Chapter Four
Tutors and Understandings
It's funny how in one short minute of your life your world can turn upside down. It is quite a similar sensation to falling, only your feet are firmly on the ground. You're wondering if this rushing sensation is the blood leaving your head and you find yourself trying to angle yourself so as to not to knock your head on anything should you faint. It was this same sensation I had when I found out we were moving. It was the same sensation I experienced now with the phone pressed against my ear.
"They said okay."
Three short words, that's all it took for the floor to be ripped out from under my feet leaving me stumbling for my footing.
In all honesty, I never expected them to say yes. I mean, really, when compared to a real classroom what is it that I could teach him? Plus, really, Me? Try to teach someone like Kevin? We'll be at each other's throats within twenty minutes. Or rather, he'd be at my throat. More than likely, he'll have me do all his work for him, make up some figures, and try to pass them off to his parents.
I need to think of a plan. A real, sure-fire way to make sure this works. One that is acceptable to Kevin's parents, Kevin, and myself. To do that, I believe I shall need a little help.
I volunteered to help Eddy take in his overdue homework. It was quite exhausting due to the sheer volume of papers we had to carry. Eddy was quiet on the way, practically asleep on his feet. He must have stayed up all night working. His reward from me for his diligence was forgoing my speech about karma and how it was his fault entirely. His reward from his father, he told me, was a whole evening devoted to him and since he actually managed to finish all the back-work, an escape from summer imprisonment.
"Did you have any trouble?" I asked curiously.
"Naw. I mean, chemistry was a pain, but my dad helped."
"That's good," I smiled over my armful of papers.
"So what are you going to do after this?"
"Hm?"
"Lumpy's under house arrest for the day, remember? And my old man's taking me out to dinner tonight."
"Is he? That's great, Eddy!"
"Yeah. My choice too. I guess his project went over real well with his boss and he got some paid time off. This weekend, me and my parents are going… I dunno, somewhere, I think skiing is involved, to celebrate. For the whole weekend!"
"Wow!"
I am not jealous. I'm happy for Eddy. He deserves time with his father, with his family. They work hard, it'll be good for them to spend some vacation time together.
I'm not jealous at all.
Man, I can't even lie to myself convincingly.
"Where are you going?"
"I forgot," Eddy shrugged, jostling his papers. After a few minutes of comedic stumbling around, in which as soon as he retrieved an escaped paper another would slip away, Eddy straightened and glanced at me. "What are you going to do?"
"Oh," I said airily, my gaze scanning the scenery in a vague attempt to look nonchalant, "I'm sure I'll find something to do. Catch up on some of my reading, or chores that I missed last Sunday."
"Geez, Double D, will you let that go already?"
"Well, it was awfully rude of you, Eddy."
"Whatever, okay? I won't do it again. There. You happy?"
I sigh. "Yes, Eddy." Although an apology would be nice. I know better than to expect one though. To Eddy, a sincere apology is as foreign as a book of calculus in Ed's room. I know this and yet I'm still slightly disappointed.
I wonder why I do this to myself. I keep building up my hopes and expectations, no matter how many times life beats them down.
I must be the strangest mix of optimistic pessimism the world has ever known. Still, one must continue on as best one can.
"Here we go," Eddy huffed as the last pile landed on the English teacher's desk with a whump. The teacher seemed a little stunned by the mass of back-work in front of her.
"This…is all of it?"
"All term's. Yeah. You said we can still turn stuff in until today," Eddy smirked, stuffing his hands into his pockets.
"I did," she agreed, clearly rethinking that policy.
"Right. Come on, Double D." Eddy slammed the door open beside me. I frowned at his lack of care of his surroundings, or that it missed me by inches. "You go on ahead, Eddy. I want to talk with our teacher for a bit."
Eddy scowled suspiciously back at me. "You're not looking for more extra credit, are you? I think the grade-curve will start to cry."
"No," I laughed. "I just have a few questions about a paper I wrote."
Eddy eyed me. "I'm not waiting for you," he told me. It was his way of saying that he would wait, but to hurry up. Eddy was funny like that.
"That's fine. This could take a while. I'll see you later, then." That was my way of telling him, no, that's fine, go on without me.
I swear I need a translation book for each of my friends. Its only fair, I suppose, since I believe they need one for me as well. Eddy shrugged and sauntered out the door, hands stuffed into his pockets.
Turning back, I found our teacher with an expression of despair and resignation on her face as she began shifting through the massive pile. I glanced around, my mind automatically processing the 23 class-drawn pictures and 14 pictures of landscapes (7 of the United States, 5 in Europe, mainly the UK, Germany and France, but there was an Italy, and two of China). "Miss?" I spoke up once I noticed that she hadn't realized I was still there. She jumped, startling the pile and I leapt forward to steady it before it toppled onto the floor.
"Thank you, Eddward," she said, straightening her glasses and starting to reorganize the newly acquired mountain on her desk. "Is there something else I can help you with?"
I hesitate, noting how her hair was sticking out at odd angles from the half-hearted bun at the back of her head, the dark lines under her eyes and her rumpled clothing. The teacher looked overworked and I worried about adding more weight. I had made a commitment, however, and I couldn't go on without her.
Which actually sounded weird, when put like that.
"Yes, Miss, actually." We call our teacher Miss, with no last name. For some unknown reason when she first introduced herself to us in class she had a mini-lecture about the differences between 'Ms', 'Miss', and 'Mrs'. If you don't actually know, the differences are simple. A woman who is called 'Mrs' in front of their surname is married, a 'Miss' is not, while 'Ms' either was formerly married, or they don't want to label themselves as on or off the market. Don't ask me the inner workings of the female mind. This is actually a perfect example of how differently a man and a woman's minds work. A man can take the honorific 'Mr' and be satisfied, however, a woman not only categorizes, but adds a 'Misc' label. As our teacher was not married, never had been, and had no shame in hiding it, she asked that she would be referred to as 'Miss'. So she was. Children are uncomplicated like that.
"I was recently hired as Kevin's tutor for the summer to give him a more focused and personalized lesson plan over the information from this last year, but to do so, I will need your help."
"Really?" Miss folded her hands in interest, "I was under the impression that Kevin's parents were enrolling him in summer school."
"They were. However, they reconsidered and thought that maybe a tutor could give him better results than a class that he could just fall asleep in. Theoretically, of course. You know how summer courses are."
"Yes," she smiled slightly. "What did you have in mind? I'm sure you are fully capable in some areas, however the working environment of a classroom is useful because a certified teacher is right there and could answer questions that you couldn't."
The idea that I couldn't answer any question Kevin put to me had not occurred to me.
"Also, have you considered the lab aspects of the chemistry class? There's no way I could condone the illegal practice of two minors with dangerous chemicals in an unsupervised environment."
I probably worked with more dangerous chemicals every day than our chemistry teacher does in the whole year. But I can't mention that. As she said, it isn't exactly legal. I considered the problem. "How about on some of the more difficult lab works we could use the classroom? I'm sure Ms. Hafnium wouldn't mind."
Ms. Hafnium was the chemistry teacher. I swear the woman lives in her classroom.
"What did you have in mind?"
"Well, I was thinking that you could provide me a copy of the summer's syllabus and I could use it as a guide and create lesson plans from that. On the lessons that require more adult supervision than a parent we could come in after the summer class' day is over and Ms. Hafnium could supervise."
Miss considered. "Well, I can't agree without talking to her. I'm here until Saturday, how about I get hold of you tomorrow with a syllabus? Is that acceptable?"
"Yes, Miss!"
I could feel my nerves thrumming in anticipation. It really had been too long since I got the opportunity to tutor anyone.
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I was buried in my lab when the call came late Friday afternoon. There is a guest bedroom in my house in which I had converted into a lab. The door is locked at all times, only I having the key. It drives Eddy insane. Whenever he comes over to my house he'll always find a way to pass by the closed door and he'll glare at it. One time I even found him trying to pick the lock. After that I added a dead-bolt on the other side. No offense to Eddy, but there are some very dangerous chemicals in that room that should not be in reach of Eddy and Ed.
Also, the room is a little like a sanctuary for me. In this room, time no longer exists, only compounds, equations, and the acidic scent of chemicals. While I am in this room, I am not in a large, empty house, nor is my mind constantly running through worries and anxieties. I am able to push all that aside to focus on the task at hand.
Which was why I was in that room on Friday. I said goodbye to Eddy a few hours earlier as they left for the weekend. Ed was already confined to his basement, and my stomach was clenched with nerves over the weeks to come. When I found myself cleaning the same counter for the third time that day, I forced myself to throw the rag into the bucket of sanitizer and go to my lab.
When the call came I was gloved-hands deep into a very delicate mixture. It took several rings for me to notice and several more for me to set everything aside carefully before picking up the phone.
"Eddward, Double-D speaking."
"Eddward, this is your teacher."
Immediately, the equations that had been running through my mind scattered. "Oh! Hello, Miss!"
"Hello. I spoke with Ms. Hafnium earlier. She agreed with your idea and thought maybe next Thursday you and Kevin could come meet for the first experiment and to set up some ground rules."
I frowned slightly. Sometimes it is really frustrating being a kid. I probably could have quoted safety regulations from fifteen different texts from ten different states and five different countries. However, Miss didn't know that and it wasn't worth the fight to try and explain it to her.
"That sounds fine, Miss. Thank you very much!"
"Not a problem, Eddward. I was going to give you the syllabus then, is that acceptable?"
I fiddled with the cord of the phone, slightly disappointed that I couldn't get started right away. "Yes, Miss. That sounds perfect," I said brightly.
After saying our goodbyes, I hung up, standing over the phone for a long moment, my fingers tapping out an obscure rhythm. Picking the phone back up, I dialed Kevin's number.
"Speak."
I blinked, startled. "H-hello?"
I heard a slight sigh from over the phone. "Hey Double-D."
"Kevin? How did you know it was me?"
"I'm psychic. What's up?"
"Oh, um, I was wondering if you wanted to come over on Wednesday to get started."
"Wednesday?"
Sudden panic flooded me and I stuttered, "O-or I could come over there. It doesn't matter, really. I was just thinking here might be easier because I have all my books, but I could easily take them over there."
"Double-D! Shut up! Your place is fine. Probably better anyway because my mom would be hovering if we were over here."
"Ah, I see. So, is Wednesday adequate?"
"It's fine. What time? I've got something in the morning so it'll have to be after lunch."
"After lunch is fine."
A slight pause before, "Your dork friends better not be hanging around, Double-D. I mean it."
"Pardon?" Something caught my eye and I glanced over at my lab table. Smoke was billowing out of one of my beakers, foam pushing up the sides towards the lip of the glass. "Oh! I have to call you back, Kevin!" Without waiting for a response, I threw the phone onto its holder and raced over to the table, yanking my gloves and mask on.
Oh dear! I left it too long, the mixture settled without the final chemical. Running to the window, I threw it open to let the poisonous gas out before I focused on correcting my error before it exploded.
Carefully leaning in, I angled an eyedropper over the mixture, three beads of yellow liquid dropping in. The moment the last drop landed the liquid expanded in a burst of white fumes. Coughing, struggling not to inhale, I threw myself to the window and breathed deeply.
Two hours and a very thorough cleaning later, I slumped on my couch in relief. My head spun slightly from the fumes, but all-in-all it was too close. I was very stupid to leave it out so long, it could have easily caused a great deal of damage. The gas was scentless, so I could have passed out and possibly died without the room being properly ventilated.
Stupid.
I was lying down, a cool cloth pressed over my eyes when I heard the knocking. Groaning, I made as if to stand. The world spun and I staggered, catching myself on the coffee-table.
Woah, maybe I inhaled more of the fumes than I thought.
Breathing slowly, I made my way to the door. Oh, I feel like I'm going to pass out.
The door rattled as someone pounded on the other side. Gritting my teeth, I pulled it open, leaning heavily against the frame.
It was Kevin. Again. Although, he wasn't holding cookies, which was too bad, my light-headed mind told me, they were very good. All chewy. I like chewy cookies. Not as much as fresh brownies, where they are practically a paste and stick to your fingers and plate.
"A horrible mess though, right Kevin?"
"Double-D?" Kevin was staring at me, his eyebrows doing very interesting things. I grinned rather goofily at him.
"Hey, Kevin. I haven't helped tutor you yet, so isn't it a little early for desserts?"
Whoops.
The last thing I saw was the green of Kevin's eyes as my knees gave way.
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Ow.
"Double-D?"
My head.
"Oi, Double-D!"
That really, really hurts.
"Wake up!"
Something cold slapped against my face and I jerked upright. Regretting the movement immediately, I put my face in my hands and groaned. "I'm going to be ill."
I felt the cushions shift and my hands were directed around what felt like a trash can.
Lovely.
Hanging my head in shame, I cuddled it against my chest, ready for whenever my stomach rebelled.
I jumped slightly when something cold and damp was pressed against the back of my neck. Squinting around the pain, I glanced up. Kevin sat next to me, looking absorbed in wringing out a second cloth in a bowl of water. I considered speaking, but I knew the moment I opened my mouth I'd be ill.
Not really something I want Kevin to see.
Feeling pathetic, I tightened my grip on the trash can, noting it was empty and clean. Thank God, since I think the smell could have tipped the scales.
"How are you feeling?" Kevin asked suddenly. Looking up, I caught the strangely intense look in his eyes as he pressed a hand over my forehead. My face heated up, pushing his hand away and shook my head.
"What happened? First you hang up on me and then I look outside and see you hanging out your window with a bunch of smoke pouring out. You never called me back."
He sounded angry. Just what I needed, an upset Kevin on top of everything else. The now-warm cloth on my neck was removed and replaced with a fresh one. Frowning, I stared at him.
"K-Kevin?" I croaked. My throat felt cracked and raw. This keeps getting better and better.
Kevin busied himself with soaking the cloth for a long moment. "I have a little sister. She lives with my Dad in Pennsylvania. When we were young I used to take care of her when she was sick."
Unable to stop the small grin, I hid my head. "Thanks," I murmured, and coughed.
He humph-ed, and set the bowl on the table. "I'll get you some water."
After he disappeared into the kitchen, I curled myself tighter into the couch. Well, this was certainly new. I can't remember the last time someone took care of me. It left a strange feeling in my stomach.
I'm not sure if I like it. It's too unfamiliar.
Still, it was very… sweet of him. I hid a grin. Yes, Kevin was being sweet. Who knew those two words could be in a sentence together without some unraveling of the universe as we know it.
Or maybe it was.
My head hurt.
"Here," Kevin thrust a glass under my nose. Taking it gratefully, I took a sip, enjoying the sensation of it soothing my aching throat.
"Better?"
I nodded.
"Good. Now, what happened?"
Clearing my throat a few times, I played with the rim of the trash can. "I was working on a somewhat delicate experiment earlier when Miss called. It was a rather dangerous component to leave out but safe enough for a few minutes. Unfortunately, I got distracted and forgot about it, and when I turned around, I saw that it was starting to smoke. That's why I hung up on you, Kevin. I needed to balance the chemicals or else it would have been disastrous.
"However, I fear that I manage to inhale a fair amount of fumes before the end. That's why I passed out."
I stared down at my hands, embarrassed beyond belief at my own stupidity.
Kevin stared at me. "That was dumb."
"Yeah, I know," I hung my head.
"Really, really dumb."
"Yes."
"Extraordinarily dumb."
I frowned. "I realize that, Kevin."
"Seriously. You could have died."
"I know."
"I thought you were smarter than that, Double-D."
I glowered. Not helping here, Kevin. "What do you care?" I snapped. It wasn't as if it really mattered if I died anyway. It would probably be the only time my parents would take out for me.
"If you die, who will tutor me?" Kevin said without missing a beat. I gaped at him. Flushing with anger, I set the glass down with a thump. "Your concern is overwhelming," I said icily.
Kevin turned to me, startled. The look vanished as quickly as it came, irritation clear on his face. "Well, what did you expect? It's not like I really care what happens to you, Double-dork."
My eyes narrowed. "I can see that. Thank you very much, Kevin, for protecting your interests. As you can see, I'm fine, so you are welcome to see yourself out."
Kevin stood abruptly, the bowl sloshing water on the table. "That's fine with me. I'll see you around."
"Wednesday," I confirmed. "Don't want your investments to be worthless."
"Fine!" Yanking his ball-cap down on his head, he stormed out, not even bothering to put on his shoes, only grabbing them and slamming the door shut behind him.
Glaring at the door, I threw the cloth from my neck violently into the bowl.
Sitting back, I sighed, putting my head in my hands.
Well, that went well.
A/N: Thank you so much for your patience! Please view my profile for more info, or my LJ for previews, random bits, or whatever else that may catch my fancy.
