Him and Her

Nine

Nine

Ana

- Two weeks pass -

I've been helping Eric for a couple weeks now. At first I was extremely uncomfortable. But now I'd call him a friend I guess. Or what that fine line between friend and stranger is. We've exchanged numbers and he asks me questions about the lesson, or just to talk about random stuff. Eric even walks me to my car each day so I don't have to deal with Carter. People stare as he walks next to a nobody, but for some reason, it isn't affecting me as much as it would.

Eric has made a lot of academic progress. I can see him understanding more and more of the material. Overall he has been happier as well. When we started to trust each other, he told me about his adoption, and his sibling on the way. I am so happy for him! He deserves it.

"So," Eric says just as we wrap up today's lesson. "The test is in two weeks, right?"

"Yes. There are only three more chapters to teach you. The rest will be easy review." I explain as I pull my stuff into my bag.

"Nice." He says as we walk down the hall. "And, I wanted to thank you for everything you've helped me with." He says looking at me.

"Oh— It's nothing." I wave him off.

"It isn't nothing. Ana, my grades have skyrocketed. All thanks to you." He states.

"That is great!" I smile.

When we get to the door, our eyes widen. It is a complete white out! Snow covers everything. "I don't think it's a good idea to drive through that right now." Eric states looking at the blizzard.

"Good idea." I chuckle. "Just let me call my mom to let her know." I say.

"Same." He turns to his phone with a small smile across his lips at the word "mom".

I pull mine out and press call to my mother. After a few rings her panicked voice comes through. "You aren't driving in that right?! This isn't a cop telling me you've gotten into an accident!"

"No, mama. It's me." I chuckle. She sighs in relief. "I am just letting you know that Eric and I are going to stay here in the school lobby until the snow blows over." I explain.

"Perfect! Sounds good! Just stay warm okay! Text me when you are about to leave, okay?"

"Yes, mama. I will text you." I smile into the phone.

"Okay, I love you!" She says.

"I love you."

After we both hang up the phone, we sit across one another against the wall on the floor in front of the doors. "So? What now?" I question.

"Baby names?" He suggests.

I grin. "I was hoping you'd suggest that!" We both smile as I pull out the piece of paper that is filled with the names we like for the baby. It's been a small game we play when we have time after a lesson. We like to help pick the baby name even though the due date isn't for a long time. "Girl, go." I say to him.

"Uhh— Gwen, Harper, Meredith."

"I like Harper!" I reply.

"What about Meredith?" He questions.

"Have you not seen Grey's Anatomy?" I ask. He shakes his head. "Meredith in the show has the worst luck."

"Good to know!" He says with a laugh. "Boy, go!" He says as I write Harper down onto the paper.