Hal perked up at the sound of a substitute. No teacher meant he was off the hook. He had never seen this sub before, but it didn't bother him. Hal was just glad not to be marked up again. 

He pulled out his Chemistry books and notebook, realizing he'd left papers on his desk at home. The morning had been too rushed, and he'd forgotten them.

"Aww, crap," Hal muttered to himself. He just kept it to himself and focused on the new sub, Om.