The New Kid | lrh

Chapter 2

It was a normal school day. Summer wasn't approaching as fast as I'd like it to be. Every teacher was overwhelmed trying to teach us whatever they hadn't taught so far. A few more months of hell left and I was free. High school would be over. I'd never have to see these assholes ever again. I'm looking forward to that. That's what was getting me through this year.

Graduation.

"Zoe? What was the answer?" The teacher asked, almost ten months into the school year and I still didn't know my teachers name.

"Uh, I don't know."

"Maybe if you weren't on your phones all the time..." I zoned out after that. He goes on a tangant every time someone doesn't know the answer. I put one earbud in and listened whatever station was on Spotify.

Violet nudged me when he called on me to answer another question. She held up five fingers.

"Uh, five?"

"Correct." He, whatever his name was, began writing the next problem on the board.

I gave Violet a silent thank you before looking around the room to pass time. I think I knew every so called "motivational poster" in the room.

I snickered when the teacher yelled at Joe, who sat next to me, and got sent to the principals office. I noticed that the kid from the party was in my class, Joe just blocked my view of him.

He had a nice jawline and some stubble. His jaw was clenched tight as he took some notes in his notebook. He wore a red and black flannel, buttoned up, with the first few top buttons left undone. Black skinny jeans and all black high top converse. We dressed similarly.

I stared at him, admiring his features. He looked over at me and met eyes. I got caught. He gave me a small smile before looking back at the board.

He must think I'm creepy.

Maybe I can play it off that he looked familiar to me. He was familiar and kind of attractive. Something about him was different. He was different. I liked it.

Catching feelings would ruin my bitch reputation I had going. Especially catching feelings for a nerd.

"Zoe and Luke, you need to see me after class."

Don't tell me I have to be friends with this kid because he's new. He'll be fine. I turned out okay being the new kid a few years ago.

"Zoe, your grades are slipping. What's going on? Is it a home problem?"

"Nothing's wrong. I just don't like this class."

My home life was shit. My parents are assholes anyway. When I graduate I'm leaving this hellhole of a city.

"You failed the last quiz." He pointed out.

Maybe you should actually teach.

"I don't understand what you're talking about."

"That's why I'm assigning you a tutor. Luke will be your tutor. At least for the next few weeks until your grades improve."

"What? A tutor! Just give me some extra credit and call it a day. I do not need some tutor. I'm fine."

I didn't need a tutor. I didn't want one.

"This is temporary, Zoe. Improve your grades and then you can go on your merry way."

I rolled my eyes and walked out of the class. Luke was walking the other direction from where I was headed so I ran over to him.

"Did you know you were going to be my tutor?" I asked.

"No, it was last second. I didn't really want to tutor anyone."

"Great! Let's tell him you can't tutor me. I can get my friend Violet to do it." I cheered.

He was silent as he thought about it. "I did volunteer to tutor, I just didn't think it would be you..."

"What do you mean?" I crossed my arms over my chest. "Cos I'm not a nerd?"

"No offense," he started. "I meant like, you seem so... Chill and collected. I thought wouldn't need help."

"Sometimes you have to look under the surface to know what's really going on." I mumbled. "When's our study session and where?"

"Uh, Starbucks?"

"Oh, such a white girl." I teased.

"I like the coffee." He rolled his eyes. "I'll meet you there at the one on Main Street at six."

"Wait, today?"

"Yeah. The sooner your grades improve, the closer we get to never having to do this again." He winked before making his way down the hallway. I stood there shocked. I wondered why I was so excited to go to Starbucks with Luke. My stomach felt weird, like a warm sensation.

Maybe this tutor wouldn't be so bad. Plus, I could get some Starbucks which is always a good thing.

I made my way home, happily, for a change.

Should I change my clothes? No, that's trying too hard. It's to study math.

Maybe I could do my hair? No, it's to study math.

It's to study math. Only study.

Maybe I should ask him if he's hungry and wants to grab a bite after?

Yeah, that's not too straight forward.

Oh god, what do I say? Hey, wanna grab a bite?

Why am I nervous to go study math with Luke? It's not like I like him. He's a nerd. We're not in the same circle of people. He's different. Maybe I should call Sean and see what he's up too.

No, what if something happens with Luke? I can't have a relationship with Sean. I had to end things with Sean. He wasn't even making me come anymore.

Why was I thinking about Luke? We've talked twice. He wasn't my type at all. I cannot catch feelings for him. I can't like the new kid. I just can't.

A/N: What do you think Zoe's feeling!?! Aghhh it's just getting started. Please comment and let me know what you think. I'll update again soon. This story is so much fun to write. Shout out to my best friend for giving me ideas 😌❤