The Education of Hailey Kendrick - Eileen Cook [41]
“Well, here’s something you don’t see every day,” a voice said in the alley.
My head shot straight up. I knew that voice. “Drew?”
“Hailey?” He sounded shocked. “Looks like you need some help.”
“I don’t need help, but some help would be appreciated.”
“Looks to me like you need help. Do you know you’re wearing Thursday panties and today’s Monday?”
I blushed. “My grandma buys these for me. Stop looking at my butt,” I demanded.
“It’s sort of a focal point from out here.”
“Help me out of here.” I wiggled my legs. “Hurry up. I’m in sort of a situation.”
I could hear him climbing up onto the Dumpster behind me. “You know, there’s a waitlist to get into this place. You don’t see many trying to get out. At least this way.” His hand was on my leg. “I’m going to heft you up a bit and then pull you out.”
“Watch your hands,” I warned him.
“I am watching them.”
I could hear voices from the hallway. It was just a matter of time before Mandy busted her way in, and then there would be no amount of explaining that would make things right.
Drew held me around the waist, and I felt myself start to slide backward. I held on to the window ledge.
“Rest your feet on the rim of the Dumpster.”
I slid until my feet were resting next to Drew’s feet and my face was still looking through the window. I used one hand to jam my skirt back down into place.
“Okay. Hang on to the window while I get down, and then I’ll help you.”
Through the window I could see the bathroom door start to open. I threw myself into Drew, and we dropped to the ground in a heap. I landed on top of him, and he gave a loud “Ooph.”
I held my finger over my mouth, indicating he needed to be quiet.
“She’s not in here.” Mandy’s voice drifted down from the window.
Drew raised an eyebrow. He stood and pulled me up. His shirt was smeared with ketchup. He jerked his head to the right, indicating that I should follow him, and I did. His truck was parked at the end of the alley.
When we reached it, he turned back to me. “You need a ride somewhere?” He held up a hand. “I mean, of course, that you don’t need a ride, but would one be helpful?”
I wiped my hand across my face. I was shaking. I didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t go back inside.
“I can’t leave campus.”
“No, you’re not supposed to leave. But I’m betting you’re capable. Rules are meant to be broken.”
“I’ve never skipped school in my life,” I protested.
Drew’s eyes went wide like a kid who had just spotted Santa Claus. “Really? Your first time? Oh, that’s exciting.” He rubbed his hands together. “This will be good. Time’s wasting. Let’s go.” He motioned to his truck.
I held back. “I’ll get in trouble.”
“News flash, Prima Donna. You’re already in trouble. There’s no death penalty for skipping school. If you’re already in trouble, why not go really big? Are you telling me you had the guts to sneak out of a place by jumping into a Dumpster, but then you were just going to go right back inside? Besides, with what they charge for tuition for this place, they aren’t going to kick you out for skipping one day. It wouldn’t be cost efficient.”
My mind raced. I hadn’t thought through this plan very well. Everything had been based on the idea of getting away. I heard a burst of laughter, and at the other end of the alley I could see a few Evesham students making their way over to a classroom building. At the very least I needed more time to think of what to do. “I’ll go with you,” I said.
“Allow me,” he said, bowing low and opening the door.
18
I wasn’t sure what I’d expected. I’d never snuck off campus before. I guess I thought Drew might race the truck toward the gates while the security team released savage German shepherds and shot up the back window in a blaze of gunfire. Drew had me sit on the passenger-side floor, and he tossed his coat