The Tutor

Chapter Two

Dumb Jock

"So what's in it for you?"

"Hm?"

The young girl's head turned from her papers to look up at Lawson.

"In it... for me?" asked Monica.

They were in the study area of the library. They'd be doing a lot of talking, so they went into a private room so they could freely discuss things without being hushed by anyone.

"The whole tutoring deal?" he cleared up. "You usually have to pay for a tutor, though you haven't even asked me for cash to pay you."

"Extra credit," she modestly said, a small smile on her face. "Me and Ms. Wilson talked it over before I came here today. I don't mind helping you out, I love sciences..."

"May I be honest with you?" Monica suddenly asked.

"Sure," said Lawson, surprised.

"When I learned that I had to tutor you, at first I was intimidated," she began. "I mean, me the plainest girl in the entire school tutoring the quarterback... We're from two different social ponds and now that we have to see each other a few times a week... At first it was a little awkward for me, so if I did anything to upset you, I apologize."

Their first session didn't go well. Neither party seemed to want to be there, and to keep the whole situation from being more awkward, they just focused on the text book, barely looking at each other. Looking back, Lawson felt bad for treating Monica so poorly when she also sacrificed her time and energy for him. She wasn't exactly one of the popular kids, though he shouldn't have treated her like a slave when she was helping him with his homework.

"It was my fault, too," began Lawson. "I'm only here to keep football, and in order for me to stay on the team, I have to get my bio grade up... I was just a little pissed that I'm not going to see my friends that much anymore. It was either hanging out with my friends or stop going to football practice. The team would be nothing without me. I'm not another dumb jock, it's just I'm going to have to get used to the change."

A smile was on the girl's face.

"Then we really have to do well in order for you to be on the team," said Monica. "I'm glad that you're this devoted to keep football."

Lawson felt himself smiling. "Football's my life... I can't imagine doing anything else in this school."

"Well, think of this session like football practice, though instead, we're practicing biology," said Monica. "It's like when you're on the field, throwing the ball. The more you practice the concepts, the more better you're going to do on the test."

The smile still couldn't come off of Lawson's face.

After what seemed like forever, Monica chuckled. "Alright, that was cheesy of me..."

"No, no, that wasn't cheesy at all..." said Lawson. "It fits the situation, completely. I'm just glad you don't see me as another dumb jock."

"You never were," smiled Monica.

Smiling, Lawson turned back to his papers and textbook, looking at the diagram of a heart.

Being with Monica made him learn a whole new side to her. He always thought she was this bookish girl who always did what she was told, though deep down, her thoughts spoke volumes. She always seemed to blend in with the scenery, what with her quiet manner. Even though she did seem flaky and skittish at times, she did have a good heart deep down inside.

He then remembered that she did resemble a bit of T.J. Detwiler, if T.J. were a girl. He was also on the football team.

Even though they had their rough spots in elementary school, Lawson grew to respect T.J. over the years, and by some miracle got along in high school. When Coach Winchester picked T.J. most of the time and went on about how good he was, Lawson couldn't help but be jealous. Though when they had victory at the end of the day, he cheered for T.J. and was happy for him. The victory was for everyone on the team and in the school. He was a complete jerk in elementary school. Looking back, he realized that his over-competitiveness sometimes got the better of him.

Though, Lawson had to admit he was jealous of T.J. in elementary school. His gang went around the playground and helped out so much, and here he was, not an accomplishment made by his name. He did hang out with other friends to make a gang like there's, though he knew the reason why T.J.'s gang lasted longer, even up to now. They had a genuine friendship. Even if they didn't have all that glory, they still had each other. They played together, laughed with each other and looked out for each other's backs. Something that his gang long ago never had. Though going back to the friends he did have, being thankful they forgave him after he ditched them, helped a lot and he found true friends of his own. Lawson thought that was one of the reasons why he respected T.J. They could have even become friends in elementary school if he didn't let his pride get in the way, long ago...

"Hey, Monica?"

She turned her head to look at him.

"Do you happen to know somebody named-"

A cellphone went off, and Monica realized it was hers. Digging through her purse, she looked at the screen and gasp.

"I've got to get going!" she jumped out of her seat. "It's my granny's birthday today at my parent's place, and my uncle, aunt and cousins are gonna be there. I'm sorry that I'm going to have to cut the session short today, though I have to go...!"

She began to pack her things in her bag.

"Understandable," smiled Lawson. "If it were my grandmother, I know how'd she feel."

Monica smiled. "Thanks... I'll bring coffee over next time to make it up and celebrate our hard work. You did well today. I'm proud of you, Lawson."

"Call me Earwin," he said.

"Earwin..." she said, trying the word for sound. "Earwin. Has a nice ring to it. See you 'round...!"