tutor and scones

six: september 10 2020

"Aurora Thornsbury!" Ms Clooney called out, strutting out of the teacher's lounge.
My feet stopped and I spun on my heels, the floor squeaking. Ms Clooney's bright lipstick and eyeshadow contrasted with her smooth, dark skin. Her large, deep dark eyes made her seem like she was a peaceful and calm person. In reality, Ms Clooney was super energetic and hyper. Her thick and jet black bob swayed as she came close to me.

"Your grade..." She had a sadistic expression on her young-looking face.
Gawking at the paper, a red 'D' screaming at my face. The last time I got a D was in the fourth grade.

"D?" I breathed out, feeling like screaming, crying and kicking at the same time for no reason. It isn't the end of the world. Many people get D's.

"I know that it might be hard, if you really want to progress your grade I could assign you a tutor" The woman suggested in a quiet and kind tone.

"If you could, that would be great, Ms Clooney" I almost begged.

"No problem, sweetie. I'll see you tomorrow, goodbye."

"Goodbye, have a nice day."

A 'D', really? If it was a different type of D I would've been happy... Maybe.
I opened my locker, hiding the paper inside one of my workbooks. Someone stood behind me because I could feel their breath in my hair.

"Boo" Jameson nonchalantly said, as I shot him an annoyed smile.

"It's not even Halloween, so why are you trying to scare me?"

"Fifty one days left, sleeping beauty."

"Sleeping beauty?"

"Yeah, her name was Aurora, right?"

"Yeah, no. It was."
I shut my locker, going to my bike as I already finished my lessons. Jameson followed behind me, going off about something. I checked the time, 3:29 pm.

"Also my grandfather died and we're reading his will this week."

"What?"

"My. Grandfather-"

"Uh, sorry. No, I heard. H- how are you okay?"
His eyes looked around, which let me know he wasn't okay.

"Are you okay?"

"No..." quietly he said.
He needed someone. I could tell.

"Hey, text me when you get home safe, okay?" I told him, waving goodbye.
He needed someone.

"Oh and text me or call if anything happens or..." I advanced towards him.
His face confused as I wrapped my hands around him, hugging him gently. Jameson wrapped his arms around me very, very tightly, to the point my chest almost suffocated. However, I found the moment very wholesome and memorable. You know, one of those moments where you know it'll be a happy and sad memory all at once? Yeah, that one...

*

The next day, I brought flowers to school. A bit atypical since the guy should buy flowers for the girl, not the girl presenting him with flowers. Nevertheless, I don't play by the rules.
Once I caught sight of Jameson, my steps marched towards him. He sat there on the school floor, scrolling through his phone, which seemed new as the broken one I took accidentally and kept it. It was useless so why give it back? He didn't want it back, as well. The bouquet of flowers in my shaky palms, I swayed back and forth until he realised I was hovering over him.

"These are for you; I wish I had the right words, just know I care. Accept my condolences and deepest sympathy for you and your family."

"Uh... thank you. That's... kind of you."

"I tend to be kind, you know" My tone was sarcastic.
I didn't want him to feel like I changed or treat him differently than earlier on just because someone he loved died. I mean sure, I wasn't that harsh or shit to him but I wasn't all goody-goody, virgin Mary.

"No, I'm serious. Thank you, I needed... whatever this is."
Slumping down beside him, giving the flowers and showing him my most genuine smile I had. He returned it, leaning his head on my shoulder. This was the heartfelt moment, I noted in my head.

{677 words}