Total pages in book: 139
Estimated words: 127146 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 636(@200wpm)___ 509(@250wpm)___ 424(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 127146 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 636(@200wpm)___ 509(@250wpm)___ 424(@300wpm)
I grab a pen out of my bun and scribble across the notebook. "Did you want to schedule another time to meet?"
"Yeah, actually, I was thinking we could discuss tonight when you come to the carnival as my date." He winks at me.
I start writing before I think about what he’s said, then I pause and nearly choke on my tongue. "Your what?”
"My date. You can meet me there if it would make you feel more comfortable. We can hang out, ride a few rides, play some games. I dominate at Skee Ball by the way."
His matter-of-fact statement causes a laugh to slip out of me. It’s been so long since I laughed that I don’t recognize the sound. "I have to admit, I'm not great at carnival games."
He grins at me. "Can’t get good at something if you never try it. Plus, it would be a nice change since you’re the one usually teaching me.”
I stare at him, only a little shocked by his straightforwardness. He did ask me on a date previously, so it’s not really surprising. Then I realize he's waiting for an answer. Shit. Responsibly, I know I should go home after I get done for the day because my mom will need me, but at the same time, the thought of returning home makes me depressed. I’m either tutoring, sleeping, or helping my mom. I can’t recall the last time I did something for myself.
“Come on, Bel. Don’t overthink it. When was the last time you did something for you? I see you tutoring all the time, but I never see you anywhere else?”
Is it that painfully obvious that I’m a hermit crab? Indecision weighs on me. Drew could be there, but we aren’t together. We’re barely friends. Without a label, I’m technically allowed to go on a date if I want to.
"Yeah, you’re right. What time should I meet you?"
"How does five sound?"
I nod, tucking my chin so he can't see me blushing. He's cute, and he's always been nice to me. There’s really no reason I shouldn't go with him. He doesn't loom over my shoulder, grab me, or hunt me down. Maybe I'm ready for a normal relationship.
Or maybe a little piece of you wants to make Drew jealous?
As soon as the thought pops into my head, I can’t forget it. Messing with Drew is dangerous, but he’s already told me how he felt and where we stand. Maybe this is the push he needs, or maybe this is what I need to prove to him that he’s not in control of me. At least not completely. Or hell, in a last-ditch effort, Stewart is captain of the basketball team. Maybe Drew will leave me alone if he sees I’m interested in someone else.
The idea is sound, but the thought of never talking to Drew again makes me feel a bit queasy. Why? I hate him...right? Stewart packs away his belongings, and I wave him off. The room is still quiet, and I relax into the chair with a deep breath.
I have several more clients lined up for the morning, but nothing for the afternoon. The carnival is cutting into my afternoon client base. It's fine, though. I use this small lull to head over to the vending machine. I found some change in my car and use it to buy a packet of S’more Pop-Tarts to eat while I wait for my next appointment.
My next appointment is with Gracie, a girl from my geometry class. She has her dark brown hair pulled tight into a high ponytail. She’s wearing leggings and an Oakmount Elite sweatshirt. She looks like your average college student, minus a face full of makeup.
She greets me with a smile and sets down two plastic to-go cups. I’ve known her for a couple of months, but we never really talked before until the other day when she mentioned how much she was struggling with the last test. I told her I do tutoring, and she asked if I had any time to help her. Now here we are.
“Hi! Sorry if I’m late. I stopped by Beans to get some hot chocolate and grabbed you one too. If you don’t like hot chocolate, that’s cool too.” She gestures to the cups. It’s very thoughtful of her, and I happily grab one, a smile tugging at my lips.
“Thank you. That’s very kind of you.”
“No, what’s kind is you taking the time out of your day to help me learn this shit. I swear I wasn’t there the day we picked classes.”
A bubble of laughter slips out of me, and I feel ten times better now. Gracie takes a seat beside me, and I open the textbook to the parts we’re working on in class. She explains her difficulties, then I put together some sample problems for her to work on.