Stuck on You, 9: Partners.
Jenny Shay.
“I heard the basketball team’s gonna play against the Boston Wild Cats here.” Alexa told me during lunch.
“What? That early?” I asked.
“Yup. Apparently their star player’s moving to Chicago or something.”
I laughed, “They pushed the big game to an earlier date just because their star player’s moving? Wow. That must have made a big fuss.”
“Yeah, but the issue for us right now is, is our team ready to play against the Wild Cats? They’ve won the championships 5 years in a row!” Alexa pointed out.
“I—” before I could finish what I was about to say, someone cut me off.
“Sorry girls, I can’t help but over hear what you guys are talking about,” Thomas James flashed his winning smile, “But, you can never doubt the Eagles! We’re ready alright!”
“That’s right.” A black haired, green eyed Fred Nichols said, “We’ll kick their butts this Friday!” Fred winked and high five-d Thomas.
“Well, that’s good.” I gave both of them a small smile. “Good luck then.” I said before walking away.
“Oh my god. Did Thomas and Fred just talk to us?” Alexa gasped.
“Apparently.” Before I could take another step, I heard a “Hey!” from the back.
I turned around and not surprisingly it was Thomas again.
I felt myself flushing, “Y-yeah?”
“You’re… Jennifer right?” He asked.
It took my a few seconds to give him a nod.
“And I’m Alexa!” Alexa said, “Nice to meet ya!”
Thomas laughed, “You too.”
“You wanted something?” I finally asked.
“Um well—”
“Hey, Jennifer!” I heard a familiar voice shout.
I looked around to face the last person on earth I’d talk to, “I need to talk to you.” Andrew Jackson said.
I gave him a glare. “Not. Now.”
“Seriously?” Andrew gave an annoyed face then looked from me to Thomas and pulled an evil face, “Sorry, Thomas, my man. I need to borrow our little Jennifer for awhile. Not unless you need to talk to her?”
I clenched my fists.
Thomas laughed, “Sokay, man. You go ahead. I’ll catch up with you later, yeah?” He told me.
I forced a smile and finally said, “Okay. See you.”
Thomas gave me a smile before walking off with Fred to their table. Once they were out of sight, I gave Andrew a glare. “What?” I snapped.
Andrew gave me an evil smirk. “Nothing.” He turned away from me to face Alexa, who looked confused. “You gonna eat that?” He pointed his index finger towards my plate of french fries on the table.
“That’s what you wanted to talk to me about? You wanted my french fries?” I half shouted.
Andrew flashed me his cocky smile, “Nope. Just wanted to tell you that, apparently you have a job now.”
“A job?” I croaked.
“What job?” Alexa asked.
Andrew gave another evil smirk, “Mrs. Ryan told me that you’re chosen to tutor primary kids math. So you’re a brainiac, ay? I’m not surprised.”
“WHAT?!”
“Well, that’s what she told me. I was just here to tell you the good news, that’s all.”
“I don’t believe you.” I told Andrew, “Alexa, I’m going to meet Mrs. Ryan.”
“Um… okay.” Alexa said.
I rolled my eyes and glared at Andrew, I have no idea why this boy can make me boil and mad and nervous at the same time, “You, come with me.”
“What? Why should I?”
“JUST DO IT.” I pushed him out the cafeteria doors and headed off to find Mrs. Ryan.
***
“Yes, Jennifer dear.”
“But whyyyyyyyyyy?” I said in frustration. “I should have been informed about this earlier!”
“Well, it’s not something you have to do, dear.” Mrs. Ryan told me. I took a quick glance and saw Andrew trying to hide the smirk on his face. I rolled my eyes. “If you don’t want to, it’s alright.”
Guilt rushed through me. I could hear the disappointment in Mrs. Ryan’s voice. I sighed. Come to think of it, tutoring primary kids wouldn’t be that bad… I hope. I took a deep breath and said, “Fine. I’ll do it.”
“Really, dear?” I could hear the excitement in Mrs. Ryan’s voice, “If you’re really sure?”
“Yes, I am.” I gave her a small smile.
“Good!” She clapped both her hands together, “Not to worry, Mr. Jackson here would be accompanying you, so you wouldn’t have to deal with the primary kids all on your own.”
“What?” Both me and Andrew said at the same time.
“The primary school you’ll be tutoring at is The Brooklyn Primary School. And they needed both female and male to help out.”
“But, Mrs. Ryan, I’m bad at math.” Andrew said instantly.
Mrs. Ryan let out a laugh, “Don’t be silly, Andrew dear. I’ve looked through your personal file and your math grade is outstanding! I think both you and Jennifer here can be a competition in class.”
“Great.” I rolled my eyes.
“Surely, you’d help the kids out, right, Andrew, dear?”
“Well, I’ve never really been on this kind of… thing.”
“They don’t do this back in the UK?” Mrs. Ryan asked.
“Well… no. Not exactly.”
“Shame! Well, this is the opportunity for you to find out how it’s like! Jennifer here has been doing this the year she started going to this school.”
“Well, Mrs. Ryan… I’ve done this… helping out thing only twice since I got here.” I told her.
“Which is good enough!” Mrs. Ryan gave a smile, “Don’t worry, Andrew. It’ll be fine. Do it for the kids.”
“We shan’t force Andrew to do something he doesn’t want to, Mrs. Ryan.” I said, “After all, he hasn’t done this before.”
I looked at Andrew to see him glare at me. I coughed to hide my laugh.
He hesitated before saying, “Fine. I’ll do it. For the kids.”
“Excellent!” Mrs. Ryan said, “I believe in the both of you. You two would make good tutors!”
I heard Andrew groan. I sighed, ”I hope so.”
