The New Kid | lrh

Chapter 5

It had been a little over a month since Luke was tutoring me. I think my math average was improving. We had actually become friends and I was grateful to have him in my life. I called Luke and he picked up the phone after a few rings. I didn't want to study but I just wanted to hear his voice.

"Hey, Zoe. You alright?"

"I need to study again." I breathed.

"Do you want me to come over now?"

"Yes, please." I let out a laugh.

"I'll be over in a few. It's your turn to make sure there's food." He reminded.

Last time we had a study session, Luke had ordered some Chinese take out and I ended up eating most of it. We had been studying for a little over a month. The closer it got to the unit tests, the more we studied. I saw him three or four times a week to make sure I understood the subject.

My parents were home from their vacation but they were packing for another one. I think they said they were going to Vegas next. I'm not sure. I don't really speak to them. I think the last time I talked to them other than a greeting, was on my birthday, which was quickly approaching.

"Hey, sweetie, have you seen my phone?" My mom asked.

"No, why?"

"I was wondering if the hotel we're staying at has a bar near the pool."

So you can get drunk and drown? Great.

"I don't know, mom." I rolled my eyes. Was she really asking me this. They had gotten back from a vacation not even two weeks ago and were leaving for another one. Without me. Again.

I put in my earbuds and listened to Fall Out Boy on my phone. I sat on the couch and listened to the music. The music was calming and I was tranquil. I closed my eyes and relaxed.

Suddenly, an earbud was ripped from my ear.

"Zoe, can you not hear what I'm saying? Go put our bags in the car." My dad yelled at me.

I went to put the bags in the car so he wouldn't yell anymore. Why was my dad being so mean to me? I didn't even do anything.

The TV in the kitchen was on the food network and a commercial for a show 'Worst Cooks in America' came on. My dad walked in and grabbed a bottle of Gatorade from the fridge and grabbed his keys. He stood and watched the commercial as he opened his drink.

He took a sip and put the cap back on. "Hey, you should be on that show!" He laughed.

"No, I shouldn't. I know how to cook."

"You don't know how to cook," he laughed again. "Your food tastes like shit... See ya in a few weeks, kid!" He said, leaving me standing in the kitchen. I heard the door slam and I just stood there.

I think my food tastes fine. Does it taste like shit?

I woke from my daze when the doorbell rang. I bet my dad forgot his favorite pair of sneakers and wanted them.

I opened the door and was surprised when I saw Luke.

"O-oh hey, I wasn't expecting you so soon."

"I live a few streets over, remember?" He chuckled before letting himself in. He'd been over a few times before.

"The food smells good, Zo." He said walking into my house. Zo was his nickname for me. Calum called me Zo when he couldn't remember my name a few weeks ago. Now, it stuck.

I had made pizza for my parents and into eat, which they skipped out on.

"I wouldn't eat that!" I shouted when Luke took a bite of a pizza I made, earlier today.

"Why? Did you not cook it?" He said with a mouthful of food, making me giggle.

"No! My dad just said they probably tasted like shit and that I couldn't cook..." I got quieter as I finished my sentence.

"Wow," Luke began. "He's an ass... That's not how you treat your kid at all," he started to rant. "I think your food tasted great. I'm looking forward to you making me food more often." He teased me by poking my cheek, trying to make me smile.

After we ate the food and talked, Luke wanted me to check my grades online. I logged onto to access my grades and scrolled down to my math class.

Here goes nothing.

Effort is satisfactory
Is working conscientiously
Average: 86

"Luke! I'm passing! Oh my god!" I squealed. I was so happy and proud of myself. "Thank you so much!" I said hugging him. "I couldn't have done it without you." I mumbled into his shoulder.

"I knew you could do it!" He said, hugging me back.

~

Final bell.

I got to leave this hellhole. I said goodbye to Michael and Violet as we left math class. I'd see them later.

I walked down the hall and opened my locker. I put away some of my folders and grabbed my bag from gym to bring home to wash. I noticed Luke was at his locker and decided to go talk to him.

"Hey! We haven't talked that much today," I smiled.

When he saw me, he smiled but that was cut short when Sean showed up.

"What the fuck are you talking to Zoe for?" Sean shouted.

"Woah, you need to chill. This is Luke, he's my math tutor, and since when you do care about who I talk to? I'm allowed to have friends." I snapped.

Sean huffed and shook his head as he walked away.

"Thanks..." Luke said awkwardly.

"He's an ass. If he gives you any problems, call me. I'll beat his little bitch ass." I laughed.

He smiled appreciatively. "I'll meet you at your house. I just have to buy some food for us."

I had taken a liking to Luke. He was actually a pretty cool kid. I think I should bring him to a party with me. He was nerdy as hell, only when certain subjects were brought up. He would probably get along with Michael very well.

I needed to hurry home so I'd be home when Luke showed up. Maybe he can stay over my house for a little bit. I could see what Violet and Michael were up to too.

A/N: Sorry, this is a filler chapter. Ugh I'm still figuring out my story. But at least this chapter was kinda Zoe's feelings/thoughts. I'll update again soon. Thanks for reading my lovelies xx