Alone

Chapter 3

Olivia's POV

Monday rolled around once more, bringing with it a mix of relief and apprehension.
Finally.

Finally, no more yelling or silent treatment.
Finally, no more hitting for 5 days.
Finally, being on my own, not being reminded all the time what an awful person I am.

Finally, I could escape the chaos of home, if only for a few hours.
Here, I could breathe.

I love school. It's an escape.

As I walked to my locker,
the soothing melody of one of my favorite artists, Laufey,
played through my headphones.

I was lost in my own world until I noticed the jocks hyping up one of their friends,
probably gearing him up to talk to a cheerleader or something.

Suddenly, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

I turned around to see Alex standing there.

What does he want?

I looked at him with confusion as he gestured for me to remove my headphones.

I hate when someone interrupts my music.

But I reluctantly took them out, not saying a word.

He didn't say anything either, so I rolled my eyes and turned back around,
intending to continue walking.

"No, wait," he said, placing his hand on my shoulder.

But I ignored him and kept walking to my locker, and he followed.

What the hell does he want?

When I reached my locker and opened it, I glanced at Alex once again.

"Look, if you want me to do your homework or something, ask someone else," I snapped,
grabbing a few books and shutting my locker.

He shook his head. "No, it's not that."

"Okay? Then get lost," I retorted,
continuing to walk, hoping he would let go.

But he continued to follow me.

"What class do you have now?" he asked.

Seriously?

I sped up, but he maintained the same pace.

"The same one you have now. We're in the same English lesson," I replied tersely.

"Oh, right. Stupid me," he muttered.

"I was wondering if you're free today?"
,Alex asked as we entered the classroom.

"What?" I replied, confused.

"I need a tutor in math, and I heard you're really good at it," he explained.

I couldn't help but smile to myself. Is that what people think about me?

I sat down at my desk without looking up at him.
"I'm alright," I replied nonchalantly.

He scoffed, "Sure, whatever you say."

A short silence followed, and then he dropped himself into the empty chair beside me.
I glanced at him, annoyed.

"So, are you going to help me?" he asked.

I hesitated before replying sharply, "No."

"Please, I really need a good grade, or else my parents are going to be pissed," he pleaded.

I stayed quiet.

"I'll give you money," he offered.

Now he had my attention, and he seemed to realize it too.