Tutoring the Bad Boy [REWRITTEN]

18. girls and cafeterias

SCHOOL WAS VERY much different today. By the time that Archer and I arrived together, there were already people giving us suspicious glances. I couldn't blame them though; I don't think anybody has shown up to school with Archer, nonetheless somebody that rarely anybody paid attention to. The boy was stifling his laughter as he walked into the cafeteria to sit by his friends at breakfast, and I knew that I was going to be the talk of the table for today.

I sat down next to Ayana who gave me a a sly smile before asking, "You guys together yet? Riding in his car to go to school together? I knew you guys were close, but God. I'm happy for you, babe."

"Aya— it's not like that," I told her before explaining further, "we aren't dating. But—"

I was cut off by her, "—but you're going to, right?"

"If he asks me," I sighed and leaned forward to rest my head on the circular table. "He refuses to tell me anything more."

"Do you think you're ready for a relationship?" Aya asked me and I turned my head to look at her.

"I think it's one of the only things I am ready for," I responded with another sigh. "I don't want Oliver to dictate my life anymore. I know Archer isn't like him."

The girl happily smiled, seemingly proud of something. Most likely me considering it'd been two years and I was barely recovering from Oliver until now. I wasn't even sure if that was something I should be proud of because if I hadn't been so stupid in the first place, it would've never happened. No matter how broken I was.

"And Tobias?" she asked with the same curios glint in her eyes.

"He's nice, but I don't think we have the same connection as Archer and I do," I told her honestly and she smiled to me with a nod.

"He'll understand," she grinned before changing the subject, "but Irene. . . I've been hiding something."

"What is it?"

"I've been talking to Tobias and this other girl about it and I think it's time that you know that, uh," she trailed off for a second before taking a deep breath and continuing, "I'm talking to this girl named Eris, and she likes me and I like her back."

I gasped with a big grin, "I'm so happy for you, Aya. What's this 'Eris' like? Is she good to you?"

"She is," Aya's eyes lit up as she talked to her, "she has blonde hair that reaches her shoulders and the most beautiful green eyes. Her smile lights up the entire room, and she loves cats as much as I do. She's in the same group that Archer hangs out with."

     "Really?" I laughed happily and pulled the dark-skinned girl into a big hug. "I've never heard you sound so lovestruck before."

     "It's only been a few months since I've found out that I'm only into girls, but I feel so much more like myself now," the girl explained, "I'm sorry for not telling you sooner."

     "I'm glad that you did either way," I smiled, "I can't imagine how hard it must be coming out when it's so looked down upon, but I'll be here to support you no matter what. You're my best friend, and no matter who you like won't change my opinion on you."

She gave me a smile right as Tobias walked in and sat by us, "Hey, cuties."

"Cuties? That's new, Tobias," I raised my eyebrows.

"What can I say? You two are cute," he shrugged with a laugh.

"Oh, there's something I need to tell you," I told the boy nervously, "Please don't take it personally, but the thing is-"