On My Way to Believing

Chapter 3 - Funny

"She said what now?!" Davina exclaimed as we walked to our lunch table, earning us a few looks. She usually jumps from different groups, but today, she chose to sit with us.

It was lunch time, and students began to enter the canteen to eat. After my talk with Ms. Sarah, my friends asked me what the talk was about. I told them that we'd talk about it during lunch.

"She asked me to teach him." I reiterated as I placed my tray down on the table. Mary and Davina then looked at each other, like they were having a conversation.

"Claire, Axel Beckett's bad news." Mary said, looking back at me.

"Besides, he doesn't even seem to care about his grades." Davina added. "What good can come out of this, anyway?"

"I know, and it's true that he doesn't seem to care about, well, school." I said. "But, can you really refuse a favour from Ms. Sarah? Besides, I'm only supposed to tutor him anyway. It's not like we're going on a date."

Davina nodded her head in understanding, while Mary opened her mouth to say something but was cut off when Paula arrived.

"Hey guys! What's up?" Paula greeted us, as she sat down beside me. Mary and Davina then looked at me.

"Well, Paula, Ms. Sarah wants me to tutor Axel Beckett." I said, taking a bite out of my apple. She looked at me with genuine concern. "Paula.."

It's at these times that my friends show that they really care. It's touching, really.

"Uhm, Claire, I really don't want to talk badly about someone I've never really known, but people say things for a reason." Paula said, in a soft voice. "He may pull something."

"True." I replied.

"That being said, I know you'll be able to take care of yourself." Paula smiled, earning a surprised look from me, Mary, and Davina.

"Sorry, what?" Mary said, not believing her ears.

"Claire can take care of herself. After all, Chris trained her for combat and self-defence." Paula said, without a hint of doubt.

Ah, Chris, my brother. He's in the Special Forces division of the city's police department. It employed ex-military personnel and academic civilians for appropriate positions within the police department. Chris was ex-military. He retired 3 years ago, at the age of 20, since he's always had trouble with his superiors. An issue which I share considering our father wasn't exactly treating us like human beings.

My brother and I share a close bond with each other. We don't keep secrets from one another. We're always willing to listen to each other's problems, without reservation or judgement. That being said, saying that he's overprotective is an understatement. He taught me to defend myself whenever he's not around.

"Mhm. That's true, although I really don't think it would come to that, Paula." I said. "I'll be fine, guys, trust me."

Though, in actuality, I was as nervous as Mary and Davina were. But, I wouldn't show them how I felt. I really can't afford to bother them even more.

"Reminds me, I gotta consult Axel about our tutoring schedules once we get to back to class." I said. "That is, if he's willing to be tutored.."

And with that, we continued eating.

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After lunch, we decided to head back to the classroom early because it's air-conditioned. Paula decided to come inside as well, since classes haven't started yet, and her classroom is just across ours. Upon arrival, we sat at our seats. We were the first ones there. Soon enough, Axel came in alone. All four of us became quiet and glanced at him when he came in. He ignored us.

That's unexpected. I thought that he would've come in late.

"I'll just go and schedule our sessions." I sighed, as I stood up and approached Axel.

He's seated on the far right end of the classroom, when facing the front. When I got close enough, I saw that he was wearing black Beats headphones and that his eyes were closed.

Great, I would have to be THAT person, who tries to talk to you when you're trying to listen to music, just to talk to him. Just great.

I sighed as I put my hand on his shoulder to get his attention. His dark-brown eyes slowly opened and looked up at me as he was removing his headphones. Then, he raised his left eyebrow at me.

"Hey. I wanted to know what days and times are you free? For our tutoring sessions on Physics." I asked. The look on his face didn't change and we stared at each other for a few minutes. It was getting annoying.

"Well?" I asked again, trying to hide my impatience. He sighed, and looked at me again, straight into my eyes. If he didn't have that annoying attitude, I would've said that his eyes were hypnotizing.

"Did you honestly think that I would even consider tutoring?" he answered, smiling.

"Yeah. Why else would I talk to you?" I retorted, running out of patience. He chuckled. I was annoyed, but I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of a reaction. Our first ever conversation, and it turned out like this.

Funny.

He looked away from me, and stared at the chair in front of him, as if thinking. I was about to leave when he grabbed my wrist.

"I'm free every day. For weekdays, I don't have anything to do during lunch and after dismissal. For weekends, I'm free any time." he said with a smile, and let go of my wrist.

"Noted, thanks." I replied, wondering what changed his mind but I didn't push the topic. "We'll start tomorrow, after dismissal. Meet me in the library."

He nodded, and I went back to my friends. When I sat down, they looked at me expectantly.

"How'd it go?" Paula asked.

"Well, better than I expected." I replied. "He seemed easily convinced."

I just know he's planning something, and whatever it is, I'll be ready. 

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Author's Note:

Picture above is Hayley Williams, who plays as Claire Townsend in this story. I miss Paramore. 

~T