Between the desks

Chapter 31

Amren's POV

As I stepped out of the classroom, a sense of determination surged within me, mixed with a lingering nervousness that I couldn't quite shake. I just have to have a conversation with Professor Olsen that was both enlightening and intimidating, and it left me feeling a pull toward her—one I couldn't ignore. I glanced down the hallway and spotted Lily already making her way toward the smoking area.

"Hey, I'll join you in a minute!" I called out, trying to sound casual as I forced a smile.

"Okay, see you!" she replied, waving without turning around. I watched her retreating figure for a moment, feeling the familiar warmth of friendship but also the weight of my decision settling on my shoulders. I had to do this.

Turning on my heel, I made my way back to Professor Olsen's classroom. The door stood closed, a barrier between me and the uncertainty of what lay beyond. My heart raced as I approached and knocked gently.

"Come in!" her voice called from inside, sharp and clipped. I opened the door, the hinges creaking as they always did, and stepped inside.

"Amren. What do you want?" Professor Olsen's tone was ice-cold, her gaze sharp.

"I wanted to ask you something," I began, my confidence wavering under her intense stare. I fidgeted with the rings on my fingers, feeling exposed. "About my grades."

I swallowed hard, aware that I was about to lay bare my struggles. "I've been really struggling with English lately. I thought I could manage it, but I keep messing up on assignments and tests. It's frustrating because I actually enjoy reading, but it feels like I'm not getting anywhere."

"Sounds like you're just not putting in enough effort," she said bluntly, her eyes narrowing slightly.

I bristled at her dismissal, irritation bubbling to the surface. "I didn't say I was special. I just need some extra guidance."

"Extra guidance?" she repeated, her tone dripping with skepticism. "And what exactly does that mean?"

"I just want to understand the material better," I replied, struggling to keep my frustration at bay. "I'm willing to put in the effort, but I need a little support."

She let out a small huff, a hint of something softer peeking through her icy demeanor. "Look, if you're serious about improving, I can give you some extra assignments to work on."

"Actually, I was hoping you could help me personally," I blurted out, my desperation seeping through. "I really think that if I had your guidance, I could turn things around."

Her eyebrow arched, skepticism still evident in her expression. "You want me to tutor you? Why?"

"Because I'm asking!" I shot back, my frustration spilling over. "I just need a chance to prove that I can do this."

"Fine. When?" she asked, her voice still cool, but I could sense a hint of consideration in her tone.

"Every Thursday after class, if you can," I suggested, my heart racing as I awaited her response. "I think that would give me enough time to prepare and review what we cover in class."

"Alright, I can manage that," she replied, her tone slightly less bitter this time. "Come prepared"

"I won't let you down," I assured her, relief washing over me. "I promise I'll come prepared."

"Then it's settled. We'll start tomorrow," she said, nodding curtly.

"Thank you, Professor Olsen," I said, forcing a small smile as relief washed over me. "I appreciate this."