Page 26 of Icebound Attraction

Fuck, this can't go on much longer...

Before falling asleep, I think long and hard about my situation. Is Chase right? Do I need a damn tutor?

Frustrated, I run my hands over my face. No! Somehow, I'll manage.

5

Liam

I wake up highly motivated before my alarm goes off. I'm determined to improve my grades and not miss any more exams.

So off I go to the library. It's a well-known fact that you learn best there. At least, that's what a lot of people say.

I look for a table in the corner and unpack my documents and books.

Maybe it would help if I approached the question strategically? But I'm a bit overwhelmed by all the information on the table in front of me. How do I take it all in?

Doubt begins to gnaw at me and my determination from earlier is already crumbling. I take a deep breath and simply reach for one of the books. How hard can it be? What the hell...

I open a chapter of the Business and Economics textbook and start taking notes.

Suddenly, someone taps me on the shoulder. I'm so absorbed in what I'm doing that I jump.

Emily?

My heart beats even faster.

“Hi,” I finally articulate.

“Are you studying for an exam?” she asks, after greeting me in turn.

“Something like that, yeah...” I answer, unable to take my eyes off her face.

Her eyes attract me like a magnet.

“I won't bother you any longer...”

She gives me a wave and disappears down an alley. With her, my concentration of a few minutes ago is gone. I lean back in the chair and watch her choose a book before sitting down at one of the tables.

I try to look away and regain my attention. My pile of books seems to have suddenly grown. I stroke my three-day beard and go back to studying. This time, I stay focused and when I look up, Emily has already left. I let my gaze wander and the clock above the door tells me it's now time to go to class.

I have to admit I'm a bit proud of myself. It wasn't bad for a start. Motivated, I gather my things and set off.

If I can hang in there over the next few weeks, I'm sure my performance will improve!

Over the next few days, I try to assimilate the new routine: learning, studying, training, doing homework. Even on weekends, I don't go out, trying to prepare for the upcoming exams.

The longer I hold out, the more confident I become. But I can't shake the feeling that something is missing. All the learning and training leaves little room for friends and fun. Once again, I'm sitting in front of my homework when my cell phone rings.

“What's up, bro?” I say, picking up the phone.

“Dude, you're still alive? Except on the ice, we don't see you anymore!” exclaims Chase.

“I try to be a model student, you should try.”

I'm afraid my point is lost.

“Come and have a beer with us,” he invites me.

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