Burning Out

Chapter 9

"I am a disappointment to everyone" 
Song: The Whisperer by David Guetta ft. Sia

  ~~~

          My head banged on my locker as I closed it. I turned around, leaned on it, and groaned. The semester was nearly over, and I had to get my AP Chemistry grade above a 95. "What's got you this distracted?" Hunter asked as he approached me. "My AP Chemistry grades," I replied. He chuckled. "I could help tutor you. I mean, I have a 98." I looked at him and practically squealed "Really? Thank you! You literally just saved my day. And my life." Hunter just chuckled again and shook his head. "I have a 92, and I just have to bring it above a 95," I groaned. I had two more weeks and one more major grade, so getting a 100 on it and doing some extra credit should raise my grade enough. His eyebrows shot up in surprise when he heard my grade. "Hey! That's pretty good. You just need a little help." I lightly punched his arm. "Says the dude who has a 98." Hunter shrugged innocently and both of us walked to first period.

          Soon, the first half of school was over. I was starving by the time the lunch bell rang, and I felt like I could eat four entire pizzas. I sat down at my usual spot and started wolfing my food down. Hunter came to the spot a little later. "Wow, someone's starving." I took a second to glare at him, then went back to my food. He picked an apple of my lunch box and popped it in his mouth. I didn't really mind, since I don't really like apples. "So, when and where should we meet up for tutoring?" Hunter asked when he was done with his apple. "Come over to mine after school. You can bring Will along. I don't really mind," I responded. "That's fine by me," Hunter replied as he bit into his pizza. The lunch bell rang as Hunter finished his lunch and I cleaned up. Hunter threw his paper tray into the trash as we walked to 6th period.

          6th and 7th period went by more quickly than usual. I was waiting by Hunter's car so I could follow him to Will's daycare. I had been there twice, but still needed some help navigating to it. I took a little time to check my phone. When I looked up, I saw Hunter smiling and talking to another girl. A pretty one. Jealousy surged through me. I didn't know why; I mean, he could make other friends than me. It's not like I expected him to be friends with me for a long time anyway. I furrowed my eyebrows at my train of thought. How could I think like this? Hunter had been friends with me for about a week, and I already trusted him. If he wanted to make new friends, that was his choice. I knew he would still sit with me during lunch and talk with me as usual, even if he made new friends. I trusted Hunter a lot, didn't I? By the time I had sorted out my thoughts, Hunter had reached his car.

          "Ugh! That girl was literally forcing herself on me. I don't even know her name. You seem to be the only girl here who is willing to simply be my friend," Hunter shuddered. I smiled when I heard that he wasn't talking to that girl intentionally. Then, my mind registered that I had been friend-zoned. For some reason, I had to remind myself that I regarded Hunter as a friend, and friend only. I shrugged, "I know that I'm the best. Thanks anyway." I flipped my hair sarcastically. That made Hunter laugh. "You are." I smiled up at him. And then, I felt something that pulled me towards Hunter. It was so strong. I could feel it crackling between us, like electricity. I looked away, cutting the intense connection. Out of the corner of my eye, I could still see Hunter gazing at me. He looked down after a few seconds, a blush spreading up his cheeks.

          "Okay. So, we'll pick Will up from his daycare, then you can follow me back home." I laid out the plan calmly and efficiently, despite feeling a little awkward. "Okay," Hunter agreed, the blush on his cheeks receding. I walked up to my car and got in. Hunter started his car and drove off, closely followed by my Jaguar. We reached Will's daycare and picked him up. Will insisted that he ride in my car again. I didn't mind at all. Will was super excited the entire time we were in the car. I loved this chubby little boy a bit too much. I drove home, looking over my shoulder often to check if Hunter was behind me. Eventually, I stopped at my driveway and got out. "Whoa," Will whispered as he carefully climbed out, and I knew the reason why. My house was a mansion. It didn't have those huge, fancy gates or a water fountain at the entrance, but it was huge. Almost triple the size of the Evans' home. Hunter parked his car right behind mine and got out. He regarded my house with wide eyes. I'm pretty sure that he assumed that I was rich, but not as rich as my house was currently implying. I unlocked the door and gestured for them to enter.

          Will entered first and his jaw dropped. Hunter didn't show any dramatic reactions but I could tell that he was surprised. "So, this is my house." I gave them a tour, which took about 10 minutes since I showed them everything. I microwaved some popcorn and put 'Hotel Transylvania 2' on Netflix for Will to watch while Hunter tutored me. Will snuggled under the blanket and watched the movie while Hunter tutored me and pointed out a few blunders I tended to make. It helped a lot. I was one of the best students in my class, so the teacher never thought I needed help. This was the first time someone had actually taken the initiative to assist me with anything related to academics. We were halfway through my notes when Tyler entered the house. He eyed Hunter warily. "Tyler, this is Hunter. Hunter, this is my brother Tyler," I quickly supplied. "Hey there! I'm Hunter. I'm helping Hope with her Chem homework," Hunter cheerily remarked as he stuck his hand out. "I'm Tyler, Hope's brother." Tyler cautiously shook Hunter's hand. He looked at Hunter suspiciously, but Hunter didn't seem to notice. "I'll see you later, Sis," Tyler called as went up to his room.

          Hunter continued to tutor me, and at about 5 p.m. we were done. "You and Will should stay for dinner," I offered. Hunter had tutored me for hours without expecting anything in return. Dinner was the least I could do. Hunter shrugged, "Sure. I'll just text my mom that we're staying here for dinner first." As he texted his mom, I checked on Will, and found him on his second movie with an empty bowl of popcorn. "Hey Will, want some more popcorn?" I asked. He nodded and I filled the empty bowl. When I handed it to him, he smiled this adorable little angelic grin. He was the cutest seven year old I had ever met. I smiled back at him and pinched his cheek. After that, I went into the kitchen, put on an apron, and tied my hair into a bun. Soon I had started making my best chicken ravioli. Hunter came into the kitchen and offered to help me, but I declined, saying that he was a guest, and should keep his brother company. It was about 6 p.m. by the time I was done with dinner.

          I called all 3 boys down for dinner while I set the table. All of them sat down, and I could feel Tyler's surprise. I must have forgotten to tell him that my guests were staying to eat with us. "So, Tyler, how's school?" Hunter asked as he tried to start a conversation with my brother while I served dinner. Tyler answered curtly, but Hunter continued asking questions. He was either really persistent, or didn't notice that Tyler wasn't interested. After some time, Tyler finally caved and answered Hunter's questions genuinely. Hunter's eagerness to know more about me and my family engrossed me. Why did he want to know so much about me? "How do you like the food, Will?" I asked, starting a conversation with Hunter's brother, who looked left out. "The ravioli tastes amazing," Will didn't seem to mind that no one was talking to him. He was too interested in his food.

          I could tell that Tyler was slowly warming up to Hunter. I knew from experience that Hunter's British accent and intense blue eyes could seem a little unnerving at first, so I let them talk as I gobbled down all my food. Once everyone was done, I gathered dirty dishes and started washing them. Hunter walked in and offered to help. "You helped Mom when you came over. I should be able to help you." I sighed and agreed; he did had a point there. "So, what are Tyler and Will doing?" I asked. "Talking about their favorite football team," Hunter responded. I already knew that Hunter wasn't interested in football, so we talked a little about Chemistry as we finished doing the dishes.

          Once we were done, we walked into the hall together, and saw Tyler and Will getting along fantastically. "Will, come on, let's go! It's already eight o' clock!" Hunter called to Will. Both Will and Tyler stood up. Will gave Tyler and me a hug as goodbye, and Hunter and Tyler shook hands. I walked Will and Hunter out of the house and to their car. "Will, get in the car," Hunter ordered. Will complied, and waved a last goodbye and got in. "Thanks for dinner. It tasted amazing." Hunter smiled at me. "It was nothing compared to your mom's lasagna. Anyway, thanks for tutoring me. It really helped," I replied. Hunter chuckled and started to leave. I don't know what came over me, but I pulled Hunter back, slid onto my tiptoes, and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you," I whispered, my cheeks flaming. Hunter looked taken aback but regained his composure. "You're welcome." He got in the car and drove off. I went back in and locked the door shut.

          "Are you guys, like... a couple?"