Alfreds P.O.V

Who designs the covers for textbooks? I mean every cover for every textbook is a picture of someone snowboarding or waterskiing and having fun. When I am using this textbook I am not having any fun. In fact, it's quite the opposite. I hate everything about math. Numbers? Hate them. Math class? I just look out the window the entire time.

"Mr. Jones, can you walk us through number seven on the homework?"

The teacher's annoying way-too-peppy voice startled me out of my mental rant. Due to my rant, I forgot that I was actually in the middle of math class. How depressing.

"Ummm, I didn't really understand that one." I answered.

"Could you at least try and answer it?" she said, starting to get impatient.

"Umm, well you add the 8x to the 12x, then you have to, umm…"

"Can somebody else help him out?" she replied, scanning the room for raised hands.

I knew that that was teacher-talk for your turn is over. Why do teachers always call on the people who clearly don't want to answer? I never raise my hand in class. I have never even displayed a single spark of interest in this tedious, unnecessary subject. I sucked at it.

I stared at the round faced clock on the wall. One minute and thirty-seven seconds until I could escape this classroom. I couldn't wait.

The class started packing up, all of them anxious to leave and get on with their days. I stuffed all my supplies into my backpack and slung it over my shoulder so I could make a quick departure to my next class. Ten, nine, eight, I counted down the seconds in my head, seven, six, five, four, three, two… The bell rang and I stood up and made a dash for the door. However, I was prevented from leaving.

"Alfred, can I talk to you for a second?" My teacher stopped me mid-stride.

"Alfred, you're not doing too well this quarter. In fact you're failing."

I cringed. I didn't do that bad last quarter. I knew what failing meant. If my report card was issued with a failing grade, I couldn't play football until my grade went back up.

She continued "I suggest peer tutoring. Maybe an honors student can help you."

I nodded hesitantly. I knew that peer tutoring took place during free period every day. I would have to bypass weight training with the rest of my football team, but if I failed I couldn't play at all. I would just have to deal with it until I had a passing grade. "Talk to Guidance and they can put you on the list" she finished. I nodded, thanked her and was on my way.

I left the classroom and traveled into the crowded hallway. There were mobs of kids standing, chatting and moving around. When I was in the hallway I actually felt important. I was greeted by many people from several mentions of "Hey Al!" and people offering casual nods and a "what's up". School was pretty great aside from the actual schooling part. Not to brag or anything, but I'm probably the most popular guy in my class. Sports can do that to someone. Some people have told me that I have a big ego, but what's so bad about that. I'm very self confident, except when it comes to classes. I'm passing all my other subjects but math just has to ruin it all. I made my way down to the Guidance Office, trying my best to look unaffected by the unpleasant news that I had received before. I walked into the office.

"Hello there Alfred, can I help you?" my Guidance Counselor said with a smile.

"Umm, I'm here to sign up for peer tutoring."

"Oh ok, your teacher said that she would reccomend you." she reached for a clipboard in her desk drawer. She handed me the clipboard and a pen. "Just write your name on this list and we will match you up with another student." I took the list from her and wrote my name on the bottom of the page. I handed it back to her. She smiled, "It's always ok to ask for help. Never be ashamed of needing help." I nodded. It wasn't that I was ashamed, it was just that I wanted to stay at the top of my team. If I missed too many weight training sessions, my captain status could be in trouble. I sighed. Hopefully coach would understand.

"So you will be joining us tomorrow in the library?"

I stand up and gather my things. "Yeah I'll be there."

A.N. Hi there! I hope you are enjoying my little story! This is my first fic, so constructive criticism and reviews are really appreciated. Any suggestions are also welcomed. Anyways, thank you so much for reading!

P.S. If you know what song England was listening to in the beginning of the first chapter you get brownie points!