Polar Opposites

Chapter 11

I didn't put in a fight as my mother handed a Niall a $20 this morning and walked right past me.

I sit in Mr. Walsh's class, unable to hear his voice as the ringing in my ears fills the room. I look around, to make sure it was just me who was unable to hear.

I still feel uneasy in my skin, confused as to who the person was I was acting like yesterday.

Harry texted me this morning, letting me know he'd meet me at my house,I don't answer, too exhausted and emotionally unprepared.

Lou called me last night, but I was already asleep. I missed him this morning, as Niall let me drive with him, his way of apologizing to me.

The rest of the day slugs by, and I seem to see Harry more times today than I have the whole year. I go to the bathroom at my normal time around 10, and he's using the restroom next to me. I take a shortcut to my English class, and he's going the same way. We look at each other briefly, as if were no more than acquaintances.

Is it that coincidences are getting my attention today, or I'm finally realizing something he does daily?

----

I walk through my front door chewing on some he's gum, blasting my music through my ear buds. Louis sits at my table, chewing on a green apple. I look up, confused, as he knows I have to tutor.

"Oh hey, I uh, just wanted to stop and see if you were okay." I nod, wrapping my arms around him, bringing him to a close hug.

"Icecream tonight?" He looks down at me, slightly pushing away to try and make eye contact. I nod.

"Icecream tonight."

----

Lou leaves shortly after, as I anticipate Harry'a arrival shortly. I begin to feel nauseous, and my anxiety skyrockets. I suddenly realize I forgot to take my pills last night, since I went to sleep so early. Great, the last thing I need right now is more anxiety.

I sit at the kitchen table, highlighting in my textbook. I hear the front door open, but don't bother to look up, as I already know who it is.

The chair next to me separates from the table, and I know by the strong mint smell it's Harry. He pushes my book aside, causing my elbow to hit the table.

"Can I help you?" I try my best to stay stern, reminding myself of the embarrassment he caused me just days ago.

"I'm an asshole." I look up, and by the way he tilts his head and slants his lips, I know it's his poor way of apologizing.

I nod, putting my headphone back in, siding my things over as he takes his things from his bag.

About an hour passes, and we sit in silence. I type away at an essay, drifting away from my current situation as I'm concentrated on finishing the essay, and music fills my ears.

I occasionally glance toward Harry, seeing his eyes filled with concentration and annoyance.

He occasionally lets out a deep sign, as he continues to bite down on the end of his pen. He tugs at his hair, reminding me of a child in desperate want of a attention.

"Do you need something?" I look at his paper, realizing nothing is written down. He looks my way, his race slightly red and his eyes full of anger.

"This shit is so stupid. I fucking ace that test on the periodic shit and now all of a sudden I have to do math and make shit equal on both sides?" I can't help but smile at his annoyance toward chemistry, since it brings interest and a challenge to me.

I explain the concept to him slowly, writing down step by step instructions on how to solve the problem. I do a couple out for him, and give him tips and assurance on with practice it'll get better. When I finish talking, I catch him staring at me, and I can't help but blush.

"We should make a deal." I look up from the rim of my glasses, and I push back on my headband, in attempt to push back some stray hairs. I lift my eyebrow, allowing him to propose his proposal.

"I'm obviously not benefitting from this tutoring strategy that dick face Walsh set up for you, so let's push that aside." He slides the pages from my grip, allowing them to slide to the other side of the wooden table.

"I need to pass this class. I need to start doing well, and fast. Hockey start by the end of the month and I'm barely passing." I keep my petty comments at bay about how his childish games and skipping classes isn't helping, but I keep my mouth shut.

"You give me an hour everyday, right after school until hockey starts at 5, and you push me, get me to be smart." I can't help but smile at his choice of words and seriousness of his face.

"Why would I want to tutor someone like you, everyday, and not even get credit time for it?" By the smirk building on his face, I know he's already thought of something. His dedication is admirable, but his way of already assuming I will annoys me, as if he feels he has me wrapped around his finger.

"Two things." He stands from his chair, letting his hands rest of the table, leaning down closer to my face. I swallow, trying my best to avoid eye contact and breathing too fast.

"You get to spend alllll this time with me." He smirks, baring his white teeth and cheeky dimple. His collar of his shirt loosen, and I can't help but admire the tease of his chest hair and dark shadows, hinting at tattoos. I never imagined him being a tattoo guy, but the thought brings excitement to me, oddly.

I snap out of my thought, as Harry continues to call my name.

"What?" He sighs, licking his lips before saying his sentence again.

"Do this for me, and I'll take you to prom." My eyes go wide, and I unintentionally laugh. I feel confused, and honestly don't know how to answer.

"What?" I smile, thinking as if I heard him wrong, or I'm possibly dreaming again.

"Help me ace this class and graduate, and I'll take you to prom. But, you have to promise you won't fall for me." He stares at me, waiting for my answer, but I can't help but stare at his man in disbelief. His cheeky smile confuses me, as I don't know if he's serious, or joking.

Who does he think he is?i

Is he seriously viewing himself as such a prize?

But I nod my head, because I can't even convince myself that he doesn't have the same affect on me.