Possibility

Chapter 3 - Thrice...?

I got the task done eventually, and even though the minor mistake I had overlooked several times as I tried to solve the task annoyed me, I must admit I was incredibly relived when I finally managed to solve it.

After I had finished my homework I eventually ended up on my bed, getting lost in a book. I’m not even sure how long that lasted, but I was still reading when Kira walked into the room late that evening, and we ended up talking until we went to sleep. Both of us equally exhausted.

The next day, after having made an appointment with Daniel earlier on the morning, I found myself in the room he was sharing with his roommate.

“You have to take the common logarithm of both sides, because that will make it easier to solve the equation.” I explained to Daniel, pointing to each side of the equality sign as I spoke. I was currently helping Daniel solving logarithm equations, and it was going pretty well.

“Because then I can use the power property to bring the exponent down as a factor, right?” Daniel asked, though it seemed more like he was voicing his own thoughts because he started solving the task before I got the chance to answer.

“Are you sure you need my help? You seem to be doing great yourself.” I asked him and placed my elbow on the desktop, then rested my cheek against the palm of my hand as I looked at him sideways.  

I heard him chuckle as he finished his math problem, then turned his head to look at me. “You’re not enjoying this at all, are you?”

My lips tilted upwards in a smile and I shook my head lightly at his words. “No, I don’t mind. It is great practice; you’re not the only one gaining from this you know.” I pointed out before I lowered my gaze to his math books. I might have stayed up a bit too late the night before just because it was a Friday night and I could. I had promised Daniel I would help him with his math though, and I wasn’t exactly the person to cancel appointments.

“Rick passed on the part of the message where I said you didn’t have to if you didn’t want to, right?” He inquired, the expression on his face making him seem a bit concerned about the fact that I might not have wanted to be there. Something that wasn’t true. I truly enjoyed being in Daniel’s company, a bit too much perhaps.

Daniel was one of Richard’s friends, and he just happened to be taking the same courses as me, unlike Richard and Kira who were both taking a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and a Modern Language. Their modern language was French.  That’s why he had asked me for help, because we had both been through the same material. According to Daniel, Richard had also been the one suggesting that Daniel should ask me the first time, because apparently I was (and I quote) pretty damn good at mathematics.  That was back in November, and ever since then Daniel had asked me for help whenever it was needed.

“He did pass that information on yes; I really don’t mind helping you.” I told him honestly. 

“Oh Payson, well…” Daniel suddenly hesitated, but only for a second before he continued. “…you’re as sweet as 3.14.” He joked, causing me to giggle at his kind of sweet, yet incredibly dry joke.  Over the years I had taken a particular liking to that kind of jokes though, because only people with at least a tiny bit of knowledge within the subject would get them. I guess you could say I was weird like that, but it was a part of me and impossible to change.

“You look tired.” He remarked just as I did my very best to suppress a yawn. (Without luck, may I add.)

My failed attempt at hiding my tiredness was more than enough of an answer for him and he practically ordered me to go back to my room and take a nap. I wasn’t too into the idea of taking a nap considering it only was 4 O’clock on a Saturday afternoon, but I knew I should. So after he had assured me several times that he didn’t need any more help, we said our goodbyes and I left his room; heading for my own.