The Wicked Existence of Lillian Lennox

2. Chapter Two - Social Interactions

I ran down the steps, zipping up my backpack in the process. Quickly I grabbed a granola bar from the kitchen, cursing under my breath when I saw the time on the kitchen clock. I rushed to the door, slipping on my shoes, my fingers fumbling with the laces as I tried to hurry. Running late stressed me out more than anything, and I felt my anxiety build as I checked the clock again.

"Did you even eat breakfast?" Gran asked, disapproval in her tone. I looked up seeing she had come in from the garden.

"Can't, I'm going to be late!" The words poured out quickly as I stood, checking that I had everything.

"Do you need a ride?" Gran asked, handing over my coat from the floor when I couldn't find it in the closet.

"Thanks," I made a mental note to start using the closet, rather than the floor. "And no I'm fine," Opening the door, I ran out. "Bye Gran!" I shouted over my shoulder, racing to the bus stop.

I saw the bus pull up to my stop, and sprinted to catch it, getting there just as the doors closed. Panting, I banged my fist on the door and it slid back open. "Thanks Patrick, won't happen again!" I flashed my bus pass, giving him an apologetic grin. Patrick gave a gruff chuckle, shaking his head, but smiled back.

I walked to the back of the bus, keeping my eyes down as I walked by the other seated passengers. Most of them were students from O'Connor High School, who personally I'd be happy if I never saw again. I jerked into an empty seat at the back just as the bus started moving.

Math class droned on, and I couldn't help but gaze out the window, tapping my pen impatiently. The wait for the final bell was agonizing. "I expect you all to be prepared for the test this Thursday." Mrs. Gordon was saying. Just then the bell rang and everyone sprang up. "If you have any questions please come by after class to ask!" Mrs. Gordon called out, shaking her head as half the class was already running out the door. I hurried to pack my books and leave, glad the day was done. School felt like a never ending monotony today.

"Thanks Mrs. Gordon," I said at the door, heading out.

"Do you have a minute Lillian?" I paused, stifling a groan, and slowly turned, wondering what could possibly be coming. "I've finished marking your last quiz as well as an assignment. Your grades have really improved over the past term." She smiled and I let out a relieved sigh.

"Thank you," I waited, unsure where this was heading.

"You're very welcome, I was actually wondering if you would be interested in after school tutoring?" Mrs. Gordon started.

"But I thought my grades were good?" I interrupted, brows furrowed in confusion. Mrs. Gordon started chuckling.

"I didn't mean for you. I was wondering you could do the tutoring." She continued, my eyes widening, not expecting that. I wasn't really the typical tutor people type of student. "You got 100% on your past homework assignment and with all the bonus questions on your quiz answered correctly, your mark there stands at 103%, the highest in the class by 11%."

"Oh... Really?" I suppressed the excitement in my voice, trying to look unfazed. Truthfully I had worked hard on improving this year, but hadn't expected it to pay off this fast. "I'm flattered by your invitation," I gave a small smile. "But I don't have much time after school, as I take care of my grandparents."

"It would just be Wednesday afternoon for an hour, why don't you try it out this week?" Mrs. Gordon smiled. "If it doesn't work out thats no problem, but it looks great on college applications if you're interested."

I thought about it, enticed. "Okay, I'll try it out. Thank you," With a satisfied smile, I left the classroom.

"Enjoy your afternoon," Mrs. Gordon called as the door closed.