The Tutor
Chapter 2 – The Need for Education
Esme Cullen looked demure and pristine as she walked into the Guidance Counselor's office at Fork's High School.
"Mrs. Cullen. I have an appointment with Mr. Leary at 2:15." She spoke kindly to the secretary.
"Yes. Please have a seat Mrs. Cullen and Mr. Leary will be with you momentarily," the secretary, Mrs. Cope, stated sweetly. She appeared to be impressed by Mrs. Cullen's impeccable clothing and hairstyle.
Before Esme could take a seat in the hard plastic blue chairs, Mr. Leary emerged from his office and greeted her.
"Mrs. Cullen. Please, this way," he directed her back to his office. He made sure to open the small shade covering his window before closing his door. "Please have a seat," he added when he noticed Mrs. Cullen was waiting for him to offer.
"Thank you," she said quietly before sitting down.
Both Esme and Mr. Leary looked upon each other quietly, both silently deciding if they were going to pretend the other didn't know why they were having this meeting in the first place. Finally, Esme spoke, cutting to the chase.
"How poorly is Edward doing in school, Mr. Leary?" she asked.
"If he doesn't straighten up today – and I mean today – he will not pass his junior year and he probably won't graduate high school." Mr. Leary spoke bluntly.
"How is his attendance?" Esme asked. She knew that even though he left for school everyday, he didn't always arrive.
"Scant. When he's here, he's late. Giving him his free period first thing in the morning was the best we could do. He has to make an effort, too."
"Should he be in this meeting with us?"
"I considered that, but you and I both know that all Edward is going to do is argue: the teacher accidentally marked him absent; he was only a few minutes late because he had to go to the bathroom; he turned in his homework but the teacher lost it…" Mr. Leary ticked off Edward's common excuses.
"I know. His father and I are at a loss as to what to do with him. And frankly, " Esme looked embarrassed, "I don't think not graduating is enough of a deterrent for Edward. He simply doesn't care."
Mr. Leary gave Esme a soothing glance. "You don't think that's abnormal, do you?" he asked. "Mrs. Cullen, I'd wager to guess that more than half of the young people on this campus feel the same way. The only thing that gets them here everyday is the social element of high school. There's a girl or a guy they want to see, or some clothing they want to be seen in. That's about all it boils down to for many of these kids. That's what makes our roles, yours and mine, so important. We have to guide these kids, because left to their own defenses, they don't stand a chance."
Esme nodded, encouraged by Mr. Leary's words and more determined to set Edward straight. "So, what does he need to do to pass this year?"
"If he shows up, he'll make a vast improvement. However, he has a lot of work to do in his English Literature class. His teacher, Miss Teale, told me that he's unresponsive and disrespectful. Just today she told him she wanted to meet with him after class but as soon as the bell rang, he bolted out of class, ignoring her request. She wants him out of her class, but he has to have those credits to graduate."
"Is Miss Teale kicking him out? Can we change her mind?" Esme asked with concern.
"She can't kick him out, but she also doesn't have to spend her time catching him up. He's responsible for his own actions."
"How about a tutor of some sort?"
"That's what I was thinking. I'll have to speak to a few students, but if that doesn't work out, you may have to hire someone."
"Of course."
*******
School was nearly out for the day when Rosalie emerged from the restroom on the west side of the campus. Instead of return to her ever-boring art class, she lounged against the picnic table in the quad to wait for Alice. She was about to light a cigarette when she noticed two people heading in her direction. Without even squinting she could make out the form of Edward Cullen. She smiled without effort.
"Hey, Edward," she exhaled when he neared her. She gave a slight nod to his companion, Jessica Stanley. Why were they together?
"Hey. You seen Jasper?" Edward asked.
"He was in history but he ditched cooking." Rosalie said.
Edward shook his head. "I can't believe that idiot is taking cooking."
"Alice is in that class." Rosalie grinned. All three present exchanged an informed nod.
Jasper had been in love with Alice the moment he'd decided girls were his lifeline – sometime around the seventh grade. They'd briefly dated on and off during their freshman and sophomore year, but Alice broke it off each time. She didn't, however, discourage Jasper from following around after her like a lovesick puppy. In fact, she threw him a "bone" every now and then just to keep him interested. But when things looked like they were getting serious, Alice would distance herself and tell him she only wanted to be friends.
"Friends with benefits…It's a beautiful thing." Jessica smiled as she eyed Rosalie's unlit cigarette. "You got anymore of those?"
"In my locker. We can head over as soon as Alice gets over here."
As if hearing her name, Alice emerged from her last class and headed straight for her friends.
"Where's your lap dog?" Edward asked her, in reference to Jasper.
Alice rolled her eyes at him. "I'm not Jasper's keeper. I have no idea where he is."
Edward scoffed at her. He'd already seen the way she'd scanned the group herself, looking for Jasper. He wasn't fooled. This girl just liked having all the power. He'd have to have a little talk with Jasper later.
"I saw your mom in the office, though." Alice added.
"My mom?" Edward asked.
"Yeah. It was just a little while ago. I had to take a file in there. Did you get in trouble again?" Alice asked.
"Who knows?" Edward shrugged. He was nice for the tip-off as to his mother's office visit though. It gave him time to come up with an excuse for whatever he may have done to land her there. Probably that bitch Teale. "I have to go. Tell Jasper to call my phone if you see him."
"Bye, Edward." Rosalie called after him.
He lifted his arm in a slight wave but didn't turn around.
Rosalie watched him walk away and then turned to face her friends. "What am I, chopped liver? He spoke to everyone but me. Nice."
"That's just Edward. I don't know why you think he has any redeeming qualities. If he wants something he speaks. If he doesn't he's quiet." Alice commented. "Be glad he's not bumming anything off you this time."
"And what were you guys talking about?" Rosalie pointed her attention to Jessica.
"I was just trying to bum a cig…which reminds me…are we going to your locker or what?" Jessica asked with a grin.
"I'll meet up with you. I have to go find Lydia real quick to let her know I'm not going to be at cheerleading practice today. I have cramps really bad." Alice said.
"That's the third time this month." Rosalie reminded her.
"Really? Damn, I'll have to think of something else. Okay, see you guys in a little bit." Alice took off in the opposite direction.
"So you still like Cullen?" Jessica asked as she and Rosalie made their way across the field to a bank of lockers. When Rosalie didn't answer, Jessica continued. "You know, you're going about trying to land him all wrong."
"What?" Rosalie asked in mock irritation. "I'm not trying to land him."
"Oh…well that's good. Because if you were, you're doing it wrong." Jessica's ponytail bobbed as she emphasized her point.
"Whatever." Rosalie rolled her eyes before handing Jessica a cigarette. "You owe me."
"Yeah, yeah. I'll bring you one tomorrow." Jessica bent down to remove a pebble from her shoe. "See ya."
"Hey, Jess," Rosalie called to her quietly.
"Yeah?"
"Let's say someone was trying to, as you put it, land Cullen. What's the right way to go about doing that?"
A big grin spread across Jessica's face. "Come on. Walk me to my car and I'll tell you."
*******
"Bella, I'm sorry to call you in here at the end of the day like this," Mr. Leary began.
"It's okay," Bella slightly ducked her head. She wanted him to quickly get to the point. Had she done something wrong? Was she in trouble?
"I was looking over your transcripts, and I must say, I'm very impressed. Are you planning on going to college?" Mr. Leary continued.
Bella nodded quickly. "Yes. I'm not sure where, yet, though."
"If you tell me what you're interested in, I can get you some brochures to look through. It's time to start considering what the college you're interested in is looking for. Next year will be too late."
Again, Bella nodded. Did this guy really pull her in here to ask what college she wanted to go to?
"I must tell you, though, that every college wants to see extra-curricular activities…and I can see from your file that you've never engaged in any." Mr. Leary hinted.
"I'm not really into sports," Bella shook her head.
"There's more to extra-curricular activities than sports, Bella. In fact, academic endeavors outside of your course load are highly regarded."
Bella wondered why she felt like someone was trying to sell her something.
"If you're at all interested in enhancing your college applications, I happen to know just the thing." Mr. Leary baited her.
"What's that?" Bella was suspicious.
"Tutoring."
"Tutoring? As in kids? Helping other people with subjects?" Bella clarified.
"Yes. It shows confidence of scholarship, interpersonal skills and I think it would help you, too."
"Help me how?"
"Well you're knew here, Bella. It gives the other kids a vehicle to get to know you."
"So what, do I go into some sort of queue and whenever someone needs help with something they call me?"
"Well normally, it's something like that. However, I do know of a situation where your skills are particularly suited. We have a student in your grade that is struggling in English. Since it's a required course, he has to pass it. I think your previous scholastic achievement makes you perfect for this assignment."
It didn't go unnoticed by Bella that Mr. Leary had referred to a "he" that needed assistance. However, since she didn't know any of the students by name, with the exception of Angela Webber and that dreadful Rosalie, Bella refrained from asking whom she'd be tutoring.
"Sure. I'll do it," she said unenthusiastically.
"Splendid!" Mr. Leary clasped his hands together. "I'll give your contact information to the family and they will be in contact with you shortly."
Bella have a slight smile as she stood to leave the office. She couldn't help feeling like she'd been suckered into purchasing a used car. She figured it was just nerves from stepping out of her comfort zone and starting something new. At least Charlie would be happy to hear she was doing something constructive with her time outside of school.
*******
When Edward finally spotted Jasper, he was in the parking lot leaning against his car talking to Alice. When Alice saw Edward approaching she moved towards her car and hollered loud enough for Edward to hear, "Oh yeah, Jasper, Edward was looking for you."
Edward rolled his eyes. "Where the hell have you been? You're my ride home, asswipe." Edward said to Jasper.
Jasper told Alice he'd call her later before unlocking his car and getting in. He didn't acknowledge Edward until the two of them were safely in his car with the windows up and the doors closed.
"Stop making me look like a pussy in front of Alice," Jasper exclaimed.
Edward turned and looked at him incredulously. "The fact that you're telling me that I make you look like a pussy, proves you're a pussy. Besides, Alice already knows you're whipped."
"I'm not whipped," Jasper argued.
"Yeah, that's why you follow her around and take that f-in' cooking class."
"Whatever."
"I'm serious, Jas. You need to man up in the Alice department or she's going to string you along forever."
"Says the man who isn't getting laid tonight," Jasper grinned. "That's right. She told me to call her."
Edward all but laughed in Jasper's face. "That's right, because you're her little bitch and you don't get anything unless she wants it. Should I remind you about last Friday when she shut your ass down for that other guy?"
"Nothing happened with him. They just talked."
"And you would know, because you probably let her tell you all about it while you braided each other's hair and painted your toenails."
"Look, Edward-"
"No, you look," Edward cut off his friend. "I'm tired of watching her punk you, man. You need to show her who's boss. I'm telling you, you'll be much happier."
"I'm happy with things the way they are."
"If you liked things the way they are, you wouldn't be asking her to take you back all the time."
"Well, yeah, I want to get back together, but other than that…"
"Jas, you give her no reason to take you back. Why should she? You fuck her whenever she wants, you spend money on her like there's no tomorrow and when she snaps her fingers, you come running. Yet she's free to do anything and anybody she wants. Now tell me, why the hell would she change that?"
Jasper was silent for a moment. Then, when he turned towards Edward, his face reflected anger, bitterness and sadness.
"So, what do you suggest I do, oh wise one?" he sneered.
Edward grinned before putting on his sunglasses. "There's an entire science to this Jasper. You can't learn this in one day. Take me to Burger Boy. We'll discuss phase one over an afternoon snack. Your treat."
********
Esme Cullen scurried about the kitchen getting dinner ready for that evening's meal. Her six-year-old daughter, Madeline, played quietly at her feet.
"Maddie, honey, why don't you go tell Daddy that dinner is almost ready?" Esme concealed the need to get her daughter out of her way.
"Okay," Maddie agreed. She headed up the stairs quickly and Esme took the opportunity to sweep the small toys to the side with her foot.
It had been a long and trying day for Esme. She had spent the better part of her morning at the County Office of Vital Statistics securing Maddie's birth information for medical purposes. Since Maddie wasn't her biological child, every time she needed an expensive medical procedure, the insurance company pulled a stall tactic by requiring all documentation that secured the Cullen's guardianship.
As if that hadn't been tiring enough, Esme had spent the afternoon at Edward's school finding out that her son might not graduate high school. She couldn't say she was surprised, but she was disappointed. Edward was a bright boy, he just chose to use his brainpower elsewhere. There had to be a way to get through to him, though. Come hell or high water, Esme was determined not to let him fail.
Carlisle Cullen came down the stairs fast on Maddie's heels. Once at the bottom, he placed a kiss on the top of her head before going into the kitchen to find Esme.
"Edward isn't home yet?" he asked as he glanced at his watch.
"No. I called him twice but he didn't answer either time. I hope nothing's wrong," Esme looked worried.
Carlisle looked annoyed. Of course he knew that nothing had happened to delay Edward after school – that is, nothing in the form of an emergency. Edward was probably off lollygagging with his friends or worse. But certainly, nothing had happened to him.
Against his better judgment, Carlisle had acquiesced to his wife and agreed to adopt Edward when he was fourteen years old. Carlisle knew that with Edward's background, it would be challenging, but he never could have prepared himself for how challenging. Carlisle had been expecting to deal with theft, violence, emotional instability…any of that would have been better than this manipulating, dishonest…for lack of a better word: sociopath.
Carlisle would never admit to not loving the child. In fact, it was something he put great effort towards, but Edward made it almost impossible. After three years of having Edward in the home, not much had changed. He still referred to his adoptive parents by their first name, despite their attempts to correct him. In fact, the only time he ever called Esme "Mom" was when he wanted something. Edward however, never referred to Carlisle as "Dad" and Carlisle never pushed the issue.
Just when Carlisle picked up the phone to call Edward for himself, the front door opened and in walked Edward, as if it were only moments after school had dismissed.
"Edward, where were you?" Esme asked as she approached him.
"What?" Edward shrugged in innocence. "I was with Jasper."
"And what are the rules?" Carlisle reminded him. "You're supposed to call if you're going to be late."
"Sorry. Phone died. I forgot to charge it last night," Edward said quickly as he peeked into the pot on the stove to see what was for dinner.
"Then you don't go out and you come home and tell us. You don't get to do whatever you want, Edward." Carlisle said sternly.
Esme looked at Carlisle in a worried fashion. Even though she didn't say anything with words, it was obvious that she thought her husband was being too harsh with Edward.
"Mom, you look beautiful today," Edward said.
Esme blushed and Carlisle rolled his eyes. Surely his wife wouldn't fall for this manipulation, would she?
"Edward, I'm sure you heard that I visited your school today," Esme said in return.
Atta girl, Carlisle thought as he watched his wife.
"Oh really?" Edward said. "How come you didn't pick me up? I had to wait for Jasper to get a ride home."
"I left before your class ended. And apparently you can't afford to miss any of your classes."
Edward rolled his eyes. "I'm doing fine."
"Actually you aren't," Carlisle stepped in. "In fact, if you don't pull your grade up in English by the end of the semester, you're going to fail your junior year."
"Whatever," Edward sighed loudly as he made his way towards the dining room.
"No, not whatever." Carlisle followed him. "You're going to work with a tutor and bring up your grade."
"I'm not working with any tutor," Edward huffed.
"If you want to depend on your friends for all of your mobility needs, then so be it." Carlisle stated casually.
Edward froze. "Wait a minute," he stared at Carlisle, "are you saying that if I bring up my English grade you'll buy me a car?"
"No. I'm saying if you pass your junior year, I'll buy you a car. And since you'll need to bring up your English grade to pass your junior year…" Carlisle trailed off.
Esme looked shocked. Carlisle hadn't said anything to her about buying Edward a car, but she was happy to see that at least something motivated her son.
"I'm going to call the tutor and set something up tomorrow. Apparently she's a very bright girl in your class." Esme added.
"What? No!" Edward was no longer interested. "I don't want some girl in my class working with me like I'm some stupid retard –"
"Momma, Edward said stupid," Maddie tattled.
Esme patted her daughter's hand to soothe her before turning to Edward. "It's either this or Saturday school. Take your pick."
Edward looked defeated as he crumpled up his napkin. He thought about all the nerdy girls at his school and wondered which one he'd have to endure. Angela? Lauren? Rachelle?
"Who is it? What's her name?" he asked, letting both of his parents know that he was not going to school on Saturday.
"Bella Swan. She's a new student there and comes highly recommended." Esme stretched the truth. However Mr. Leary's recommendation was as high as Edward needed.
"Bella?" Edward huffed. "I don't know her."
After dinner, Edward stalked up to his room and sat down at his computer. He logged onto the school's website and looked over the list of students in the junior class. There was no one listed by the name of Bella Swan.
Irritated that he would have to face the unknown, Edward turned off his computer and flopped down on his bed.
"At least I'm getting a car out of it," he muttered. "This better be worth it."