Teaching | Eddie Munson

The Nerd

"I just don't understand why it has to be so complicated!" Victoria exclaimed, her voice tinged with exasperation as she handed the guitar back to Eddie. Her fingers throbbed from the long hours of trying to master the chords he had patiently taught her. Frustration bubbled within her like a simmering pot, especially after a month of lessons under Eddie's watchful eye. Despite his constant reassurances that she was making progress, she felt as if she were treading water, struggling to stay afloat while everyone else seemed to glide effortlessly above the surface.

Eddie shrugged, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his lips as he hung the guitar on the wall, its polished body catching the afternoon light filtering through the trailer's grimy window. "You're just being dramatic, Vee. It's a process, and you are doing just fine. Remember our first lesson? You could barely hold the guitar." He let out a soft laugh, the sound light and teasing, as Victoria threw a pillow from his bed at him in response.

"But I still suck!" She exclaimed, her voice rising in pitch. "With you acing biology, you're going to pass in a few weeks, and then what? Our deal will be over, and I'll be left with nothing but a few chords!" Her words spilled out in a rush, each syllable laced with the weight of her self-doubt.

"You really think that our deal will be over after I pass?" Eddie raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his dark eyes. The two had grown closer during their time together, their banter evolving into an easy camaraderie that felt more like friendship than a simple tutoring arrangement. "You really think you'll get rid of me that easily?" He tossed the pillow back at her, and she shrieked playfully, clutching her chest in mock pain.

"I'm not planning to get rid of you! I know your stalking ass would be after me regardless." Victoria shot back, laughter bubbling up as she tried to dismiss the sudden flutter of warmth in her chest. "But you won't have to teach me anymore since I can't afford your master skills even with my two jobs." She let out a resigned sigh, feeling the familiar weight of her responsibilities press down on her.

"I'll just do it because I have a good heart." he replied, throwing himself onto the bed with a thump, the mattress creaking beneath him as he turned to face her, propping his head on one hand. The dim light in the trailer accentuated the shadows on his face, making him look both boyish and endearing. Victoria raised an eyebrow, her amusement mixed with skepticism.

"Can I ask you a question?" Eddie's tone shifted slightly, the playful banter giving way to a more serious undercurrent.

"You just did." she quipped, a sly smile spreading across her face.

"Come on, I'm being serious," he said, his voice dropping to a whisper, the weight of the moment lingering between them.

"Only if I can ask you one in return." Victoria countered, her heart racing slightly at the unexpected turn in their conversation.

"I'm an open book, Vee." he assured her, his gaze steady and inviting.

"In that case, feel free to ask." she replied, curiosity piqued.

"What's the reason behind all the jobs you do? It's clear you need money, but it seems like you don't have any free time." Eddie's brow furrowed as he studied her, a hint of concern creeping into his expression. "If it wasn't for the weekends, we would never see each other, because right after school you always go to work."

Victoria hesitated, her throat tightening. "You want a short or a long answer?" she asked quietly, sensing the anxiety creeping in. As if sensing her discomfort, Eddie reached his hand out to her, a silent offer of comfort. She instinctively began to play with his rings, a habit she had developed since they started spending more time together, finding solace in the cool metal against her skin.