Warbler Infections

Chapter 14: "It takes a tutor to tango"

Hunter's POV:

"What do you mean I'm failing?!"

   I may not be the best student here but I've never gotten lower than a C on an assignment. Lacrosse is more my speed, planning the routes and directing the team. That's what I'm skilled at. Not conjugating irregular verbs in French.

   Madame Stefanelli looked up from the papers she was grading, pushing librarian glasses up her crooked nose. "I'm sorry to inform you Mr. Clarington, but you are indeed failing. You had a 72, and after receiving a 65 on the last exam, I'm afraid your average is now a 68."

  The rest of my classmates had already left, not having to worry about slipping test scores. How had I gotten a 65? I studied until 4 in the morning all week before the exam. I'm still having problems balancing school, homework, Warblers practice, lacrosse, and track without messing something up.

   "Coach Kearney isn't going to keep a captain who can't stay on top of his grades you know." She continued. "He told me if you don't get an 80 or above on my next essay, he'll have to suspend you from the lacrosse team."

  He wouldn't actually kick me off, right? I'm the best player he's got this season.

   "And how do you expect me to pass, Madame? I study and study without making any progress." She crossed the room, erasing the board and handing me a slip of paper. "What's this?"

   "Sebastian Smythe's phone number. He's my best student, always gets top marks. I'm not sure if you were aware but he lived in France for a couple of years. I asked him the other day I he'd be willing to tutor those needing a little assistance. Fortunately for me, he agreed. So, if you call his number you two can schedule a session before the essay."

  It wasn't like I had many other options at this point. What's the harm in calling the guy? He was pretty chill at the movie and party, he didn't seem like he'd be one to judge my lack of French knowledge.

  "Alright, I'll do it. Do you think he could really help me pass?" It's not that I didn't trust Sebastian, I've just never needed an academic tutor before.

  "I have much faith in Monsieur Smythe as a teacher. He has helped many of his classmates and has an advanced way of explaining difficult concepts. Give him a chance, if it doesn't work out, I may be able to squeeze in some time to attend to you."

  Don't get me wrong, Madame Stefanelli is a great professor, but I think Sebastian might be a little more relatable. He lived in the damn country for God's sake right?

  "Then it's settled. Hunter Clarington is getting a French tutor."

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Sebastian's POV:

  Unknown number? Who would be calling me, let alone at 7 in the evening? But I never get calls often, which lead me to hit the green 'accept' button.

S: "Hello, who is this?"

H: "Sebastian? I'm Hunter, from the party. I need a French tutor and Madame Stefanelli said I could call you."

    Holy shit. I'm on the phone with the guy I have a mega crush on, he needs my help, and wants me to tutor him. Well my horoscope did say an unexpected surprise was coming my way.

S: "Uh yeah right, I do sessions on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and weekends in the media center. You can schedule one for this weekend if you're available."

H: "I actually have a track meet out of state this weekend but I should be free on Tuesday. Wait, you're on the lacrosse team with me right?"

S: "Yeah, why?"

H: "We have practice after school on Tuesday from 3:30 to 4:30. Maybe we could study after lacrosse."

S: "Sure, that's a good plan. So I'll see you from, how about 5:00 to 6:30? That way we have time to change after practice and make it to dinner on time."

H: "Yep, that works for me. And, thanks by the way for helping me. If I don't pass Stefanelli's class I'll get suspended from the team and that can't happen."

S: "No problem, that's what friends are for."

H: "Cool. Well, I gotta go study for calculus."

S: "Okay, see you on Tuesday."

H: "It's a date then!"

   And with that he hung up, leaving me baffled. A date? Does he mean like a date or a date date? How do I always get myself into stuff like this? I grabbed my phone, frantically scrolling through my contacts till I found the right one, hitting call.

  "Seb? What's wrong?" The voice answered full of concern on the other end of the phone.

  "Kurt, I kinda have................a date?"

Oooh looks like I ended yet another chapter with a cliffhanger. Hey guys! I know this chapter isn't that long but I wanted to introduce another story line that isn't Klaine or Niff. I'm also very sorry in advance to anyone who takes or knows French because I take Spanish and almost anything said in French will be translated from google. But it's important for the plot so just go along with it. I have lots of ideas for the next few chapters and I think we might have sectionals soon! So be ready for that and this Sunday's update. Have a great morning, afternoon, or night. You are a visionary.

Your fellow gleek,
   - Lindsay 💕