On the other side of the pond

Part 9

After reading for awhile I finished my book and I put it away. I stare into the distance and all my thoughts from earlier come back. My head is full with little voices saying I'm not enough and that I'm such a disappointment. I feel tears coming and a few roll over my cheeks. I roll myself up and start to cry. I feel a little tap on my shoulder. Are you okay? I hear a warm voice say behind me. I recognize the voice and when the person sits down next to me my suspicions become established. It was Ivy, of course she had to be here when I'm having a mental breakdown. I cover my face with my hands and mumble something that is supposed to be: I'm fine. I hear ivy sigh. No you're not, tell me what's wrong? She says. That was so sweet. But why would she care about me when she ignored me in school? I'm just having a rough week. I explain while wiping away some tears. I just completely and utterly flunked my math test and my mom is very strict when it comes to grades. I say. Ivy looks at me and we make eye contact. I quickly look away and I see that Ivy does that too. There is an awkward silence. What was your math test about? She suddenly asks. Uhm, algebra. I say completely confused by her sudden question. I actually know some stuff about that subject, maybe I can help you? she asks. I feel a weird feeling rise in my stomach. Ivy wants to... help me? Why? I ask. Because you're nice. She says with a smile. I smile back and Ivy hands me her phone. Here, just put your number in it. I'll text you. she says. I feel butterfly's rise in my stomach when I pick up the phone. I quickly key in my number and return it. Did Ivy just ask me for my number? My cheeks heat up and I awkwardly smile. thank you. I say. No problem! Ivy says. She does something on her phone and I hear a ping from my pocket. I check my phone to see who had messaged me.

Messages:

Unknown number: Hey:)

I look up at Ivy and smile. I change her contacts to: 'Ivy' and message 'hi!' back. I check the time and see that it is already 5:13 PM. My mom hasn't messaged me where I was so that was a good sign. If there is anything else I can help with just call me or text me. Ivy says and I look up. Was I dreaming? Uhm yea I will, thank you again. I say while I get up. I was too scared that I would accidentally say something weird so I decided to go home. I have to go now, bye! I say. Okay, bye! Ivy says and she gets up too. We both walk separate ways and I look back at her. I see that she does that too and she waves. I wave back and smile. I felt a lot better now.

I got home and went to my room. My dad wasn't home from work yet and my mom was picking up my sister from a playdate. I grabbed my headphones and threw my shitty earbuds back into my bag. I opened my phone to put on some music and I saw that I got a message.

Messages:

Ivy: hi! Are u good?

Me: yeah, thanks for asking 😊

Ivy: great! Are you free tomorrow? We could study at the library?

I felt butterfly's in my stomach as my thumbs raced over my screen to form the right words.

Me: yea sure!

Ivy: alr, see you tomorrow!

Me: Bye!

My heart was racing and I pinched myself to see if I was dreaming. Was I seriously going to hang out with Ivy!? I kicked my feet in the air and giggled like a little girl. This just made my whole week. I heard my mom come downstairs and I heard my sister laugh. I walked downstairs and gave my sister a hug. Hi mom! I said. Well you are in a good mood, you must have got a good grade on your test. My mom said. My smile disappeared from my face. Uhm no that's not it, but I did get someone to help me study. I said with a little smile reappearing on my face but my mom looked concerned. What was your grade? She asked in a very serious tone. U-uhm, a 47/100. I said while I saw my life flash before my eyes. Here it comes, my mom is going to explode. I thought to myself. But I was wrong, she stayed silent which was even worse. I saw the oh so familiar look of disappointment on her face. Are you mad? I silently asked. I'm not mad, and good for you that you found someone that could help. She said while walking past me. I stood there confused. Why didn't she explode? Why didn't she yell at me? what was going on? I walked back upstairs in pure confusion. I grabbed a new book and dropped myself on my bed and started reading.

TIME SKIP TO THE NEXT DAY AT SCHOOL

I walked to my locker and I saw that Silvana was already standing there. Hi! I said with a big smile. what are you so smiley about? Silvana asked. Okay so, you wont believe what happe- I was cut of by an all too familiar voice. Hi Amy! Ivy said. I smiled and my cheeks turned a little red. Hey! I said. So, today 3 PM at the library? Ivy asked and I nodded. Silvana was looking at us with her mouth slightly open and an shocked face. Bye! Ivy said and she walked away. Silvana closed her mouth and grabbed my shoulders. What just happened!? She exclaimed. I explained everything except the part were I was crying while we walked to our first class. Silvana kept getting more exited with every word I said. You have to tell me every single detail that happens today! She said and I nodded. Of course I will! I exclaimed and we got to our seats.