She patted his arm, stopping him a moment, "thank you," she said with all sincerity. "I know John was being a bit unreasonable earlier, but I'm thankful you offered me an afternoon out." She wasn't covering for John's bullying, but she wasnt going to let him be her voice. She had her own mind.
"School is going well. I forgot how bad I am with math problems." She laughed softly.