It Started As A Dare

Mindless Anxiety

Tutoring becomes a weekly deal. Even though Alex doesn’t come right out and ask for every
Thursday to be our study night, I still anticipate it. Like clockwork on Sunday afternoon between
three and four I receive a text from Alex asking about tutoring. Oddly enough, I start looking
forward to it. After three weeks of this little routine, I find my heartbeat increasing a little when
my text notification goes off on Sunday.
I sit at my desk with my computer in front of me. I continue to strip and add audio to my
psychology commercial as notification after notification come in.
Katie: You free to go dress shopping this Thursday?
Khloe: Party at J’s tonight. You in? Grace won’t be there.
Emelia: Did you understand the English assignment?
I mindlessly respond to all of them, giving a maybe to Katie, a definitely to Khloe, and a lengthy
explanation to Emelia. As time inches further from three and closer to four, my heart starts
beating a little faster at each notification.
Jace: Party at my place tonight. Khloe said she’s coming. You in?
Khloe: I want to get some snacks and water before the party
Katie: I was looking at some cute dresses at JCPenney’s. We can check consignment shops,
too
More mindless replies. I start to get nervous as the clock changes to ‘3:55’. Finally, as if he’s
reading my mind, I receive a text from Alex.
Alex: My mother is taking me out shopping this week for a suit and tie. Do you have a dress
picked out yet?
Me: I don’t have one yet. Katie was asking about possibly shopping on Thursday, if that’s okay
with you.
Alex: I’m not in control of your life, Devyn. You can shop on Thursday with your friends
I know I’m probably overthinking it, but the tone of his message strikes me the wrong way.
Me: Do you need tutoring this week or no?
Alex: I understand the chapter and my project is almost finished. I do not need help this week
His cold tone throws me off. He seems to have something on his mind, but I don’t feel
comfortable asking him what’s wrong.
Me: I’ll let you know what color my dress is as soon as I purchase it
Alex: Thank you