrifying classroom. None of the student's moved... until the door closed.

It was like one of Ryan's horrible nightmares as nearly half the class turned around and started to examine his helpless tiny body left on the desk. Worse of all were Rex and Ethan who were already sizing him up.

"Dude, who the fuck is that," Ethan asked.

"No idea." Rex said. "Why does Ms. B have a shrinky in class?"

Ryan didn't know why but he decided to speak up, "I'm her boyfriend!"

"... I think he said something," Ethan said as he and Rex got closer.

Ryan watched as the large teens moved their desk closer to Emily's as they approached Ryan. A few other curious student's followed but it seemed Rex and Ethan were obviously in charge.

"Hey isn't that," One of the other student's said pointing to his neck to show what he was talking about, "That collar thing they wear to be heard?"

Rex laughed, as he reached out for Ryan. Ryan tried to step back but it was no use, "Hey don't-don't touch me! Emily!"

"Dude he's calling for help... What if Ms. Baker hears," Ethan asked nervous now that the teacher would hear Ryan's cries.

Ryan kept calling out, "EMILY HELP ME!! EMILY!!!!"

Rex on the other hand was acting too cool. He wasn't even phased by the possible fact that Emily would be race back to class to save Ryan. "Relax will you... the thing has like a 20 foot range."

Ryan stop struggling in between the two fingers as he was brought over to Rex's desk where a small crowd already formed. Ryan wasn't sure which horrified him more, the leering faces looking at him or the cold words from Rex. "20 feet? How would you know," Ryan asked not sure if he was heard.

"Little brother is a shrinky. Learned the hard way. Little twerp has a big mouth, but luckily the basement is more than 20 feet away from Mom and Dad."

Ryan felt sickened by the reveal of how Rex knowing the limits of the collars and earpieces. Ryan gulped as he was at the mercy of the giant. Before Ryan could stop it, one of Rex's large index finger flicked at the collar on Ryan's neck ripping it off his neck and having the speaking device land on the hard desk top almost soundlessly.

"There, no more collar, no more issues," Rex smirked. "So, who are you anyway? Why does Ms. B have you in class?"

Ryan tried to be brave, or as brave as he could in front of the large teen. "I'm her boyfriend." Ryan told him.

Everyone who could hear him laughed, and spread it through he classroom which eventually had everyone chuckling or giggling at the silly response. "You?" Rex asked. "Yeah right. Look at you, you couldn't even be an ant's boyfriend."

Ryan wanted to argue, but... this was just a kid. A stupid kid, who only wanted to get him worked up. He just had to buy time till Emily got back and than they would see who got the last laugh when she ripped into all of them like a lioness for even touching him!

"Dude sounds like you got some competition," Ethan laughed.

"Shut up. Me and Ms. B definitely got a thing going."

Ryan felt a weird feeling crawl over him. What?! Rex had a thing for Emily?

Ethan kept laughing, "Sounds like Mr Sanford has a better chance than you. He and Ms. Baker are on a first name basis, and your still stuck calling her Ms. B!" Ethan smirked and laughed.

"Whatever, I've got a plan," Rex said starting to explain. "I've seen how she looks at me. I just need like 30 minutes alone with her."

Ryan felt his gut turning. This kid had to be delusional. There was no way Emily was into him. Maybe Mr Sanford-

No what was he saying! She wasn't into him either! Ryan and Emily were a thing, and she wouldn't ever cheat on him...

Of course that was before he was this small.

Ryan felt himself being swung back and forth as Rex toyed with him, "I got it... if her "Boyfriend"," Rex mocked Ryan, "Went missing... I could stay after class. You know help her find him and whatever, spend some quality time with her." The look on Rex's face was a cruel and sinister look.

Ryan shook his head, "No..."

"So? What do we do with him," Ethan asked already into it. The few student's around them agreed. Everyone else seemed to not care or wanted no part in this twisted plan of Rex's.

"I could put him in my shoe," Rex suggested.

"No put him in mine," A girl standing in the semi circle said excited. "I just came from gym," She explained looking really thrilled. "Had to run the mile."

Ryan shook his head, "No, don't do this!"

Rex shrugged, "Works for me." Rex simple tossed Ryan through the air and toward the girl who lite up at the sight of Ryan fumbling through the air. Ryan didn't even know what was going on until he landed in the hands of his new tormentor.

"WAIT! YOU-"

Ryan's words were cut off as the hands collapsed over him covering him in darkness. He heard the cruel excited giggle from above as the girl, he didn't even know, start to take a seat. It wasn't until he heard the slamming of a shoe on a desk did it truly hit Ryan. This was happening.

Soon the hands opened up and Ryan landed on the wooden surface with one long leg stretched out with a large sneaker near him. Ryan looked at the shoe and the smell of stale and fresh sweat mixed together, already leaking out of the horrible looking tennis shoe.

"Oh shit he looks scared," Ethan laughed. "Little guy you ever seen a shoe that big before?"

Ryan didn't respond. He wanted to run but he was stunned by the smell and size of the shoe near him.

"Better hurry Lindsy, Ms. B could be back soon," Someone responded.

"Don't rush me," Lindsy told him. "Got to take off my shoe." Lindsy reached to her shoe and untied it before yanking the shoe off. The group of people around her desk took a step back as the air filled with her stench.

"DAMN IT LINDSY," Rex coughed. "What the fuck is that smell," Rex asked.

Lindsy just laughed, "That's the smell of running the mile in 8 minutes, new record."

Ryan looked horrified as the white sock, or what should have been white, was yellow and crusty. There were wet sploshes of fresh sweat already soaked into the sock. "Alright little guy. Time to take his place," Lindsy told Ryan.

"H-his?" Ryan gagged over the smell.

Lindsy tipped her shoe over and a small object came out of the shoe. Ryan jumped back with a frightened noise as he saw what looked to be a person, or what was left of him. The object that was on the desk was a crumpled heap and deformed beyond recognition. Ryan felt himself starting to break down at the sight of the small shrinky that was crushed to death under the foot of this fucking monster.

"Holy shit... is that Teddy?!" Ethan laughed. "When did you...?"

Lindsy smiled, "I know people. He was good with numbers but not with running. Hmmm, I think he went," Lindsy made a sickening squishing noise, "Around my second lap? Almost messed up my run time." Lindsy simply took her hand and brushed the corpse off the desk to fall down on the ground. "Anywhooooo," Lindsy laughed, "Get in!"

Ryan shook his head no. There was no way he was going to-

"She's coming back," Someone said near the door.

"Fuck," Rex said. "Just toss him in," Rex said as everyone went back to looking like they were doing work. Ryan wasn't prepared for the large hand that swept him up and brushed him off the desk. One second Ryan was standing the next he was fumbling on the desk and than in the air before landing in a dark and horrible smelling area. Ryan didn't have time to think as an object came into view and Ryan found out it was a sock covered foot. Ryan did the only thing he could, he crawled away, deeper into the shoe he was in. He was on his hands and knees as he desperately moved as fast as he could. He crawled across the ups and downs made by the small dips in the insole of the shoe from being worn too long. The stench got worse the deeper he went, however it was the only thing he could do. As fast as Ryan moved, he was no match to the speed of the enormous foot that slammed into him. It pushed into Ryan's back and rolled over him. Ryan found he was pinned face down into the moist surface of the insole of the shoe. The taste and smell of perspiration filled his face as he got to taste just how nasty Lindsy's sweat was. Ryan tired to fight and get out from under the foot but Lindsy scrunched up her toes. The tension from her foot flexing, pinned Ryan down hard into the somewhat soft but hard material of the shoe. Ryan let out a cry for help but got a mouth full of old fabric and grime left form whatever sports Lindsy did in these shoes.

"Sorry class," The sound of Emily calling out to everyone could be heard.

"EMMMMWWWWY," Ryan called out getting his voice muffled into the shoe. Ryan regretted even trying as he got more smelly shoe stuff shoved in his sweat soaked face. There was no way Emily would hear him. So it was pointless to try. However he wouldn't give up. Ryan refused to die like this. Not like Teddy...

Ryan wiggled a little and found that he just barely moved. Lindsy either didn't feel it or couldn't do anything about it. Ryan moved a little more, the more he wiggled and moved the more he rubbed his body with the sweltering sweat from his body and Lindsy's soaked sock. The liquids were like some kind of disgusting lube that helped him slide out from under the ball of her foot and out from her toes. His head was just out from her little piggies when he heard Emily starting to teach. She was oblivious to him missing...

That stung more than the sweat that started to get into his eyes. Emily wouldn't notice him missing till it was too late. She would never expect Lindsy's fucking foot to be trapping him in her god damn shoe!

Ryan let out an angry noise as he fought to free more of his body. However it was Lindsy's turn to fight back. She did something that made Ryan let out a squeak. She rocked her shoe up and lifted her foot off fo the insole. Suddenly Ryan felt the gap made between Lindsy's foot and shoe, which was just large enough for his body to slide between. He desperately grabbed onto one of Lindsy's toes to keep from sliding down to her heel, where he was sure she would grind her foot into him.

Ryan was not going to let that happen.

Lindsy must have been getting frustrated cause she kept tapping her shoe, trying to shake him off her toe. Ryan didn't let go of the socked toe. He was tempted to bite her toe, but the disgusting smell coming off the toe warned him not to. Finally after the long struggle, Lindsy gave up.

The foot rocked back down and pressed down on Ryan and squeezed the air out of him as she pressed down as hard as she could. It was jut enough to almost kill him...

Still Ryan didn't give up as he wormed his way into the tip of the shoe so only half of his body was under Lindsy's toes. Sure it hurt with her pressing on his legs, but it was better than his chest. After a few attempts this even stopped.

Finally...

"Ms. Baker," Lindsy called out from above.

"Yes," Emily answered.

"Can I go to the bathroom? I have stupid pebble in my shoe I want to get rid of."

Ryan felt the color fade from his face. She was talking about him. No no no!

"Can it wait till after class, this is important," Emily told Lindsy.

Ryan felt his heart slow back down. Emily just saved his life, for now. He wasn't sure what Lindsy had in store for him, but it didn't sound good.

Ryan didn't know what he could do or how he could get out. He could only wait for the right moment to escape. Maybe when Emily went to collect some class work he could try and do something?

The only thing he could think of was...

Ryan gulped.

Bite Lindsy.

Maybe it would freak her out or hurt her or something causing an issue or something and getting Emily to investigate?!

It was the only trump card he had left.

Ryan waited patently in the tip of the now sweltering shoe for the right moment. Lindsy on the other hand kept wiggling her toes and moving her foot to recapture Ryan under her. However, Ryan wasn't allowing it. He struggled and fought as he stayed out of reach. It wasn't easy, but he was doing it.

After what felt like a year he heard Emily say out loud, "It's almost the end of class. Any questions before everyone leaves for the day?"

This was it... this was his chance. He had to time this perfectly. When the class was quite, when Lindsy least expects it.

Someone asked a question but after that, it was silent. This was it!

Ryan quickly brought his face to the nasty smelling toe. The rank stench coming off the toe made Ryan pause and gag as the rotten air hitting him hard. Did she not wash her feet?! Ryan ignored that question as he dipped his head down to the middle toe and brought his disgusted mouth to the horrendously pungent toe. Ryan's mouth bite down with all it's might as he pretended he was trying to bite into a large piece of steak, which it wasn't. Ryan tasted the nasty odor and stinky sweat covered sock more than the toe itself. Ryan clamped down and growled as he did his best to try and take a chunk of skin out of the toe itself. Ryan wasn't sure if he was hurting Lindsy but he did get the response he wanted.

The sound of Lindsy letting out an alarmed and surprise yelp got everyone's attention.

"Everything ok," Emily asked.

Ryan started to bite more and more on different parts of the nasty toe as he tried to get Lindsy to act suspicious.

"S-sorry," Lindsy apologized, "Foot feel asleep," She said.

Suddenly Ryan was slammed around and lost his grip and bite as Lindsy smacked her foot hard on the floor. Ryan let out a desperate noise as he slipped past the toes and to the heel of Lindsy's shoe. Lindsy wasted no time and smashing her heel into Ryan as she tried to grind him into a stain in her shoe.

"BETTER," Lindsy spoke with a bitter note in her voice.

Ryan was pinned hard into the shoe. He was about to break. It felt like his bones were popping out of place as Lindsy didn't let up, as she pressed down as hard as she could. She was literally trying to merge her foot into the floor. It was horrendous. Thank god she wasn't standing up...

The thought was horrifying as Ryan realized the moment the bell rang, Lindsy would stand up, and obliterate him with her full weight on her shoe.

"Nnnnnnn," Ryan yelled under the foot. He couldn't go out like this!

"Alright, if that's everything class," Emily said.

It was almost time to go!!!!

"I'll see you all tomorrow. Please say goodbye to Ryan before you go... Ryan? Ryan??" Emily called out. The pressure on Ryan stopped.

"EMMMMIIIILLLLLYYYY," Ryan called out desperately hoping she could hear.

"Has anyone seen RYAN?! RYAN!" Emily obviously was looking for Ryan. But she would never find him in time. "Ryan why aren't you saying anything?"

Ryan closed his eyes and waited for the end.

"Don't worry Ms. B. I'll help look for him," Rex said sounding like he was really worried too. "I'll stay after class to look-"

"He's in Lindsy's shoe," Someone called out.

"SHE'S LYING," Lindsy instantly spat out.

Ryan did his best to struggle, but Lindsy still had him pinned.

"Lindsy?" Emily questioned.

Ryan prayed for god that the bell didn't ring or that Lindsy decided to stand up and walk away. His only hope was for Emily to check Lindsy...

"Ms. Baker, I saw her put him in her left shoe," The same person from before spoke up again.

"Shut up, Bitch," Lindsy defiantly shouted. "Nichole is lying!"

"Lindsy," Emily said standing closer now. Ryan prayed she was blocking Emily's exit. "Is this true?"

"..."

"Do I need to get an administrator in here," Emily warned.

"... it was just a joke," Lindsy said defensively as she took off her shoe. Ryan had never been happier to see florescence lighting.

Ryan let out a gasp of air. "EMILY," Ryan wheezed as he saw Lindsy's face looking in at him. The look of anger in Lindsy's eyes were easy to read. She was pissed. However, there was a hand held out close to her face showing that Emily was waiting for her to put Ryan in her hand.

Lindsy dipped her fingers into the shoe and pinched Ryan by his bruised midsection as she lifted him out of the shoe. "Here," She said. "It was just a joke," Lindsy repeated.

"Thank you," Emily said as she held Ryan in her hand.

Ryan did a quick look around and saw most of the class looking at a shy looking girl near the front of the class. Ryan did a best guess assuming she was his savor. He would thank her when he could. Especially when it looked like she just made the whole class her enemy...

The bell rang.

Everyone got up and started to leave.

"See you later Ms. B! You too... uh," Rex said acting like he already forgot Ryan's name. The little shit.

"Ryan," Emily said.

"Right, see you latter little guy."

"Fucking prick," Ryan spoke quietly unable to speak too much after that abuse.

Everyone but Emily and Nichole had left the class room.

"Is he ok," She asked sounding worried.

"I think so," Emily said setting Ryan down.

"I'm sorry. I should have said something sooner," Nichole spoke to Ryan.

"I'm just glad you said something," Ryan gasped not sure if Nichole heard him or not.

"What happen to the communicator?"

"It fell off," Ryan said to Emily who just made it out.

"Do we have a spare?"

"At home," Ryan again told her finally able to breathe normally. He was glad he had a few spares.

"I'm sorry Ms. Baker..." Nichole said again. "I... I wanted to say something, but..." Before Ryan or Emily could say anything to Nichole looked at the clock and she quickly started to leave, "I have to go. The buss wont wait for me."

Ryan watched his guardian angel rush out the classroom. He just hoped she wasn't bullied for this.

"So what happened," Emily asked.

"Fucking kids..." it was all Ryan wanted to say right now. "Can we just... can we go? I just want a shower and something to drink."

Emily nodded as she started to gather her things up and pick up Ryan. As she carried him with her to the door she asked again, "So what happened?"

Ryan was going to say something until he spotted a crumpled speck of a person in Emily's path to the door. Before Ryan could tell her about it, she carelessly stepped on what was left of Teddy, removing any remains of him from being recognized. She didn't even slow down her walking speed, completely oblivious to what she stepped on.

"What did you expect," Ryan said not sure if she could hear him, "I'm a shrinky, this shit happens all the time."

Emily left the class room and started to head for her vehicle to take them both home.

As Emily started to get into her car, Rick was driving by and slowed down. "How were they Emily? I hope they weren't too much trouble?"

"Oh they were fine Rick," Emily told him. As if she had forgotten what they did to Ryan not even 10 minutes ago.

Ryan could hear the whole conversation. As Emily and Rick said their goodbyes.

Rick finally told Emily, "If you ever need help, let me know. I'll give you my number. If you want, we can meet up and go over some lesson plans for the classes?"

"Oh, that actually sounds great," Emiy said sounding happy about the idea.

Ryan looked toward Emily as Rick gave his number to Emily who was taking it down in her phone.

Ryan sat there unable to believe it. As Emily took each digit down and laughed at some silly joke Rick said, he couldn't help but wonder, did Emily find this guy attractive? Was Emily interested in him?  Was Ryan going to lose Emily to this guy?...