Pixeleiva

Maisie's heart pounded in her ears as she stared at her phone screen, the typing bubble appearing almost instantly.

Harrison: You should've left hours ago Maisie: I know, I didn't mean to stay so late Harrison: If you know then why are you only leaving now Maisie: I lost track of time. I'll be home soon Harrison: Stop making excuses Harrison: Call me once you get outside.

Her chair scraped loudly as she stood up too fast, causing a couple of heads to turn in her direction.

"Sorry," she muttered automatically, already shoving her belongings into her bag without regard for organization. The zipper snagged halfway shut. "Come on," she whispered under her breath, yanking harder until it finally closed.

She slung her bag over her shoulder, hitting the back of her chair in the process. She winced as the chair noisily wobbled on its legs. Heat rushed to her face as embarressment set in. Shaking her head to push the feeling off, she turned quickly -- colliding straight into someone. "Oh-!" She squeaked out as her bag fell off her shoulder, hitting the floor with a dull thud. The zipper split back open upon impact, scattering everything within across the floor.

"Sorry, I'm so sorry," she rushed out, dropping to her knees, her fingers fumbling over loose papers before shoving them back into her bag, crumpled and out of order.

"It's okay," a calming male voice spoke, crouching down to help. "Hey, slow down -"

"I'm fine," she said too quickly, not looking up. "I just - sorry - I have to go."

Her phone buzzed against the floor beside her, the screen lighting up bright enough for both of them to see.

Harrison: I told you to call me once you were outside Harrison: You better not be lying about where you are

His hand paused slightly as he picked up her phone, before reaching it out towards her. Panicked, Maisie snatched her phone from his hand, throwing it in her bag like that could erase what he'd seen. "Thanks," she said tightly, barely meeting his eyes.

A small silence stretched between them, then carefully. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," she said. "Just...late." Clearing her throat she continued, "Thanks." Grabbing the last notebook off the floor she stood quickly.

"Hey --" he started, like he wanted to say something else. But she was already turning toward the exit.