Not Quite Sure Yet

Chapter 7

Dear Joey,

The months pass quickly without you. I mean, it's been nine months all in all since you went away, and a month since I moved into this town. It doesn't feel like that. The school isn't that bad, really. Blue is good company, and I haven't had any more trouble in any aspect of the schoolwork or social scale. But then again, it depends if you'd call the events of this morning 'trouble.' :

It started off as a usual day. Homeroom with Blue, and the boring morning lessons. Lunch was uneventful.

In fact, to save time and ink, shall we just conclude that everything leading up to last period was uneventful? Because it was, and it bores me to even write about it. And considering I found math interesting that's saying something.

But last period, that's when it all started. I mean, the actual maths lesson was boring as fuck, as per usual. The professor as old as his subject droned on and on about some equation theory. You always said, Joey,that all you need to know about math is how to get the answer, not why. Do you remember how I would roll my eyes at you, and tell you to shut the fuck up and pay attention? It would've been nice if you listened to me one time, Joe. But that wasn't you, and if you had stopped being who you were for two seconds, you wouldn't of touched half the lives you did. And I've started to get all deep again, so I will stop that now.

Anyway, the bell rung that signaled the end of the day, and I grabbed my books, and threw them into my satchel. I did as I usually did, storming towards the door, trying to escape quickly. I had my hand on the handle when a feeble voice said from behind me, "Mr Wingate, could you stay behind a minute?" I turned slowly to see professor Greene, smiling and beckoning me with one hand, and clutching that Duke guy with his other. My first thought was that he had finally decided to speak to us about what happened in the hall a month ago. My second thought was how slow he was to only want to discuss this now. But maybe I'm just that mean.

I followed the duo of doom to a desk, in which we were forced to sit behind while the professor hunched over us, trying to smile in a friendly manner. It wasn't working. I looked over at the blond boy beside me, resisting the urge to smirk at his uncomfortable expression. He looked like such a wimp, Joey. For a football player and leader of the whole fucking school this guy seemed to weak.

Greene cleared his throat. "Ok. Now boys, I'm sure you're wondering why I have kept you guys behind."

"Yeah." Duke said, and I was surprised at how low his voice was when he was being quiet. It was like, super low and gravelly. I just nodded, not able to muster enough energy to form a coherent response.

"Well. Mr Marks here, has been struggling recently with his math grade." So Mr perfect was failing math. I was smug when I thought of my straight A math record. I've always been good at math, Joe, you know that. "And while I strongly suspect it's work ethic he lacks, his parents have requested the lad receives some, ah, help on the way."

Duke flushed red, and I felt a little bad for guy. I mean, I didn't let it show as I smirked at him, but I did feel bad. While I couldn't let him think I was going soft, it's not nice to have your weaknesses pointed out by some over opinionated old fart.

"And?" I said shortly,losing my patience. I will never understand why people beat around the bush, Joe. Just say what you mean and get on with it.

"And" He rubbed his thin, frail hands together. "I would like you to tutor him." I snorted. I mean, me, tutor someone? Come on, Joe, that's just humorous.

"No." I answered. I didn't want to do it. Can't blame me for that.

"Why not?" Greene asked, obviously confused.

"Because" I sighed. "I don't want to. And I don't think it would be in either of our best interests. Unless you want to find his dead body floating in the river." Duke coughed to hide a laugh and I glared at him. That wasn't fucking funny, Joey.

"Mr Wingate," The old man sighed, looking tired. "As much as I appreciate you are not two peas in pod, this young man needs your help to get the scholarship to his college of preference." I snorted. "And, I suppose, if that doesn't reach out to your heart, this will ensure a platinum award at graduation and a sparkling letter of recommendation from myself for any job you wish to apply for."

I sat up a little straighter. The bit about helping the ass didn't really bother me at all, but the letter of recommendation, well Joe, that sounded like winning the fucking lottery.

Duke was staring at his lap, obviously avoiding looking at me. The kid was embarrassed.

"Okay." I sighed. "Are we doing this at school, or what?" Greene clapped his hands and smiled, real wide.

"Oh how wonderful, thank you Mr Wingate." I rolled my eyes at him. "But no, I'm afraid we cannot keep a classroom available for you with the amount of tutoring this boy needs." I groaned. Shit. I'm not going to golden boys house, Joey. Will not.

After a few more pleasantries shared between Duke and Mr Greene, the old man hobbled out of the class, sending his thanks to me. I ignored it of course. An awkward silence fell over me and golden boy, and he cleared his throat to break the silence. "So." Duke started.

"Look," I sighed. "I don't want to do this. At all. But I do want my letter of recommendation." Duke snorted, and gave me a amused look. I growled.

"Ok, listen asshole. I'm not going to be polite if you're not. I don't want to do this" I repeated. "But I will. So if I have to do this, I'm gonna do it comfortably. So my house." I stood up and headed towards the door, snarling. God, Joe, that boy pissed me off so easily.

"Wait!" Blondie called out and grabbed my shoulder. I stiffened and turned, giving him a get the hell off me look. He removed the hand. "Now?"

"No. We start tomorrow. I will meet you in the parking lot. You can follow me back." I spat, and he nodded. This time I really did leave, storming all the way to my bike.

I've got to tutor the idiot, Joey. I mean, it's not such a big deal for me, but it's just annoying. A pain in my ass. It won't affect my life or anything.

I'm more worried about the fact I will have to try and not kill him. People like that just annoy me. Perfect guys, Joey. They have everything yet still find things to moan about. It's just aggravating. And now I'm sat here, at home, worrying about how I will not offend the guy too bad, but still keep the uncaring mask thing I've got going on.

And I'm bored of hiding me, Joey. And I'm bored of hiding you.

"Hide until everybody goes home. Hide until everybody forgets about you. Hide until everybody dies."

I didn't used to have to hide.

Cole