not many people are invited to stay after class at all. even less are allowed to sit with will graham and throw popcorn around, making a mess. however, sam has always been a good student and a good kid. in truth, will doesn’t mind the company.
“I remember those books. I used to put off readin’ them till about the last couple days before a big exam on ‘em. I was a bad procrastinator for that sort of thing in school. uh, don’t get any ideas though.”
he glances towards sam; there is a brief smile.
“anyways, I just mean that it’s easy to get stuck on things. watch out for that, all right?”
tone grows quieter. he turns his attention back to what he’s doing: reading a case file. a pause, and then he adds, “and quit wasting all that popcorn.”
a smile continues to toy on the corners of sam’s lips, successfully catching the piece of popcorn in his mouth — and he’s turning his attention back to will with a look of TRIUMPH on his features. ❝ i was a real stickler in class ; i mean, i still am . . . i’d always have that book finished by day one — my mom was a real stickler for making sure i was a good student. ❞
the student smiles then, tossing a piece of popcorn in will’s direction. ❝ remember last year when i gave you my final essay a month before you actually wanted it ? yeah, i don’t think ya’ gotta worry too much. ❞ the wide smile on sam’s lips falters when he mentions his mother, and he’s replaying will’s words — it’s easy to get stuck on things. ❝ yeah, you’re tellin’ me. ❞
sam decides to sit forward then, trying to PEEK at the case file that will is currently nurturing. ❝ i’m not wasting any of it ! ❞ even though he’s gotten maybe four in his mouth and the rest all over will’s floor. ❝ what ’ cha got there ? ❞