Paints, Pencils and Parties

3. Like Ever

"I need you to tutor me."

My eyes widen as I process those words. To say that his words and straightforwardness takes me off-guard would be an understatement. Plus, his very British accent does not do any help to improve my situation. I did not know that he was British.

"Um..." I stutter out. "What happened to 'Hello', 'How are you'?"

He dismisses it like it's nothing. "Tsk. We're past that."

I raise my eyebrows at this. Past that? We have never even talked to each other since I shifted to this school. Forget talk; we have never even greeted each other with a simple nod of our head, or a wave of our hand.

"Anyways, regarding my earlier question, yes or no?" His voice comes out irritated and annoyed.

I stare at him like he's crazy. How does he expect me to give an answer so fast? My mind hasn't even properly contemplated the situation. I would, at least, need a few hours to think about it.

If I think about it.

I hate Xavier. Why would I even consider tutoring him? I already know my answer is no. However, curiosity gets the best of me, and I ask the first question that comes to my mind.

"Why?" From what I remember, he is pretty good in studies. "Why do you want to be tutored?"

He shrugs. "Mrs. Smith told me that she had studied my geography scores, progress and whatnot from last year. Said that if I wanted to pass this year, I should consider tuitions. I, on my part, also want to improve myself. So here I am, standing next to you."

I nod my head as I understand the circumstances. Then, even though I'm very sure of my answer, I ask the one lingering question in my head. "What's in it for me?"

He straightens, as if that's the question he has been waiting for. I realize then, that he's so tall, I have to crane my neck up to look at him.

"You're studying on a ninety-five percent scholarship, right?" He asks, but he seems so sure of the answer, I doubt it's a question. I furrow my eyebrows.

How did he know that?

With an effort, I nod my head. Where is he going with this?

"I'll pay the rest of it." After those words leave his mouth, time stops and the world stops spinning. Did he just say what I think he said?

The thing is, the money I get from working at the diner is enough to pay my school dues, and half of the rent. But then at the end, there's nothing left for me. My parents do send me some money every month to keep me on track if I ever get behind on my dues. However, instead of spending it, I save it for the future. Sometimes, when I feel like I have enough money in my bank to spend some of it, I do so. But that happens very rarely.

So, when he says those words, I think about all the dresses, heels, jewellery and makeup items I could buy with the saved money. It would be awesome. I would-

I take a deep breath to get out of my trance, and come back into the real world. In the real world, I'm an independent woman, who works hard to earn money, and does not let anyone pay her dues.

I shake my head to decline that very tempting offer. "I'll pass. Also, I'm very busy these days, so I have absolutely no time for tutoring."

Although my voice comes out stern and confident, I think, he raises his eyebrows like he's not very sure of my answer. He doesn't insist, but if I know one thing about Xavier, it's that he doesn't give up until he gets what he wants.

So quite naturally, I'm surprised when he says, "Fine, Yondoris. If you ever change your mind though, do tell me."

I roll my eyes at his words. Like ever.