Perspectives

Chapter 3

*Carmen In Picture*

Sage's Perspective

I was drawing while on the bus ride to school today and I saw someone that I recognized from afar. Looking out the window I saw Dylan and his friends walking to a local bodega together. I was still thinking about the other day when I was tutoring him in the library and also about what Lesley told me; "Oh come on, haven't you seen those movies with the girl helping the guy with his work and tutoring him and then sooner or later they become lovers and shit?"

I didn't expect for us to become lovers but I did have some sort of attraction towards him. I mean while I was helping him with his work it felt so natural and - I honestly just don't know. It's like a 'never felt this way before' type of feeling if that makes any sense.

Usually when I tutor any one else randomly it doesn't feel that way but with him it was a different story. I wanted to get to know him more.

When he complimented my eyes, it kind of made my heart beat a little bit quicker. I guess that's the effect he has on me. I really don't know what it is about him that makes me feel this way. His physical attributes? Probably. His  personality? I don't really know much about except that he's just a popular guy in school. My stop came and I got off the bus. As I walked inside I swiped my ID card in and found Lesley talking to another girl by the stairwell.

"AHEM, Lesley".

"Oh hey girl! This is a friend I just met her name is Carmen. Carmen this is Sage my best friend. I dropped my textbooks and she helped pick them up."

"Hello Sage, nice to meet you", she had a very deep voice which was unexpected. We both shook each other's hands.

"Nice to meet you too", I replied.

Lesley, Carmen, and I chatted for awhile and I got to know Carmen a little better. Carmen was Dominican and Haitian and was trilingual, speaking English, Español, and Creole. She had to move to America because her family was having financial trouble in Santo Domingo, and she wasn't allowed in some areas because of who she was. They had barely any education, and both her parents wanted the best for her, so they were lucky enough to bring her here.

Carmen lives with her mother's friend, Isabelle, until she completes her education.

The bell rang and we all hugged each other and made sure to meet up at lunch.

"Have fun at class guys, see y'all at lunch!" Called out Lesley.
Carmen and I waved the peace sign and went our separate ways.

While walking to class I bumped into none other than Dylan. He looked at me to say sorry but then he stopped and stared at me. "Um Sage," he said pushing his hair back, "That tutoring we had yesterday was great, and I was wondering if I could get another session with you? I mean if you don't have time it's fi-"

"NO, I mean yes I have time", I said nervously laughing, "We can actually do it today if you want. You can pay me half price this time."

"Well great. See you at the library same time?"

"Yeah, see you there." I smiled and rushed to class. I felt my cheeks heating up thinking about tutoring him again.

Lunch time came around and I found Carmen waving at me whilst sitting at a lunch table. I went straight over and put my bag down.

"What's up Sage, how was class?"

"AP Calculus is getting harder every day. I'm just tryna manage honestly. What about you?"