The Year of Avery

Chapter Five: My Best Friend's Oxfords

"I'm an idiot. I can't tutor someone in statistics. I can barely solve 'two plus two,'" I complained when I got home. My parents were both at work, so I was left alone in the house with Connor, who was told to make sure I didn't "have any keggers."

"I mean, you did some pretty decent work last week when your dad had you do everything by hand," he said, closing his computer to listen to me.

In the week since I had met Connor, we had managed to become friends. For the most part, my dad trusted him because Mr. Austen trusted him. Plus, my dad trusted me to make sure Connor didn't screw up. I took an hour and a half out of the two days a week that Connor was here to help him out.

When I wasn't helping Connor, I was doing my homework in the kitchen, so he and I talked most of the time. He was good company to have around, and, in addition to talking to me and helping me through my problems, he got all of the work that needed to be done, done.

"I think you're going to be fine. You shouldn't worry so much about tutoring this guy, Ave," he said.

I frowned. "I can't not worry. Think about when you were in high school and your crush asked you if you could tutor them."

"Her. And, if I didn't know the material, I'd-" He stopped mid-sentence when I gave him an Oh, come on look. "No, you're right. I'd do the same thing. But Avery, you're good in math. You're in AP for a reason."

"Because I chose to be in AP! Because I'm an idiot. I 'wanted the challenge.' This is the biggest challenge I've had so far."

"I'm sure you guys won't even do much. It's only week one of school." His eyes lit up. "Do you have any homework in stats yet?"

I shrugged. "Not much. Just intro stuff. Why?"

"If you're still learning intro, I can guarantee he's doing the same. He's probably just doing this to hang out with you."

I tossed my head back and laughed. "Oh, Connor. You're funny. If Isaac Monroe wanted to hang out with me, he would've just asked."

Connor shrugged and got up. He walked over to the fridge and grabbed two water bottles. "Don't be so sure. From what I've heard, this guy sounds kind of like a player, Avery. This guy can probably read you like a book. It's just another technique to ask you out."

He handed me the water bottle, and I rested my chin on it. "But why wait until now? I look exactly the same as I did my freshman year. We had health together. Why now? Why not at any other point in high school? Why wait so long?"

"If you like him so much, stop questioning it, and just go for it. Has he texted you?" I nodded. He texted me right after school, and I still hadn't responded. I had memorized the text but I was too nervous to respond. "What're you waiting for? Text him. Meet up with him."

I bit my lip. "You think that's a good idea?"

With an exasperated sigh, Connor said, "Yes! Now, go, text him. But be careful. He doesn't sound like the boyfriend-material kind of guy. He'll probably go out with you once or twice, and then-"

I cut him off, cringing. "I'm not gonna do that, Connor. I'll tutor him, and, if he wants more than someone to tutor him, he'll ask, and I'll tell him what I want, okay?"

"Yes, girl! Now, go get him!" Connor said with a smirk as he opened up his laptop to get back to work.

Nervous, I jumped out of my seat, grabbing my phone. The text read, "Hey Avery what time are u free for Saturday? Its Issac"

His grammar can use some work, but he's cute, I thought. I responded, "Whenever works best for you. Let me know what you're studying so I can prepare."