Tutor

CH. 4

A/N: Mkay, so time for a plot twist kinda. It's gonna get more interesting, seriously. ;D

Oh, and I gave Clyde a little brother. Why? Becauuuuse, he's gonna be important to the story later.

--

CRAIG'S POV

I had dinner with Clyde's family that night; it was kind of awkward, really. Halfway through eating my cell phone started to ring. I had lost track of the time, it had to be at least 7 or so by now.

"Uh, hang on a second," I said, putting down my fork. "I'll be right back." I stepped out of the room, pulling my cell phone out of my pocket.

"..Mom?" I said, kind of taken by surprise.

"It's 8 o'clock, Craig. Just wanted to make sure everything was okay."

"Yeah, it's fine. I'm .. having dinner at Clyde's."

"Oh. Remember to thank his parents for having you over,"

"..Kay. I'll be home in like, fifteen minutes or something." I hung up and put the phone back in my sweatshirt pocket. I stepped back into the room.

"Sorry," I said quickly before sitting next to Clyde again.

"So how's the school year been for you, Craig?" Mrs. Donovan says to me, looking up from her plate.

"Alright, I guess." I shrugged. Clyde's little brother, Michael, yawned and stretched his arms.

"I'm goin' to my room." He hopped out of the chair, and ran up the stairs.

"Hey, thanks for having me over for dinner.. I gotta go. I told my mom I'd be home in like, fifteen minutes." I started to get up, but then I felt a hand on my shoulder. Clyde looked up at me, "..Can I walk you home?"

I smiled and nodded. I picked up my backpack by the couch and opened the door.

"I'll be back in a bit!" He yelled, then followed me out, towards the driveway.

It's weird, how just a few weeks ago I was making fun of him and calling him a fag and.. I feel horrible for doing something like that. I didn't even know him.

I couldn't help but stare at him as we walked wordlessly down the pavement. He wasn't that fat. He was perfect, with all of his imperfections. We're then on the corner of my street. He stops.

"Craig?"

I stop walking, "Yeah?"

"Do you, uh, I mean.. I, er, um.." He looks down at his feet, "Nevermind. I'll see you later, okay?"

I open my mouth to say something, but then I shrug. "Okay. Bye." I walk up my driveway. I turn back and watch him walk down the sidewalk, then round the corner. I keep staring till I can't see him anymore, then walk up the steps on the patio.

That was the last time I saw him, for a while.

---

The next day Clyde wasn't in school. I had figured maybe he was sick or something, so I just forgot about it and went through the day as normal. One day turned into two, then three, four, a week. I started to worry. Then one Saturday afternoon, I saw him again.

I was sitting on the couch, finishing homework. I was interrupted by the doorbell.

I opened the door and I felt my jaw drop. "Clyde?"

He looked like a mess. His hair was more tousled then usual, and there were dried tears on his cheeks. He lifted his head and gazed up at me, "..Do you want to start tutoring or what?" His voice was flat and emotionless. I invited him in and he sat on the couch next to me.

"What happened?" I ask him as he puts his backpack down.

"..N-Nothing."

"That's shit. What happened?" I ask again. His bangs cover his eyes again, and I reach over and push them out of his face. Then he broke down and started crying.

"Muh-my little brother is d-dead," he began, sobbing uncontrollably. He pulled his knees up to his chest. He folded his arms across his knees and buried his face in them.

"My mom and d-dad are fighting alot. Everything sucks, Craig." His voice was muffled slightly by his sweatshirt sleeves. "I think they're gonna divorce and, shit, everything sucks.." He sobs again loudly. I'm not sure of what to do or say. I feel bad for him, but I'm afraid if I say anything he'll get only more upset.

"I.. I'm really sorry," I say finally, putting a hand on his shoulder. He looks up at me, tears streaming down his face.

"Why does life hate me?" He leaned against my shoulder, burying his face into my long-sleeved tee. I put an arm around him. It's awkward but perfect at the same time. But it's not perfect if he's mad like that. He feels terrible and sure, everything's great.

In the middle of his sobs, he looks up at me. "Thanks.. You know, for being there for me and stuff." He tries to take a deep breath, but then makes a little choking noise. Then I notice that it's getting later, and I decide I don't want my parents seeing this.

"Hey, let's go up to my room or something." I say, clearing my throat. He nods.

"Okay." I get up and he follows, clinging to my arm as if he's afraid to lose me. I open the door to my room and sit on the edge of the bed, fumbling around for the remote. I find it in the mass of blankets beside me. I push the power button as Clyde sits next to me, tears no longer falling down his face. I smile a little bit, turning to him.

"What.. What's so funny?" He asks, confused.

"You.. you're.." I laughed a little. I wipe his dried tears away with my sleeve.

"I'm what?" He asks and I just put a finger to his lips. He finally gives in and smiles back,

"..Thank you." He throws his arms around me, squeezing me tightly to him. I kiss him on the forehead, then he pulls away for a second, frightened.

"Oh god.. Craig, are we wrong?"

"Wrong? What do you mean?" I ask as he pulls away from me a little bit more.

"You know.. I'm supposed to like girls.. And I think something's wrong with me.. and.. and you... And if my parents find out, what'll happen.. And why do I have to be like this?"

"We're not wrong.. Well, I don't think so at least. I think you can be attracted to anyone. It doesn't have to be a girl or anything. I don't think there's anything wrong with it.." I answer.

"But I don't want my parents to find out."

"I don't want mine to find out either," I reply in agreement.

"Speaking of, they're gonna be home soon." I start to get up. He nods, starting to walk to the door. He picks up his backpack on the way out, then stops in the doorway.

"Tutoring here tomorrow?" He asks, turning to me. I nod and kiss him on the cheek. He blushes a little, then looks down at his shoes.

"Thanks for making me feel better, too.. It means alot." He steps out the door and walks down the steps.

I watch him again as he walks down the sidewalk, not taking my eyes off of him. I was afraid he wouldn't be there.

Even though I watched him, hoping I wouldn't ever lose him, hoping everything would be okay..

I was wrong.

---

A/N: I just now realized how weird this pairing is.. I still kinda like it though, so yeah. Haven't seen any Craig/Clyde fics, so I tried it. I'm somewhat happy with how this chap. turned out.. But it's really gonna get interesting soon. I'M SERIOUSLY.

-Hailey