Free

10. Pressure

Eli

My parents are signing me up for a tutor now, just when I thought this situation couldn't get any more difficult.

I know that every part of the universe is forbidding me from seeing her but that only makes me want to try harder.

I meet this new tutor after school today so hopefully this won't interfere with my work schedule. Because work, sadly, is the only time I get to see Sadie. So I'll take it, no matter how short it is.

I rushed home to make the appointment because my parents scheduled him for 3:30 on the dot. I don't appreciate these early meetings but at least he comes to me so I'm in the comfort of my own home.

"Eli Martin. Pleasure to meet you" he immediately sticks out his hand for me to shake. "Hello sir, sorry I came as quick as I could—" I begin but he cuts me off with his strict authoritative voice. "Yes, my name is Franklin but you will be calling me Mr. Ozack." He already pulls out a chair in the dining room and sits down.

"Okay, nice to meet you—" I rush anxiously when taking off my rain coat and hanging it on the hook in the front hall before following him to the dining table.

"Hurry up, I don't have all day. Go on get all your things."

This is just great. It's gonna be a long year.

~

I had just finished in time for my shift so to say that I was exhausted at this point was an understatement. I really didn't even understand half of the concepts Mr. Ozack was rambling about but I know there's no chance of me backing out of this tutor thing. Guess I'm stuck with him.

The floors were undeniably dirty today, just my luck. It's been a long day so when I laid my eyes on Sadie's beautiful face it really livened me up. Seeing her was the only thing that kept me going these days, for some reason.

I really didn't expect Julia to let me come in again and watch today. The first time it really took me by surprise. I was worried she was testing my restraint and she would tell my parents but in all honesty I'm so glad she sees it the way it is. I'm just a harmless observer, watching a girl dance. Nothing wrong about that.

Julia quickly became one of my favorite people when she welcomed me in a bright and cheerful manner. She told me that I looked overworked and that I should take a break. So far she's the best boss I've ever had.

I admired the hard work and dedication Sadie put into her routine and she seemed to be more comfortable with me being in the room now.

My heart stopped when I saw her do this really insane jump in the air. She really got some height, I was almost worried she would hit the ceiling. But I was no doubt impressed.

The music ended and Sadie struck her final pose, indicating that the dance was finished. I clapped, gaining the attention from both of them at once. "What did you think Eli?" Julia asked. "I like it," I say, a bit caught off guard. "Oh come on you've gotta give us more than that." Julia persisted.

I thought about it for a second and placed my hand on the back of my neck anxiously. "Well that last step in the routine could use a bit more work." I shrug. Sadie scoffed and Julia immediately jumped in to calm the waters. "It's okay, he's being really helpful."

She just folded her arms and leaned on one hip. "Well alright, lets see you do better then." Sadie whips. I go ahead and take her up on her offer. I try my best to demonstrate the intricate dance move but let's just say, I'm not as graceful as she is. They both start to laugh uncontrollably at my struggling and that's when Sadie decides to step in and help.

She tries to show me the move and I attempt to follow it. I fail miserably but when I see how much she is laughing I can't help but join in too. Her bright gleaming smile reveals her perfect straight teeth and the dimples in her cheeks.

Julia turns on some upbeat music and Sadie begins to dance. She looks at me expectantly, hoping that I can replicate the move she just made. I try and I just start dancing on my own. I can start to see why she loves it.

You don't have to be good to enjoy it. It's really fun to let go and do whatever you want. Julia even joins in and we all dance together.

Suddenly an old lady at the door interrupts all the laughter and music with her cranky voice. Julia immediately stops the music and we all wipe the smiles off our faces when we notice just how displeased she looks. "Why are the two kids together?" She points a wrinkly finger at both Sadie and I and we step away from each other.

"It's part of their routine, don't worry." Julia nervously covers up for us.

She seems very suspicious of us but decide to just shake her head and walk it off. She leaves us with a very stern warning however, about 'wandering hands' and whatnot and we all finally release the breath we were holding in the whole time.

I could tell Sadie was really worried and I felt bad. But I'm glad Julia jumped in and covered for us. Old people in this town are definitely diligent with enforcing people to follow the rules.

That was close.

Sorry for the short chapter! It's a filler :)
More uploads are coming soon! Thank you for reading.

<3