CHAPTER 3

“Cait! Why are you late for class? I searched for you everywhere and you weren't picking your calls.Were you avoiding me? Did you and Clay get into a fight again?” Ash whispered urgently from behind me.

“No, no! I'm sorry. My phone must have been on silent. I was at the bleachers” I mummbled and she scoffed and fell back into her seat, an expression that screamed 'typical Caitlin'.

It was English class with Ms Grace and it was a drag as usual. I'll rather be in calculus class. I love numbers so much. They just…make more sense. Calculus, numbers, logic. Not all of this grammar nonsense. 

As soon as the class was over, Ash and I walked out of class hand in hand. 

“Hey C” I heard someone call from behind me.

“Who? Cait?” Ash asked, blinking at me. It was Adonis.

“Yes, C” He answered with a smirk.

“She's Caitlin and not C. Since when are you both on a nickname basis?” Ash asked, eyebrow raised.

“Since she admitted to wanting to lick every inch of my body” He replied and I buried my face in my palm as Ash turned to look at me. Her eyes widened.

“No she did not. Now get your perveted ass out of here. I'm sure some brainless girl somewhere is longing for your attention” Ash said, pulling me to go along with her.

“I hear you're really good at calculus C. I could use a tutor” He called out.

“You could also use a mint” Ash shot back as we walked away. She didn't even miss a breath.I giggled.

“What?!? My breath smells fine” Adonis protested, pretending to be offened. That made me laugh even harder. 

“Now young lady, you better start talking” Ash said as soon as Adonis was out of sight. Oh.

“I leave you to yourself for one day and you're hitting on the school's...whore?” She asked and I gasped.

“He's not a whore.” I replied.

“Oh, so you're defending him now” She said with her arms akimbo. 

“Urghh!! We just talked okay?” I groaned.

“And what was that talk about licking him? Do you want to get infected with something… C?” She added the nickname mockingly.

“Waitttttt. Were you at the bleachers with Adonis? Is that why you were late to class? Caitlin Graham!!!!!” 

“Bye Ash” I said, stomping off.

“Hey, you’re not running away from this!!” She said, trying to catch up with me. 

**************************************** 

I was summoned to the principal's office. Which is weird. I walked in after a knock on the door.

“Hello, Miss Graham” He greeted with a smile, gesturing for me to take a seat.

“Good morning Principal Marcus” I greeted and took my seat. 

“I'll be quick, I have a meeting in about five minutes. My son Adonis is failing terribly in some subjects including calculus which I hear you're exceptional at. Now, I'm not imposing but I'd like for you to tutor him for the next two to three months but it's totally up to you. If it doesn't work for you, I'll be fine with you recommending another student who is just as good at calculus who will be able to do the job. I pay very handsomely” Principal Marcus said.

“Thank you so much Sir for considering me first for the offer. Uhm… How handsomely do you pay?” I asked, nervously scratching the nape of my neck and he laughed.

“I'll pay whatever it takes to get the job done” He answered, checking his watch.

“Caitlin, I have to run now. I'll give you the rest of the week to think about it. Think really hard, that boy is a chore” He said. Oh, I know. 

Tutoring Adonis was not on my bingo card for the year but if Principal Marcus is willing to pay as handsomely as he says, then I can quit working at that awful bar every night. It means I'll be able to save up for New York much quicker. But Adonis? Urgh, Lord help me.