The Study Group

Chapter 7: New Member|Mariah

The second day was also a bust.

Quintin went to the tutoring session. And just like the first day, nothing came from it. They simply sat in silence for two hours. And then they came back to Cunningham Hall. But as soon as I walked into Zach's dorm, he left me with Quintin again.

"What is going on?" I asked Quintin.

"Girl," he let out an exasperated groan. "I already told you I don't know!"

"Well whatever," I sighed. If neither of them could communicate with the other, then I would have to intervene. Hopefully, I could get to Zach and help him through whatever was bothering him. "Tell me where you guys meet for tutoring. I'm gonna join you two."

"Why?"

"Because you're not getting anywhere," I sighed. "Let's face it, Quinn. Nothing you've done--,"

I didn't even finish my statement before his fingers were digging into my shoulder.

"Let me make this perfectly clear," he said in a cold, merciless tone. "I deeply value our relationship and the camaraderie associated with it. However. You are never allowed to call me Quinn."

His grip tightened on my shoulder and I winced at the sharp pain. He leaned forward and whispered in my ear.

"Do you understand?"

I nodded. My mouth was dry.

"Good girl," he murmured.

He let go immediately and leaned back again. I rubbed my shoulder. It was already tender. I would have bruises there tomorrow.

God, I thought to myself. I forgot that Quintin could get really scary when he wants to.

"Anyway," he said nonchalantly. As if he didn't just subtly threaten me. The ominous atmosphere in the room dissipated. "What were you saying?"

"Ah! I--," I stopped. What was I saying again? "I--I can't remember. Sorry."

I laughed nervously.

"You were about to explain why you were joining us at the tutoring sessions."

"Oh! That's right!" I snapped with the recollection of what we were talking about. "I'm gonna join you two because you haven't gotten anywhere in the last two days. If anything, it's the opposite. You two have grown more distant. You two need must need a third party there for you to talk."

"Actually," he thought for a moment. He was thinking about how my presence would affect the situation. "That's not a bad idea there Mars."

"Thanks, Q," I said, judging to see if that was a nickname that was safe for me to use. I could understand why I wasn't allowed to use Quinn. That was Zach's name for him.

"We meet in Hundt Library's Northern building," He said. "First floor, past the cozy corner. There's a group of tables. Can't miss us."

"Perfect," I smiled. There was hope for the two of them yet. They just needed a nudge in the right direction.

The next day came and went. Before I knew it, it was 4 pm. Time to go to the library and watch the two of them dance around their own feelings. I made my way from my geometry class in the B.V.B. to the Hundt Library's northern building. I could see the two of them as soon as I approached the area. Zach was doing his homework on one end of the desk. And on the opposite end of the desk meant to have a dozen students at it, sat Quintin, reading a book.

These two are hopeless sometimes, I lamented to myself. They're gonna owe me big time. Better make me maid of honor or something at their wedding.

"Hey, you two!" I said as I walked up to the desk. "Mind if I join you guys?"

"Oh..." Zach mumbled. "Sure..."

"Great!" I sat down right next to Zach.

"Huh? What are you doing?" He looked at me, confused. "Don't you want to sit next to...?"

His voice trailed off and he pointed to Quintin with the end of his pencil.

"What?" I laughed. "Why would I do that? I'm here to be tutored."

"Really?" he asked in genuine surprise. "You are?"

"Yep," I pulled out my notebook from my previous class in the B.V.B. "Geometry is kicking my ass."

"I can help with that," he smiled. There he was. The old Zach. the little ball of sunshine that tended to shine through some of the gloomiest days.

He didn't realize I had lied about geometry. It was one of the easiest classes I'd ever taken. But if helping me learn got him out of his funk, then I was more than happy to let him think he was doing his job. We sat there for an hour, reviewing geometry.

"And that should be everything you learned today," he leaned back. "Did that help?"

"Immensely," I smiled. "Thanks so much, Zach! You're a life saver!"

"Ah it was no problem," he smiled bashfully. "Just happy to help."

I looked over at Quintin to see if he noticed Zach's improved attitude.

His nose was practically digging for gold in that book.

This motherfu--

My internal cussing out of Quintin was interrupted by two observations. More specifically, two people approached the table from either side. One came from behind Quintin. A boy with long, spiky black hair. His eyes were hidden behind the low-hanging hair and his body was hidden by the baggy hoodie and sweatpants. Both of which were covered in paint splotches.

The other person came from behind Zach. Her hair was thick and curly, corkscrewing down her head and resting just above her shoulders. Hidden beneath the lush curls were two golden hoop earrings that glimmered in the artificial light of the library. A splash of freckles danced across her warm sepia skin. Her sun-kissed skin glowed as she made her way over to the table. Every step she took exuded confidence and self-assurance. I felt as though I was staring at nobility--divinity, even-- as she approached. Her eyes were beautiful, solid black wells, each holding a spark of fiery passion and wondrous curiosity. My heart felt like it had jumped into my throat upon seeing her. She was truly stunning. There was no other way of describing her.

"Good afternoon," she said as she reached our table. She had a rich and foreign accent that I was unfamiliar with. She enchanted me as she talked, her voice soft and plush, like the finest of silk or the most luxurious dress. I was ensnared by her beauty, hanging on every word that left her lips. "Is this the miscellaneous tutoring group?"

"Yes it is," Zach said. How could he remain so calm around her?! "How can I help you?"

"My name is Nadia Mustafa-Sami," she said. "I was looking for help with my English paper due on Friday. Writing has never been my strong suit."

Nadia, I thought to myself. What a beautiful name.

"Okay," he nodded before turning his attention to the boy standing behind Nadia sheepishly. "And do you need help too?"

"Um... yes..." he said. His voice was quiet. Barely even audible. "I need... help with... math..."

"Oh... okay," Zach said. I looked over at him. His brow was furrowed. "I...um... ah..."

He laughed nervously.

Oh no, I finally realized what I was witnessing. Zach doesn't know what he's doing! He doesn't know who to help first.

"Hey Zach," I nudged him.

"Y--yeah?" he looked at me.

"I'll help Nadia with English. You help him with math. Sound good?"

"I--ah... yeah," Zach replied after a moment. "That sounds like a good idea."

Perfect, I thought happily. Zach didn't get overwhelmed and I can get to know Nadia.

"Thank you," she said to me.

"Oh," I laughed nervously. "It's no problem. I'm Mariah by the way."

"Nice to meet you, Mariah."

Forget the two idiots. It was my turn to meet someone.