Holiday With My Neighbour

36. Deja Vu

Theo's POV

It's been a few days since I've been staying at Dom's house, and life is so fucking shit. I'm exhausted of acting close to Dom, supporting his relationship with Emilia and ignoring how my dad tries to avoid me whenever we're alone. Anytime I'm by myself, I feel done with life. I barely do anything but sit and stare blankly at the wall.

It's worse because I have nothing to do with my time. I try to go out for a run, to the gym or explore the area, but since I quit my job, my life is meaningless. I don't even speak German, so it's not like I can get a legit job here. 

It's the end of the day, and everyone is drinking apart from me and Heidi. Dom's parents are so chill as they're dancing drunkenly with my dad, Lars and Emilia. I haven't had anything to drink because I know, in the state I'm in, if I start, I won't stop, and I don't want to go through that again. 

Sat on the sofa, I turn to Dom. "Bro, have you got anything for me to do?"

"What do you mean?"

"Like a job or something, I don't even care about getting paid. I just want to be busy."

"What experience do you have?"

"Erm... I used to be a tutor in maths."

Dom is visibly taken aback, and Lorena, sitting next to him, leans forward to face me in surprise. "You were a maths tutor?" She asks, genuinely shocked.

"Yeah, why's that so hard to believe?" 

"I can't imagine you being a teacher. In maths out of all subjects."

"I've always been good at maths. It's just simple to me."

"What's 458 times 940?" Dom asks, playing about.

"Bro, I don't fucking know." They burst into laughter, putting a smile on my face.

As Dom relaxes, he begins to speak. "I don't know anyone who needs someone in maths, but you could be my accountant if you want." This prick thinks he's rich enough to have an accountant with a few thousand in his bank.

I fake-laugh. "Good one." 

Lorena speaks up. "You could be my tutor? I really need help in maths for my degree." 

"Oh yeah, that's not a bad idea." Dom adds in agreement.

"You study Economics. You should already be good at maths." I act like I don't want to do it.

"I am, but there are a few topics that I'm struggling with. Please?" She pleads.

I go quiet.

"Come on, man, help her out. Do it as a favour for me." Dom says, acting like he influences me.

"Alright, man." I add to his delusions.

"That's what I'm talking about." Dom takes my hand and pulls me into a fist bump.

"Thanks. I'll bring my notes to you later so you can see what I need help with." Lorena says.

I nod at her, trying not to get too excited. Everything is working better than I thought.

It's the next day, and I've just had a morning run followed by a shower. As I pull my T-shirt over my head, I hear my door open.

I look over and see Lorena with books in her arms. "Learn to knock." I say bluntly.

"Sorry, that was rude of me." She admits.

I relax a little with a teasing smile. "Didn't realise you could apologise."