An Open Window

Chapter 10

That next Thursday, I'm sweating over my stupid math homework, and I look over at the time.

12:47 a.m., my alarm clock reads.

I slam my pencil down on my desk in frustration, groaning loudly. I hate math, it's too difficult and I can't follow up on it. I see a notification pop up on my phone, and I quickly grab it, aching for a distraction.

Blushy Boy (Christian): Frustrated?

I snort at his little comment, and I reply, What makes you think that? :/

I think your groan gave you away. What's up?

Why is math such a bitch? I don't understand a thing!

Oh, come on! How hard can it be?

Imagine the largest iceberg you can, and imagine trying to lift it. That's the same amount of difficulty that I'm experiencing with math.

What're you learning that's making you struggle like this?

Functions and absolute value.

Really? Those are my favorites! Maybe I can help?

Wow, Christian Waters, a math nerd. Never would've expected.

Fine, I won't help you then.

IM SORRY COME OVER PLEASE!!

A couple seconds later I hear a familiar tapping on the window, and I rush over and open it. He climbs in, and lands gracefully on his feet.

"I'm getting better at this." He says, proudly crossing his arms. I clap and bow at him sarcastically, and he rolls his eyes.

"Lets see that math work." He says, leaning over my desk. His eyes scan the paper, landing on the problem involving absolute value inequalities that I've scribbled over and over, my paper growing thin from all of the erasing.

"Oh, this is easy. You separate the two equations into two, only you make the value after the inequality negative, and switch the direction of the inequality sign for one of the separated equations. Then you solve each equation, and graph it." He explains, not skipping a beat. I quickly take note of what he says.

"Jesus, Christian." I breathe out, and he looks over at me.

"What?"

"I'm just surprised. I knew you were smart but..."

"How long have you worked on this?"

"I've worked on it since five o'clock." I yawn, and he widens his eyes.

"Jesus, Sal, you've been working on this for seven hours?"

"Like I said, I suck at math."

We suddenly get a gust of wind, and a loud slam of Christians window shutting catches our attention.

"Shit." He whispers.

"My window locks automatically, I won't be able to go back inside." He groans.

"Well, don't you have your house keys? You can just go in from there."

"I left them on my desk."

I bite my lip, realizing the only solution left.

"I guess...I guess you're here for the night. I'll go find you a blanket or something.." I say

I walk over to the closet in the hallway, opening it to find a clean throw blanket. I come back into my room and toss it at him, which he clumsily catches.