Our Moonlight

5

Levi

"Why are you so nervous?" Caleb asks from beside me.

I glance at him, turning towards the library. "I'm not."

"Uh-huh," He hums, pointing at my hands that are death gripping the straps of my backpack.

I let go, bringing my hands down by my sides. Okay, so maybe I was a little nervous. I had never met this girl before and now I'll be seeing her every week for god knows how long.

I hope she isn't stupid.

All Mrs. Anderson told me was that Emilia needed help catching up in her classes. Apparently something happened to her family which has caused Emilia's academics to plummet.

I take a deep breath, letting the breeze wash away any lingering concerns. I'll be fine.

"Come on, Levi," Caleb grabs a hold of my shoulders from behind and massages roughly. I smack his arms away as he waves and I head inside the quiet building. I make sure that the door doesn't slam when it closes.

As I enter the library, it's pretty empty except for two kids who are testing. I make sure to choose the farthest table away from, giving a small smile at the librarian and setting my backpack down.

I sit down, pulling out my notebooks and a pencil. I move my eyes up to large clock on the in front of me.

11:20

Fourth period has already started and now I wait until Emilia gets here. While I'm waiting, I take my phone out and scroll through my socials, albeit, I don't post in anything, I still use it to see what's going on in other peoples life.

Everyone posts their whole on social media and sometimes they over post. But for someone who has no social life, it's interesting and sometimes hilarious to see.

After what feels like ten minutes, I check the time again.

11:38

I remember clearly that today we would start these 'tutor sessions'.

Did I get the day wrong? Time?

I shake my head. No, this is the day we agreed to meet. I lean my elbows onto the table, fidgeting with the corner of my black notebook.

Would this girl really not show?

I thought she needed help.

When Mrs. Anderson first came up to me about helping a student, I was turning her down. I already had enough to worry on my plate with my own academics. Soccer would be starting soon and I wanted all my college applications to be done before.

Meetings would be rolling in soon, then tryouts, and then practices. We wouldn't play until after winter break but warming up before the season began was important.

So when Mrs. Anderson added that she'll contribute my time here as community service, I said yes.

I've tutored other students in the past, so I know what to expect. I've just never had someone not show up.