CHAPTER TWO

TUTOR TROUBLE

Throughout Chemistry class, I swear I could feel Tyler’s gaze on me. It was unfortunate we shared a classroom; what was more unfortunate was the magazine he had seen in my backpack.

He’d obviously suspect I wasn’t into girls. Maybe it was a good thing…he’d probably stop taunting and humiliating me or accusing me of stealing his girlfriend.

After class, I snuck out through a back door close to the cafeteria, avoiding Tyler and his gang. I had discovered that door last week. It was the safest spot for me to escape them without being humiliated.

The bus stopped in front of the house, and I took a deep breath. Finally, I was free from all that drama. I scurried towards the house, and as I entered, Mum was already home early. I beamed with joy at the thought of lunch; my mum was a very good chef.

“Cariño, you have a visitor,” she said warmly. I looked over to see Eleanor forcing a smile on the couch, still in the clothes she wore to school…she hadn’t even reached home.

“Com estas, Asher?” she said timidly. I rolled my eyes.

“Yh, hi Eleanor… It’s a surprise you’re here,” I feigned a smile.

“She said she wanted to thank you. She got an A in Español and a B in Calculus…very impressive, isn’t that right, Asher?” Mum responded, and my eyes widened.

“That’s great,” I responded, feeling a little proud I was her tutor.

“Let’s get some juice and grilled chicken to celebrate,” Mum said, dashing into the kitchen, beaming. Mum really liked Eleanor; in fact, she liked every girl I brought home…like Lily, my study buddy from my previous school, then Flora and Eleanor. Sometimes I feel like she secretly wants me to fornicate. I turned towards Eleanor with a grim look on my face.

“Why are you here?” I asked, and she dropped her head in silence for a while before responding.

“Asher, I’m so sorry about what’s happening between you and Tyler…”

“And you know it’s all your fault, right? Why can’t you just leave me alone!!!” I stressed. Then she dropped a bomb.

“I’m leaving Tyler.”

“What!” I thundered. “You’re just making things worse!”

“But I love you, Asher…”

“I don’t reciprocate, Eleanor. I don’t love you,” I stressed. “I don’t want to be your tutor anymore.”

Her face fell hearing my words. Mum walked in with a tray of quesadillas. Dropping the tray on the dining table, she signaled us to come.

We sat quietly at the dining table and began eating. Mum noticed the awkwardness around; I could tell from her shifting gaze.

After lunch, I escorted Eleanor out to catch a bus back home. I got back and jumped on my bed, staring at the ceiling… I remembered how close Tyler’s mouth had been to my face, and I scowled… his hot breath and strong masculine perfume… I could still feel and smell them.

Why was I even thinking about that pompous d*ck? Just then a mail popped up on my phone, and as I opened it, my chest soared as it read:

“Congratulations Mr. Asher Miguel, Oakdale High has emerged first place in the Harvard Grand Quiz Competition……”

I paused in excitement, unable to complete the text. Just then, Mum, accompanied by Dad, rushed in squealing in excitement.

“Cariño, your principal just called…” she said in excitement.

“I just got a mail from Harvard, Mum, we won!” I yelled in excitement, almost bawling my eyes out. Dad wore a proud look on his face.

“All thanks to the Lord,” he stated warmly. “Let us thank God for this great accomplishment,” he added, kneeling beside my bed, and we followed as he began singing Thankful by Kelly Clarkson.

Our winning meant my tuition for senior year was covered, and our basketball team had a slot in an annual league hosted by Harvard…. I snickered silently as I thought: I wonder how Tyler would feel about this.