Being out of school had in fact put me behind in my classes even worse than I was before. I had tests I needed to make up and tons of homework to catch up on. I know that I put myself in this situation but I don't think overwhelming myself with work will solve my bad grades.
In first period, my teacher introduced me to my tutor. My tutor's name was Natalie and she was a small girl, very pretty. I was not happy that my teacher went behind my back and asked my parents about the idea. I didn't mind the idea, but I'd like to at least have my own say in the matter. I also felt weird getting help from a girl.
I knew something was off when I was asked to stay behind again. A girl had walked up beside me holding a great number of books and schoolwork, smiling at the teacher and I knew it wouldn't be good news for me.
It was the first half of lunch right now, and I have completed my third test today. I knew a good amount of what we were learning in my classes, but there was also a good amount that I didn't.
I close the test packet and get up to turn it in. I was the first of five other students to complete the test which I don't think is that good of a thing. I grab my bag to go to lunch. Ryland had apologized on Saturday. Granted, I wasn't happy it was over text but it was the most I was going to get out of him.
I internally groan when I notice Natalie at the lunch table. Why the fuck was she here? I take my seat after putting my bag down. Reese was laughing with Natalie after some girl by him saying something.
"This is Rebecca and Natalie." Reese introduces the two girls. I fake a smile and nod. Rebecca says hi while Natalie and I just nod our heads at each other. It wasn't hard to tell that Reese had a crush on Rebecca. They were both so caught up in one another.
"You and Natalie should hook up." Ash says after both girls excused themselves elsewhere. His comment causes me to start coughing.
"It's not that bad of an idea, Bryson." Reese pats my back.
"I don't think I could." I say drinking some water.
"At least try it." Ash pipes in. "You need to at some point." Everyone nods along with him and I sigh.
"She's my tutor though, isn't that a bit awkward." I deadpan.
"It's perfect! You're already going to be spending time together!" Reese claps his hands. "It's fate." I can see many ideas going through him as he stares in the distance with a stupid grin on his face.
"No." I shake my head. Out of all girls to set me up with, it's Natalie. It's already bad enough I have to see her outside of school for help.
----
Natalie had agreed this morning with my teacher and parents to help me after school today. I wasn't looking forward to this. I'm mad no one decided to let me know this started so soon. I shut my locker and wait for her to show up, I had agreed to drive her back to mine.
"Hey." She walks up behind me. I simply smile and walk in the direction of the parking lot. "A man of many words I see." I hear her mumble under her breath after she catches up to me.
The car ride was exceptionality quiet beside Natalie constantly changing the radio station. I couldn't keep my mind off summer the whole way. I've only had her in the passenger seat and in my home. This felt like cheating in a way.
I lead Natalie into my house where my mother gets overly excited about her being over. I walk away to avoid the excessive excitement.
"Ignore him sweetie, he'll come around eventually. He just needs time." I hear my mom say to Natalie. Like hell I'll get friendly with her.
I don't wait to hear Natalie's response as I go upstairs to my room. I'm sure my mom can point her in the direction.
Natalie shows after a good while, I can only imagine what my mother has told her about me. I just hope it doesn't make this experience any more awkward. I'm sat on my desk chair placing much needed distance between us. I wasn't comfortable sitting together on my bed.
---
"I will never get this." I groan, slamming my pencil down. We've been going back and forth with questions and answers for ages. No matter what, I couldn't get one question right. She had made a plan based on what the teacher had told her, but it was failing miserably. Not even flashcards were helping!
"In time you will." She says turning me to face her. "You just need more practice."
"I'm probably the worst person you've ever tutored." I point out the first right answer this evening. I almost laugh at that thought as I look back down. I was truly pathetic right now.
"You're not the worst person I've worked with." She says half smiling, it's obvious that she's fibbing. I turn my head, giving her a blank look stating I know that what she said was bull.
"I'm sure I am though." I smirk as she blushes, caught in her own lie.
"Okay, maybe you are, but it's not a bad thing." She rushes out trying to reassure me, but it really didn't matter. I'm hopeless.
I wanted to graduate desperately, but at this rate, it was looking very meek. This was going to be a lot of work and I don't know if I'll be able to sit through it all.
"You'll get it, just wait." She places a hand on my shoulder. I look at it with conflicting thoughts but decide to let it go.
"I hope." I sigh knowing I was going to be seeing a lot more of Natalie in the future. Reese is going to be overjoyed and I can only imagine the things he does to set us up, let alone my mom.
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