Porcupinegirl787@yahoo.com

14

Cody's P.O.V.
"Oh, I'm so going to miss this..." Charlotte left soon, leaving me alone with Dean. "Cody, thank you for coming." "Uh, of course. So, uh..." "Right. So, I wanted to talk to you about your test. I marked it, and, well..." He shuffled around some papers, before handing me my test. That had a big, fat, red F. My face flushed, I felt nauseous. "I'm sorry, Cody. Do you know what went wrong? You usually do so well in this class." "I... I don't know. I... I just... Don't get it anymore," I speak with shame. I usually have an excellent math brain. What on earth was going wrong?

"Cody, what do you think about getting a little extra help? Would you be open to that?" "Well, I... I think I have to! Mom will kill me when she finds out!" "Cody, it's alright. Look, I don't normally do this... Your grade may be dropping substantially with this... If you'd like, you can take a re-test. I want to see you do well, Cody; you're very bright." "But, sir, there's no way I'll have time to find a tutor! I know one, but she's too busy! I can't..." "Cody," he chuckles, "I'm here, now." "Y-you'll help me?" I ask with genuine surprise. "Cody, it's my job to ensure you understand. I'm here to help you."

After texting mom and making sure it was okay (she was thrilled, in reality, that I wanted to 'enhance my knowledge' or some shit like that), we started a study-session. I had no idea it was even possible. It's not like he said anything earlier in the year. Or last year. Or any time, ever, that I've been in his class.

"Here, try to do as much as you can with these equations, so I can know better where you need a boost. Okay?" He showed me a warm, encouraging smile, the look alone was enough for me to be happy about agreeing to this. It looked genuine. It looked... Beautiful. I hate to admit it, but he really looks amazing, smiling. He is a gorgeous man.

"Then I multiply this... There. Um... Is it...?" "Exactly!" Dean announced, almost proudly. "Now you're getting it," he smiles, with that same warm, caring smile, before putting a hand on my back. I froze, my face lost the grin it had gained at a correct answer. "Oh, Cody, I... I'm sorry," he spoke apologetically, quickly moving his hand. "No it... It's okay, you just... Startled me, is all," I spoke, trying my absolute best not to sound like I wanted his hand back where it was. It was hard, believe me. I hate lying.

"And then I do this, and..." "Exactly," Dean grinned, tousling my hair. It was a much more intimate, or friendly, move than I was expecting, but that wasn't exactly a bad thing... "See? You are so smart. I told you, you could do it." "Thank you, Dean, so much. I'm, if that's all, I should... Probably get going. Um, bye. Thank you." "Wait a second, Cody," he speaks, gently holding my forearm, making me freeze in place and blush deeply. "What time did you tell your mother you'd be back by?" "Uh, about a... Half hour from now, why?" "How about we go for some hot chocolate? On me." "Really?" I asked in great disbelief. "Sure, why not? As long as you have no objections." "No, of... Of course not! That... Actually sounds really nice right now." "Great," he grinned, his signature grin. And I felt like I was melting into his gaze.

He got me exactly that, a hot chocolate. Whereas he himself got some grande venti frappe mocha mojito Bugatti or some shit like that, I had no idea what he said. I curled ip in the big comfy chair and almost instantly asked "why did you want to bring me here?" He stammered a moment, before answering simply. "You're more than just a student to me, no one could deny that. And I know you don't fully trust me as a person more than your teacher. I want you to trust me, Cody." "But s-sir... Why?" "Please, Cody, out of school I'm just Matthew. I insist." "Okay. Matthew, why? Why do you care what I think of you? I'm just the guy dating your ex." "You're more than just that. I care about all my students. And it's difficult not to favour those I know on a personal level. It's very clear to me you're a one-of-a-kind boy. I want to understand you as a person." "But... Why?" "That's one thing, Cody, I simply can't explain..."

I was with Dean for longer than mom wanted me to be, but I didn't care. It was quite enjoyable. More so than I would have expected. Much. He is really a great guy. He's kind and he's sweet and he's funny and... So dreamy... Uh, anyway... I was really enjoying his company. I was so disappointed when mom called me to tell me it was time. "Damn... Sorry, Dean, I have to go." "Well, look at the time! It's no wonder! It's probably getting to be your supper time, isn't it?" "Yeah, sorry." "I'm the one who should be apologizing! Keeping you all this time..." "It's okay, Dean, really. This was nice. I enjoyed it." "As did I," he smiled. I stood to leave, as did he. "Cody, thank you for this. This was wonderful. If you'd be interested, perhaps we could do something like this again?" He asked with a slightly shy tone. "Of course, Dean," I grinned in return. "That would be great."