Despite the early popularity with the students, Derek's role soon settled in and he was fortunate to have everyone treat him with relative decency. There were a few times where a student or two would give him a curious glance, to which the little assistant would grow somewhat uncomfortable, but it never developed any more than that. By the time the class was over, Derek was ready to get the rest of his day started feeling much better about himself. As the class dismissed, he spoke with Mrs. Johnson for a few moments.
"Granted, this was the first day, but is this how you always run your classes?" Derek asked. The woman nodded. "Yes, I like to keep a looser atmosphere in my classrooms than might other teachers. Is something the matter?" Derek shook his head. "No, not at all. I was curious because I really appreciate the way you run things. I would prefer it if it stayed this way, actually." Mrs. Johnson smiled. "Excellent. I hope to see you sometime else today. If that doesn't happen, then I hope to be working with you again soon. Have a good day, Derek." With the exchange of that warm pleasantry, the teacher grabbed her things and left. Derek wasn't far behind.
Out in the hallway, things were busy. With students and staff alike moving around the halls, looking for their proper room, Derek was at a big disadvantage. Swerving to and fro avoiding all of the much larger feet was a challenge, but one that Derek felt he could match. Nearing his next class, the little guy was startled when a large slide-on kicked him. Yelping, Derek slid across the hallway a little ways, ending up right at the doorway to his next assigned class. While getting up, he noticed that the same person that kicked him was heading his way. Not wanting another problem, Derek scurried into the classroom and headed towards the teacher's desk. The student that had kicked him settled into their seat soon thereafter. A couple minutes later, the bell rang, indicating the beginning of class.
Like the first period, Derek's second class was uneventful. With the same intrigued looks from the students, the little man settled into his role once more and did his duties effectively. On a few occasions, a couple students got handsy with him, but the head teacher was always there to aid him. By the end of this class period, most of the students grew to like Derek. He bid adieu to the second teacher, Mrs. Clarkson, then headed out to the hall. He now had a break period in the staff room, where he could decompress before two final classes would conclude his daily tasks. The hallway this time around seemed to be even busier than the last time. Derek was now nervous and walking quicker as the pace of the crowd around him picked up. While he was able to get around fine enough the first time, Derek ran out of luck. Tripping over himself, Derek landed on his knees. Then, a sudden shadow passed over him. Looking up, a blonde girl, all that Derek could make out in the brief time, was bringing her leg up and over him. The girl's tennis shoe blocked out the sky for the little guy and all he could see was its sole. A small wad of something was stuck within its groves. Derek panicked and quickly got to his feet, but it was far too late to do anything. The girl landed her foot right on top of him, the wad of something grabbing onto the little guy.
*SQUELCH*
*SCRUNCH*
*STOMP*
Now attached to the bottom of this girl's shoe, Derek could think of nothing else other than the pounding that now came at his expense. As the student walked to her next class, blissfully unaware of the little passenger she picked up, Derek tried to get his mind off of the pain by thinking up a plan to free himself. It was useless, though. The agony of being a bug stuck beneath this girl's sole was far too overwhelming. Thankfully, the ride was relatively short-lived as the blonde student arrived at her class, settling into her seat and resting her feet. Unfortunately, while the pounding stopped, Derek was still trapped beneath the giant girl's shoe. He tried coming up with a plan while the class began.
What happens with Derek during the class?