The Unwanted Tutor

Chapter 18

"Hey, mom. Did you know that Anthony's leaving for New York?" I asked as I sat down at the table with a plate of toast.

"Yes, he mentioned it to us already. I'm sorry, we should have told you sooner." My mother stirred her tea thoughtfully.

"No, it's fine. But, don't you think he's leaving a little too soon? I mean, I haven't had him for even a year." I asked.

"What do you mean? I thought you were doing fine." She replied.

Well, she was right. My grades were good, for once, graduation seemed possible. My future was starting to shine with Anthony's help.

"Yeah, I'm just gonna miss him. He asked me to drive him to the airport today. I think he'll be over here around noon." I took a bite of toast.

"Alright, I should probably give him some money or something before he goes on his way." My mom got up from the table and headed to her room.

It was weird to think that Anthony would be gone soon. As I finished up my breakfast I thought about last night, how I called him a monster.

It kept me up most of the night just thinking  about why I called him that. His hurt expression flashed into my mind every time I thought of the word.

I put my dish in the sink and headed upstairs to take a shower. As I lathered my arm up, I instantly felt calmer, maybe I was finally letting go.

When I came downstairs fully dressed and ready to leave, Anthony was waiting on the couch for me with flowers in his hand and his luggage right next to him.

"Where's your mother?" He asked.

"She's in her room, what are the flowers for?" I took them out of his hands.

They were awfully pretty, blue hydrangeas and pink coral bells, two of my mother's favorite flowers, she must have told Anthony that in one of her many chats with him.

"I just thought I'd bring something to brighten up the house while you're gone." He said with a smile.

"Oh, that's nice of you." I walked into the kitchen and took out a vase for them.

As I was arranging them, my mother walked into the living room with an envelope. I watched as she crossed the room and handed it to Anthony. "This is for you, for all the hard work you've done."

"It was my pleasure, Mrs. Winslow." He took the envelope and stood up to give her a hug.

"What are you going to be doing out there?" My mother asked after their short embrace.

"I'm not really sure, my father owns two funerals homes out there. I guess I'll just work there for a little bit until I get back on my feet." He replied.

"You never said your father owns a business! How exciting!" She said.

"Yes, well, as exciting as a funeral home can be." He chuckled politely and turned towards me. "Are you ready, Garrett?"

"Oh," My mother's eyes started to fill up with tears. "I'm going to miss you, thank you," She wrapped him into another embrace. "Thank you for everything."

It was almost pathetic to watch my mom cry over him and Anthony patting her back. I wondered if I told her about everything we've done, would she still hug him?

I walked past them with Anthony's suitcases to put them into the trunk.  I crossed my arms and impatiently waited for him. Why was he making this harder than it had to be?

When Anthony finally joined me, we got into the family car and drove off, waving to my mom who watched us from the window.

"I'm surprised you're not wearing long shelves, doesn't it feel a little chilly to you?" Anthony asked.