The Boy I've Always Wanted

Chapter 2: Life-Saver

~NATHALIA

"N, did you do your homework last night?" Annie said. 

She was sitting beside me and we were the first one to get on class because we do not want to be late in Mr. Byers class. He's like the king here, once your late you will get some punishment that would make you regret your whole life. One thing is for sure Mr. Byers is anti of our clique especially me. I hate Math and I can not solve anything in Math. Mr. Byers always tell us that "You should not worry about how many friends you have you should worry about how your grades are going" First of he's sentence is redundant and he always look at me whenever he says that. I tried my best to make Mr. Byers like me I bought him chocolates from Belgium once and Turkey from Maine but nothing changed. He's still the same. He have favoritism to the people who are good in Math. His rules are like if you're no good in Math then you're a dummy.

"Nathalia, I was talking to you!" Annie snapped. 

"Oh, I mean I did it but I'm sure it's all wrong." I honestly said

She just nodded and smiled. 

The bell rang and every student in class entered. Although I hate this class, Charlie is in this class and he sat on the back of my chair. I secretly like him and Annie is the only one that knows it. I trust Annie because even if we get into a huge fight she doesn't spill any secrets so do I to her. Charlie entered and just passed by through me and I will not forget how he saved me from Finn and the talk we had last night. He was trying to disguise himself but I know it was him. I act differently when I'm around him, it was the real me.

Mr. Byers entered and discussed in front. I tried my best to listen but I can't when all of a sudden.

"You!" Mr Byers said pointing at me

"Me?" I asked

"Yes, you what is the correct answer to this?" He asked pointing at the question on the board

I felt my heart beat faster. Of course I do not know the answer not even a clue.

"I- uh" I stuttered. I flickered my fingers on the table.

"Negative 3." Someone at the back whispered. It was Charlie.

"Based on the question on the board I'm pretty sure it's -3" I said faking my confidence

Mr. Byers was shocked that I answered it correct and said "I'm afraid it's correct!" 

Everybody on class clapped their hands together and shouted at me. I felt like the smartest student in class. I sat down but I didn't look back to thank Charlie. I will wait for later. I'll talk to him. When the class ended Mr. Byers requested for me, Charlie and another boy (who I do not know but I know he's good in Math) to stay. Annie gave me a warning look as she left.

"Well, do you have any ideas why I let you stay?" Mr. Byers said

I do not have any idea Mr. Byers, do I look like I have any I'm totally clueless.

"Are you picking me to the Math championship?" The boy who have a really thick eyebrows that is covered with his huge eyeglasses said enthusiastically with his braces.

"Genius, Mandel! That is why you are my favorite student." Mr. Byers said

I glanced at Charlie and I saw him rolled his eyes. Typical, Charlie...

"Well, I'm picking the three of you to join!" Mr Byers said clapping his hands.

"Wait, what?!" I said

There's no way I can join the Math League. I mean I'm not good at it not even a chance and Charlie was the one who told me the answer a while ago. There are so much more people in our school deserving on this position.

"Come on Ms. Laurent, it's your chance to prove yourself and who would of thought that a Sunshine Barbie like you would do good in Math." Mr. Byers said with sarcasm.

I was surprised and looked at Charlie. This was the first time I was really close to him. He looked at me and sigh as if telling me "It's alright." well it's not!

"But Mr. Byers, by me answering the question a while ago does not prove anything!" I defended

"Ms. Laurent that was the most difficult question I've ever asked and I told myself that whoever answer that will join the competition next week." Mr. Byers said

"Next week?" Charlie coughed

Just by hearing his voice I'm definitely sure it was him that I talked to on Annie's party.

"Yes, and you're now dismissed." Mr. Byers said and left the room leaving us three in the room.

"Well good luck on you Nathalia I bet you wouldn't answer a thing next week." Mandel boast and left the room as well awkwardly

"Mandel is conceited!" I sighed

Charlie just looked at me and left the room. He didn't even manage to say a thing! I chased him on the hallway and said "Charlie!" He turned around and raised his eyebrows. I turned into a socially awkward geek, how can he act so cool about this. 

"What is it Sunshine Barbie?" Charlie said staring straight onto my eyes.

"It's all your fault! If you didn't tell me the answer I wouldn't be in this stupid Math League." I said

"I guess you need to say "Thank you." after all, plus you can earn plus grades if you join this." He said

"Well, you know me Charlie! I don't know a thing in Math!" I said even if the students passing by are staring at us.

"That's your problem not mine." He said

"Stop acting like that!" I said

"Why do you keep on shouting?" He asked moving towards me

"Okay listen, I know you were the boy from Annie's party, I know you were the one who saved me from Finn and I thank you for that. Just please please please act like a friend right now I really need your help on this one." I said as sincerely as possible.

"Alright..." He sighed.

"Yes! now can you please tell Mr. Byers I do not want to join." I said 

"No I won't tell him that. You're going to work hard on the Math championship and you're going to join." He said

"You're kidding right?"  I asked

"Nope and that's a friendly advice you said you needed a friend." He said

"I have a brilliant beyond brilliant idea!" I said

"What is it?" He said

"You can tutor me! Meet me in my house later at 8." I said

"What, you know our parent are not in good terms and your mother would freak out if she saw me there." He said

"Oh right... But I'm sure she wouldn't mind it's not your father who is going it's you." I said

"Yeah right." He said

"See you!" I said