Trying to live #Wattys2024

Chapter 23 (Edited)

It was official.

I might be the most unfortunate human on Earth.

As I glanced to my left side, I felt the confirmation of me being hated from above.

I admit, the moment Henry stepped into Principal Richardson's office, I was staring at him like he was the deadliest disease on Earth, and my glares could kill.

And he knew I was staring at him. He probably thought I was crazy.

"So, Mr. Avilla, does your decision change, or will you tutor Ms. Vermont?" Ms. Becker asked, practically fawning over him.

Henry glanced at me and was a little taken aback when he saw that my eyes were already on him.

I subtly shook my head at him, hoping the others wouldn't notice.

Henry narrowed his eyes slightly at me and looked away. I nodded inwardly, thinking he understood what I tried to convey. So, I relaxed a bit, which was a dumb thing to do. Why did I think Henry would do what I wanted?

He didn't like me anymore.

"I'll still do it," he said, his voice a mixture of boredom and coldness.

No wonder. I was looking at him with resentment. I had every right. Why would someone want to tutor their ex when they claimed that person didn't exist anymore?

"That's good news." Ms. Becker clapped again. Was this her signature move? "I knew we could count on you."

I rolled my eyes. No, we couldn't.

"Thank you, Henry," Principal Richardson said, and he nodded. "Do we have a problem?"

I was still glaring at Henry, but the silence and the fact that no one was answering Principal Richardson made me think her question was directed at me.

I looked at her and found her watching me. Not just her, but also Coach Morgan and Ms. Becker.

I smiled awkwardly. "No. Never."

I cringed. What kind of answer was that? And what kind of question?

Of course, I had a problem with Henry tutoring me!

"So, you're fine with Mr. Avilla being your tutor?"

I nodded. I couldn't say no. "Totally fine. I messed up, and I will do everything to make amends. So, if that's all, I have a class to attend."

I put my hands on the arms of the chair and pushed myself up.

"We're not done yet," Coach Morgan announced. Why was she even here?

Judging by Principal Richardson's face, it was better for me to sit down again, though I really wanted to be anywhere else.

I forced a smile and sat down, catching Henry's smug smile.

Idiot.

Principal Richardson crossed her arms. "As you both know, it's important to participate in extracurricular activities alongside your regular classes. Every year, you have to choose what kind of activities you want to do and enroll in them at the start of the year. It's mandatory and looks good on college applications."

I nodded throughout her explanation but didn't understand why she was saying this.

"It's essential for the school, and you both," Coach Morgan started, staring us down with her infamous glare, "have nothing going on."

"I do!" I exclaimed, but when I was met with silent stares, I cleared my throat. "I mean, I had extracurricular activities, like cheerleading. I was the cheer captain until I quit to let others shine."