Just friends? Pfft. Yeah, right.

Chapter 7

Chapter 7

The wrappers crinkled as i unwrapped the chocolate bar in my hand. I watched the clouds float by slowly and the soft sway of the trees. It was a cool Saturday morning. I was supposed to be tutoring Dave but he was late. This was not unusual. I bit into my chocolate and continued staring into space.

A lumbering figure got my attention. I took one last bite from my chocolate and waited for Dave to reach my bench. He placed his shoulder bag down and sat down, silent. He took out a few books and i frowned. There was something different about him.

“Are you okay?” i asked, concerned.

His brown eyes were expressionless even though his lips formed a smile. “Yeah, of course.”

I frowned. “I’m not buying it.”

He shrugged and flipped through his book. “I got a few questions to ask about this.”

He pushed the book towards me forcefully, eyes blank but determined. I took a deep breath and looked through the page. Dave ran his fingers through his hair, his knuckles were still healing from the time he punched Jeff. I was in the middle of explaining when i felt him become distant. It was already the fifth time in twenty minutes. Exasperated, i closed the book.

He looked up at me, frowning. He opened his mouth to say something but i stopped him.

“What’s wrong, Dave? And don’t you dare say it’s nothing,” i asked, arms folded.

He sighed. “I’m just tired, that’s all.”

“What time did you sleep?” i asked, not convinced.

He rubbed his eyes. “Late.”

I reached out and took his hand, comforting. “You know you can tell me anything.”

He looked at the hand and an unreadable expression crossed his face. My eyebrows furrowed in confusion and worry. I squeezed his hand and Dave looked up at me. Before, he had looked weak and haggard as though a mere push could make him fall. now, his gaze was powerful as he held mine. i felt my heart quicken and my stomach knot. He looked away and i breathed a sigh of relief. I took my hand away and took in a deep breath.

“I think we should cut this short,” Dave said, packing up his things.

“Are we still on for next week?” i asked, watching him stand up.

Dave shook his head. “I think we should stop the tutoring for a while.”

His behaviour was confusing and infuriating. I wanted so much to shake him and get the truth out of him. there was something terribly wrong and i needed to know what it was. I knew that if dave wanted to tell me, he would. No matter how long i had to wait, i knew Dave would let me know in the end. He just needed some time to sort things out. i just wished that sometimes he would open up more and let me help him.

I ran my fingers through my hair and shoved my things into my bag, furious. I know he might be going through some stuff. But, how was i supposed to be understanding if he was not telling me what he was going through? It’s just getting me more annoyed.

Dave was a few paces when he turned back to look at me. “I just need some space. I’m not mad at you or anything, Jo.”

“Okay,” i murmured, more confused.

Dave gave me a small smile and walked off, head bent down and hands in his pocket. As i watched him disappear, i sagged down on the bench. Seeing him like this just worries me. It is not like i can see into his head. But, i hope that things will get better soon. i would do anything to smooth that frown. I sighed, heart heavy and mind muddled.