"I'm going to hope that you have a good reason and are not just messing with me for your amusement."

Savannah removes the hand, and through giggles, says, "He is really" (giggle) "embarrassed about it. It's not for his amusement, but I think it's funny."

Bella snorts. "How long does your dad usually take to get here?"

"Not very long!" answers Savannah. "A few minutes, I'd say."

"Okay. So soon enough I'll be distracted from wondering what was so hilariously embarrassing, I suppose."

Darren makes a sound and is very interested in his shoes.

Savannah pats his back. "Yup! Hopefully he'll recover by the time he gets to tutoring."

"As much as his embarrassment may entertain you, yeah, I don't think it would improve his didactic skills."

"Maybe he can do it in mime? While looking at his shoes the entire time?"

"No. I don't think so."

"Aw. But that would be so funny."

"You'll manage without somehow," says a recovering Darren.

"You may have had your recommended daily allowance of humor already," Bella points out to Savannah encouragingly.

"Fair enough. I can always tease him tomorrow."

Darren makes a face. "Thanks. I feel the love."

"People who Savannah doesn't love probably don't get teased at all, poor things."

"They don't! They live barren and empty lives. It's very sad."

Darren does not look convinced.

Bella pats him on the shoulder. "Enjoy your fantastic luck. You do not live an empty life."

"... Yay," he drawls.

"I'm not hearing the enthusiasm I expect from people living full lives. Maybe Savannah should tease you more."

"Do you want me to tutor you? I don't have to," he replies. "If I am not enthusiastic enough."

"I will take even uninspired tutoring, but I have every confidence that you can do better than that."