Our Moonlight

3

Emilia

I'm walking to my third period, the sun shining down at me. It somehow knows I'm avoiding its light and shines brighter.

I pull down the hood of my dark blue zip up sweater to cover my eyes. No hangover, just a big damn migraine. I was running late this morning, and forgot to get some medicine.

I see my classroom and I quicken my pace to feel the air conditioning on my warm skin. I'm wearing shorts but it still feels like I'm walking around with a blanket wrapped around my body.

I enter the cool classroom, heading over to my seat in the back when my teacher says my name.

I turn back to see her pick up a slip of white paper and passes it to me. "This is for you. Your counselor needs to see you."

I take the slip, remembering what Mrs. Anderson might need me for.

Tutoring.

I step outside the classroom, the hot air hitting me instantly. I should really stop wearing fucking sweaters. It's the middle of September, and it's still feels like summer outside.

I walk to the office where all the counselors offices are. I have to pass the science building which is next to the garden.

The garden is used for the agricultural classes, and sometimes students are allowed in there during lunch. The garden has a white fence around it and it's filled with flowers, plants, and even food. There's also a fountain in the middle. It's a fancy one where a statue holds a bowl filled with fruit and from the middle, water spills out into the bottom.

Alena and I sometimes go in there only to steal some fruit. We've had to hide the fruits in our sweaters or in our hands so we could go to the bathroom and rinse them.

My lips turn up a bit when that memory comes up to the surface of my mind. I look up and any reminisce of smiling is wiped off my face when I see the office in front of me.

I open the glass door, air conditioning welcoming me inside. The lady at the attendance desk sees and shows me a small smile before going back to work. I continue to walk further inside, a few other desks being occupied.

On the wall to my left, I see the words counseling office. I turn towards the small corridor, passing a few doors and reading the names of the different counselors.

I didn't know even know we could have this many. How did I not notice this the last time I came to her office?

My eyes catch onto Mrs. Anderson's name and I open the door next to it. My steps halt when I see one of the two chairs in her office being used. She stops talking and glances up at me, obviously not surprised.

"Emilia." Mrs. Anderson smiles, pushing her glasses up. She points to the chair next to the one that is preoccupied. "Have a seat. We were just discussing a few things."

I don't turn to look at the other person sitting down since they're going to leave. I sit down, taking my backpack off and pulling my hood down.

From the corner of my eyesight, I don't see any movement. I quickly glance at the person next to me and my heart nearly drops all the way to my stomach.

Why is he here?

I look at Mrs. Anderson, "Is he not leaving?"

She shakes her head and I want to disappear. She also adds, "I actually wanted to introduce you to your new tutor."

My eyes widen and I laugh, shaking my head. "I thought you weren't serious about this."

"I am. You need help and he's a great student. I'm sure you'll get your grades better in no time with his help."

I lean back against the chair, crossing my arms and wishing I was anywhere but here.

"This is Levi Carter." Mrs. Anderson closes her palms together. "Your tutor."

I smile through gritted teeth. "I got that."

"This is Emilia Martinez," She looks at Levi. "She's the one who needs help. A lot of it."

I don't like this woman.

There's a minute of silence where no one says anything. I think Mrs. Anderson was waiting for us to say something to each other, but we both stayed silent.

I rest my elbow on the chair handle, holding up the side of my head while Mrs. Anderson starts speaking.

"So first things first, when can you guys meet? School hours or outside of sch—"

"School hours." Levi and I both blurt at the same time.

Our counselor hides her laugh and asks another question. "What time? During lunch or do you guys have a free period?"

"I have second and fourth as free periods." Levi answers.

Mrs. Anderson looks at me expectantly.

"I have fourth period free."

It's a creative art class and very boring. But if I had to choose between this or that class, I'll go to the damn class.

The last thing I want to do is study with the person no one likes. It's kind of shitty to say that but Levi also doesn't have the greatest track record for being nice.

There was a rumor he got suspended for slamming someone's head on the lockers during PE. That someone stole something of his and Levi apparently lost it.

"That's great. Now, I have already chosen which days you'll meet," She types on her computer. "Wednesdays and Fridays. I was also going to add Thursdays—"

"I can't do Thursdays,"

"Don't push it Mrs. A," Levi and I start at the same time again.

"Okay, fine." She says. "But I expect you both to be there"—She glances at me pointedly—"And to be on time."

I nod while she continues explaining what work needs to be finished first.

"By the end of October, I want a list of colleges that you want to apply to Emilia. You'll get my help on them or you can ask Levi."

I shut my eyes at the mention of college. I have no idea where I want to go. I can barely plan what the hell I'm going to do tomorrow.

I show her a thumbs up while my leg bounces up and down.

"Alright. Now that that's settled, go back to class, I've already emailed your teachers." She finishes and smiles at us when we stand.

I'm first to get up and bolt out of the office. As I'm walking away I hear Mrs. Anderson whisper to Levi, "Good luck."

\\\

a little bit of levi, finally
don't forget to vote!!