The Thread Between Danny and Me

Chapter 8: Be my tutor?

Sometimes, the worst part about breaking up isn't the pain of it—though that's bad. Sometimes, it's everything else that has to change or becomes awkward. After being on AIM for hours talking and trying my best to explain the unexplainable, I had to go back to school that Monday.

I did my best to smooth things over with Logan when I saw him at our lockers. To my great relief, he said we could still be friends, but that Josh needed some space so we might see each other less. That made algebra difficult. I exiled myself to the back corner of the class, embarrassed that I'd hurt Josh and everyone else.

Despite the awkwardness, life moved on. It was uncomfortable, but I felt confident that I'd made the right decision. Clearly, I didn't understand myself and I wasn't ready to be in any kind of relationship.

Danny hadn't ever shown he was upset with me dating Josh, but the relief on his face when I saw him that Monday told me I'd hurt him by sidelining him. It didn't matter that he told me it was okay or that my friends told me I should—I still did.

And I resolved to never do that again. Friends don't hurt their friends because of dating. And when we skated together, I realized just how much I'd missed hanging out. Sure, we saw each other at school and when we sat next to each other in science, but it wasn't the same.

Danny packed monster cookies for us to eat and I found myself happier than I had been in a long time.

And the winter soon turned into the mush of early spring.

"MJ," Danny whined in science class one afternoon.

"What?" I asked amused.

"Why is Spanish so hard?"

I laughed.

"What?" he frowned.

"Sorry. I wouldn't know how hard it is. I am bilingual, after all."

"I'm behind on all my Spanish stuff. I have a test tomorrow and I know I'm gonna fail it."

I lifted an eyebrow. "Why haven't you asked me to tutor you?"

Danny whipped his head around. "I...hadn't thought about it?"

"You have two favors, and you didn't think to use one for this?"

He stared at me for a moment, then smiled. "Will you be my tutor, MJ?"

"Normally, I charge for such services, but I suppose since I do owe you a favor, I'll make an exception."

Danny stuck out his hand. I gave him an amused glance and then shook it.

"I promise to do my very best," he said seriously.

I laughed. "Good. I'll make sure you don't fail."

He grinned and then asked, "When should we work on tutoring? We don't have a study hall together."

I tapped my pencil in thought. "Hmmm...what are you doing after school today?"

"Nothing. I was gonna practice baseball but it's pouring rain."

"Come home with me."

His eyes widened in shock as if it was difficult for him to understand what I had suggested. "Your parents won't care?" he asked finally.

"Nope," I said. "In fact, a couple of months ago my mom told me you should come over. So, if you're not doin' anything you could come home with me after school. We can work on your Spanish."

"Okay. If you're sure your parents won't care. It's kinda last minute, ya know?"

I shrugged. "It's fine. Do you need to call your mom and ask?"