"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."

"I have," says Savannah, looking between the two of them with a grin, "so much material for it, too."

"Okay, but really, if I don't get to know what it is you could lay off the hinting when I'm here," Bella sighs at Savannah.

"Sorry. I'll back off," she agrees.

"Do you have a lesson plan?" Bella asks Darren.

"I do!" confirms Darren. "I'll let you pick and choose a bit what you'd like to focus on, though."

"Excellent, that sounds best."

"I do hope you'll like it."

And there is Vernon! He waves.

Bella also waves. "We had Mrs. Adams as a sub in English today. Darren says you know her," she remarks when he's near enough.