The Unwanted Tutor

Chapter 9

The cheating scandal did eventually fizzle out. My mother never told my dad, I guess she knew if she did, Anthony wouldn't be sitting across from me at the table the  following Saturday.

I couldn't really understand why I had defended Anthony, was it because I liked him and didn't want to leave? Or was it something deeper?

But, I was starting to regret my decision as the day my parents were leaving for their cruise crept closer.

That Saturday was the nineteenth, in four days my parents were going to be leaving, and that meant Anthony could come over anytime he wanted and it looked like he was going to do that.

My mood was pretty sour that day, I was still upset that my parents were leaving and Anthony was awkward because of the kiss on Monday, which we hadn't talked about yet.

"Come on, Garrett. You know this," Anthony tapped his pencil impatiently on the paper.

"You know, we should start asking the real questions. Why is the triangle upside down?" I said.

A tight line formed across Anthony's mouth, "It's just like the way the problem is, now solve it."

I sighed, "I don't know."

"Garrett, what's wrong with you today? I can tell when something's up with my little carrot." He asked.

"Well, nothing's really wrong. I just- wait did you call me a carrot?" I said.

A small smile appeared on his face, "It rhymes. Garrett, carrot. See?"

"Oh," I thought about it for a second, "I guess it does."

"Isn't it wonderful when everything perfectly falls into place? Now, what's wrong?" He asked.

"I'm gonna miss my parents. That's all, you know they're leaving next week, right?" I replied.

"Oh, I forgot about that." Anthony said in a voice that didn't sound like he forgot. "They'll come back, don't worry."

"What? I'm not worried about that. I'm worried about you." I said.

"Why?" There was a new edge to his voice.

"Why did you kiss me on Monday?" I asked.

Anthony inhaled deeply and exhaled, "I thought my feelings were going to be returned."

"Yeah, I don't think so. You confused me." I replied and looked down at the floor.

The whole week, I couldn't stop touching my mouth, even right now if I tried, I could probably feel the tingles from the way his lips felt on mine.

"Garrett, let's take a walk. It's nice outside." Anthony stood up from the table.

I stood up as well, grateful for the distraction from my schoolwork.

It was very pleasant outside, in fact it was so nice that it made me realize how little I go outside.

"I never meant to confuse you, I hope you know that." Anthony said quietly as we passed a row of palm trees.

"I'm just conflicted, I've never really kissed anyone before." I replied.

"Really?" He looked at me curiously, "I find that very hard to believe."

I blushed, "I don't talk to a lot of people at school."

"Garrett carrot, are you telling me you don't have any friends?" Anthony said.

"Well," I shrugged, choosing to ignore the carrot comment. "I guess I'm not that interesting."

"Aw, if I was your age, I'd be friends with you in a heartbeat." Anthony patted my head, suddenly making me feel short for the first time in my life.