MORIAH ESTHER
He stared at me with a peculiar and intriguing look in his eyes, as if he was partaking in a spectacle that no one else probably knew.
I stared right back, wondering what probably he was trying to say. But it bugged me not to know what was going on. I knew this guy doesn't want to have an encounter with people like me. The way he looks, they say he's some sort of a bad boy. He was on the school's football team. He's also a drummer and has multiple girlfriends and flings. (But I don't believe that).
His wavy brown hair gave him a sort of surfer look to match his bluish eyes.
While I was deciphering him, I didn't notice he's already right in front of me. He moved closer and whispered on my ear.
"Unfortunately…I am your partner."
I blinked, and slightly looked out the corner of my eye. I noticed everyone's attention was on us. Maybe because of the presence of Jake Freeman in front of me. I was taken aback. It seems like time has stopped for a single second. I was trying to think of the right words to say because honestly, I didn't know he is talking about.
"Um, you're my what?" I asked him curiously. I didn't notice I spoke that aloud.
He stood there for a second. By the look on his face, I presume he's getting annoyed. What does he mean he's my partner? Partner in what? What is this man trying to say?
"I'll see you around… Moriah."
With that, he continued walking. I don't where he's going. Okay then, I'll talk to him after class.
*******
After our last period, Physics class, I found myself staring at Mrs. Johnson, with confusion and a bit of interest.
"Do you and Jake Freeman get along together well? Sits over there?" she said with a gesturing hand. I just simply nod at her.
"Well anyways, unlike his other classes he badly sucks in Physics. He really needs help. If he fail this, he might not graduate. I was wondering, would you be willing to tutor him?"
"Ugh…" I would be more willing to help as long as I can help them.
"You're one of the few people with best grades here." Mrs. Johnson urged me.
I found it very coincidental. Just this morning, Jake said to me "I'll see you around," and now Mrs. Johnson is asking me be his tutor. I get it. This is what he's pertaining to when he said he's my partner. I wondered if he said something to Mrs. Johnson himself. Nonetheless, I consider this as a blessing in disguise. With all these thoughts in my mind, I couldn't help but smile. Indeed, God works in ways which are mysterious in the eyes of men. I just have to trust God this time even if I don't fully understand why it's Jake.
"Um, yeah sure Mrs. Johnson."
Mrs. Johnson brightly smiled at me. "Great! You too can study at the library so no hassle with who's going to who's house."
I smiled. "Okay Mrs. Johnson. Thanks! See you tomorrow!" I spoke as I walked out the door.
I don't have to be scared at Jake. I'll just have to trust God this will work out well. I have no rights to judge him. I'll just have to be patient and be more understanding when it comes to uncontrolled situations. But maybe, we'd become friends? Maybe he'll share his life to me and me too? Maybe we'd become study buddies? I don't know.
Though we're in the same class, we've never talked or even just simply socialized with each other.
AS I continued walking down the hallway, I heard Mrs. Johnson's loud voice call out to Jake who wasn't that far away.
"Jake! Come here for a second, I've got some news for you…"
Then I found myself heading back home.
*******
The rest of the day went pretty quickly. Avery said she's having a meeting with the student leaders. I told her I have to tutor someone too. We just laughed hoping that everything would turn out good. I texted my Grandma I'd be home by five. I then waited at a random table in the library. While waiting, I prayed to Jesus silently:
"Lord, please help me as I tutor Jake. Bless him to listen and pay attention and in turn, to do well on our future tests. I pray You give us wisdom that we need Lord. I also ask for patience and understanding Lord. I pray that a friendship will blossom between the two of us Lord. I love you Jesus. Let Your will be done my Lord.
Amen."
Just as I finished praying, I looked up, I saw Jake walking towards the door. Even though it's a bit awkward, I waved at him to get his attention. He looked and smirked.
"Hey," I spoke as I watched him sat down with his bag by his side.
"Yeah," he coldly responded. Maybe this guy has problems. I don't want to add one.
I took out the Physics textbook.
"Alright, so do you understand the lesson we're on now?" I asked. He just shrugged his shoulders.
Okay. So he's not saying any real word.
"Well, do you know this formula?" Again. A shrug.
From there, I just re-explained the last three lessons we did in class. I paused and looked at him, watching as he aimlessly stared around the library.
"Um hey, did you hear what I said?"
His eyes suddenly diverted on me with no interest at all.
"Ugh, yeah sure."
I heaved a sigh but continued talking, hoping he would at least listen to me. From then on, his eyes stayed on me, from what I could tell. I glanced at the textbook for a split second. When I looked back up, Jake's face was inches away from mine.
Due to adrenaline rush, I took my chair and went all the way to the other side of the table. I continued as if nothing awkward has happened.
This only cause Jake to laugh and cross his arms behind his head, leaning back in his chair slightly and then staring blankly at the ceiling.
Perhaps, it would require me a lot of patience to bear with this brand-new-friend-of-mine.