CHANGING MATT

Cliché

Jenna

I step into my advanced math class, and realize how late I turn up. Mrs Brown makes to say something, but nods her head at me when she notices my tear filled eyes. I walk over to my seat, and sure enough, I notice Matt is seated right in my spot, whispering something into Scarlet's ear. She giggles, and I take my seat right behind them, because its the only sit left in the entire class. Class goes on in a blur, he whispers and whispers, and she laughs and laughs. Midway through math, I almost puke in disgust. I can't concentrate anymore with the scene in front of me, and it takes all my will power to stare straight at the board. At some point a boy taps my shoulder and says I'm obstructing his view, and at some other point a spit ball is tossed at the back of my head and sticks there. But all that matters is the scene in front of me. I almost loose breath when Matt plants a kiss on Scarlet's shoulder, and I almost faint when his arm drapes around her waist. Minutes go by and Mrs Brown starts handing out our test results.
"Well done miss Moore. Another 98%"  she says, flashing me a warm smile, and I instantly zone out into my world of happiness.

*******
I couldn't be any happier when class was over. In fact, I almost tap danced out of my sit. I head towards the exit, and then I notice that Matt, with an apologetic countenance and Mrs Brown,with an overjoyed expression, have their eyes on me. I almost make a run for it.
" Miss Moore. Can you spare a few minutes?" Mrs Brown asks, and on cue I begin to stutter.
"I'd love to, Mrs Brown. Bu-but my- my- my cat just be-became preg-"
"Pets aren't allowed at school Jenna. Matt already tired that excuse" she cuts me off, and I head obediently over to her desk.
"Matt here has so much difficulty at advanced maths. I sometimes wonder how he made it to this class, which is clearly for bright students" she starts off, cutting right to the chase. I stare over at Matt, who has a point blank expression on. I chuckle.
"And I hear you are fairing quite terribly at your English class, Miss Moore" This time, I scowl my face, and Matt chuckles lightly.
"I had to put two and two together. You know what I'm saying? She asks, and doesn't wait for our reply.
" our school is starting a program where students pull each other to success. We research on the ability of our students, finding out where one is lacking and where one outshines all others-" she pauses, and I can tell this speech was rehearsed. She sighs, lifts out a crumbled paper from beneath her desk, and begins to read off it.
"This is being implemented to promote team spirit and bring out the best in our students. We encourage group-" she let's out a long sigh, and tosses the paper right back on the floor.
"All I'm saying is that Matt Miller and Jenna Moore have been paired together. Jenna coaches Matt from Monday to Wednesday, 4pm to 6pm prompt on mathematics, and-"
"That's very cliché don't you think? The good girl coaches the bad boy? It's in every novel I've read. Can't you find someone else to pair me with?" I ask in utter desperation. It takes all my will power to not get on my knees and plead.
"-and Matt coaches Jenna from Thursday to Saturday, at the same time duration, and for the rest of the semester." She concludes, not regarding me for even a second. She motions for us to leave, and I walk briskly out of her presence.
"Hey Jenna. My house or yours?" Matt calls out so loud I hear his voice echo through the hallway. And all eyes turn on me.