For a few minutes, Ethan observed with a mixture of nervousness and intrigue the report card of his future pupil.
The room, so luxurious and opulent, had only the sound of the pages of that pathetic report card as background noise.
Ethan's POV:
(...)
"..."
"..."
I continued to silently study the report card while Adriana maintained an expectant silence, waiting for my response.
Although her expression wasn't very encouraging...
In cases like these, it's better to have a little more information...
There are occasions when children reflect some kind of insecurity or trauma in their academic abilities, either by simply ignoring the lessons to focus on other things or by deliberately ignoring them as a form of protest.
"Hmm."
I finished reading the report card and placed it slowly on the coffee table in front of the sofa, preparing some words to avoid sounding offensive.
"Indeed, a peculiar performance. I'm one of those who believe that everything has a solution, but for that, I need some explanation. So... have you taken her to see a psychologist?"
I asked something that could easily be taken as an offense, but I believed I had every right to do so.
After all, I'll be the one dealing with this young girl.
"Haa, yes, I have many times... but everyone says the same thing: 'She doesn't want to.'"
With a sigh and resting her head in her hands, she commented on the psychology report.
So... 'She doesn't want to,' huh...
After that, Adriana superficially started to tell me about her life.
Things like her divorce a few years ago, the relationship between mother and daughter, how the young girl's father never contacted them again, not even for the young girl's birthdays, etc.
Unfortunately, I'm not the best for these kinds of cases. After all, I can't empathize with her being an orphan.
I never experienced a parent's love, so not knowing it, I didn't miss it.
"Maybe if I get to know her better, I can find a way, but don't expect too much from me."
"I understand, thank you very much for trying."
I suppose Adriana expected a similar response, so she wasn't bothered by it, and instead thanked me.
If the professionals in psychology couldn't do much, I don't think someone like me has much to do.
(I don't lose anything by trying anyway.)
"This way."
And so, I was led to meet that young girl.
We climbed the stairs to the second floor, and after a few steps, we reached the infamous room of that troublesome girl.
So far, there didn't seem to be anything out of the ordinary, which ruled out certain stereotypes that anyone might have in mind.
Lucky and unlucky at the same time...
*Knock *Knock
Adriana knocked on the door, and a few seconds later...
"Come in," the voice of a young girl with a bored tone came from inside.
*Open the door
Opening the door, I was greeted by a rather normal-looking room.
A medium-sized bed, a desk, a computer, some personal items that girls use, and a few photos hung around.
Nothing that could be decisive in deciphering her personality.
"Is that the tutor you hired? I was expecting someone more handsome, honestly," that girl started strong from her bed, pointing out my simple appearance.
"Alexa! Show some respect, please! Are you going to keep embarrassing me like this?" Adriana immediately corrected her, not without reproaching her previous behaviors.
I didn't get upset and instead, I examined her carefully.
Black hair, probably inherited from her father, green eyes from her mother, and a sloppy outfit: a simple tank top and shorts, leaving little to the imagination regarding her figure.
Her features were sharp, and combined with her challenging gaze, gave her an intimidating aura. Despite that, she was also a beauty, like her mother.
"I understand, I understand. Nice to meet you, teacher. My name is Alexia, a complete idiot," Alexia said, introducing herself in a peculiar manner.
"Alexia!" Adriana seemed to want to say more, but I stopped her with a gesture.
"Pleased to meet you, Alexia. I'm Ethan, and I'll be your tutor until you achieve excellent results," I introduced myself smoothly and calmly.
*Raise an eyebrow.
"Could you leave us to talk alone? I'd like to get to know her without pressure."
With those words and a calm look, I made Adriana understand that it was best for her to leave.
"I understand. Anything, I'll be in the living room. Alexia, please, behave. I'm doing all this for you."
With that, she left.
I surveyed the surroundings for a moment before slowly approaching the desk, pulling out a chair, and sitting on it.
"You know, I'm not going to give you the usual spiel, so here's a proposal: you let me teach you, make your mother proud, and I get my deserved pay. It's a good symbiotic relationship, don't you think?"
I didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point.
(Let's see, based on her response, I'll proceed one way or another.)
Needless to say, my choice of words had a hidden purpose.
*Sit down.
She sat slowly on the edge of her bed, crossed her legs, and gave me a steady gaze, clearly with the intention of intimidating me.
I didn't falter; I was already used to this kind of gaze.
(The history teacher is scarier.)
*Sigh.
This interaction lasted a few minutes before she sighed.
"I'm not very smart, you know? Besides, for my dream, I don't need to study," she said, reiterating her lack of intelligence and mentioning that high school wasn't necessary for her dream.
A dream, huh. I can work with that.
"Oh? So you already have something in mind. Then I don't think you'd mind sharing it with me, right? Maybe I can offer you some advice," I said with a smile.
"My dream is to be an adult actress."
(...)
Her statement stopped my thoughts for a moment before a famous phrase crossed my mind.
As long as it doesn't harm anyone, all dreams are respectable, no matter how pathetic they may seem.
Although it was clearly bothering me, I decided to play along.
"So, you want to act... great."
"Yes, I want to act for adults."
(Let's see how long you can keep up this little game.)
"But, you know? To be a good actress, you need a few skills."
I said that as I settled in casually, ready for a debate.
"I don't think that's the case, all you need is appearance and hygiene, right? Things I have plenty of," she said, pointing out each part of her body while maintaining a fixed gaze on me, clearly challenging me.
"Yes, if you want to live a life as a mediocre actress."
"Tell me your point," she responded immediately.
I got up from the chair and walked in circles around the room.
"To be a successful actress, you need to make your colleagues feel comfortable around you. For that, good communication is vital."
"I just have to treat them well, right? It's simple."
"Indeed, but people think one thing and say another. Many might take you for ignorant for not graduating from high school, thus underestimating your potential. How will you defend yourself when another actress envies your talent and uses your ignorance as an argument to take your role?"
"..."
"You also need to manage your finances efficiently and clearly, something you learn in high school."
"I'll hire an accountant."
"But what if he takes advantage of your ignorance and steals from you?"
"I'll sue him."
"With what money? How will you pay for your lawyer?"
"... I'll borrow from my boyfriend."
(So a boyfriend, huh. Let's use that to attack her and see what happens.)
"Oh! You have a boyfriend. How long have you been with him?"
"A year."
"A year? Congratulations! And... how is he in school?"
"He's quite smart and hasn't failed any subjects."
She puffed up her chest proudly, as if her boyfriend's achievement were truly hers.
"Hmm, that's great. But... is he aware of your dream of being that kind of artist?"
"Yes, when we graduate, we'll both be adult actors. He has that potential."
(...)
"Oh, so... you have that kind of relationship... what are they called... open relationships?"
*Furrow the brow.
Upon hearing what I said, she frowned with clear displeasure.
"No."
"So, how are you going to handle it when you have to collaborate with someone?"
"We won't. It'll just be him and me."
"Are you sure? What if he decides to bring another girl?"
"No... he wouldn't do that... we love each other too much!"
She said the last part with a bit more energy...
Maybe we have something here.