Page 29 of Tutoring Mr. Hotshot

I think back to my team and how they were talking about him before. How they act as if they're superior in some way.

I think about how Rodney was upset to find out I was a hockey player.

The signs all point tothembeing the issue.

So why is he not talking to me instead of fighting against their stupid ideals?

I push down my frustration and stalk my way up to the student center.

Earlier, I emailed asking for help in one of my classes because the schoolwork here is frustrating. I understand English just fine in verbal form. Completing all my assignments is a different beast.

There are a few things that go deeper than I was taught. Whenever I study, I struggle to keep the concepts clear.

It's mostly English giving me issues, but there is some math that I'm struggling with too. Before it gets too bad, I want to have someone help me.

More than a few people wave and shout my name as I pass. My performance in the last game has turned me into somewhat of a local celebrity.

I'm pretty neutral about it all. They can wave all they want. Unless they're my little genius, I really couldn't care less.

When I reach the student center, I’m directed to the tutoring department by a girl who blows the biggest bubble gum bubble I've ever seen.

As she’s pointing, it pops, splattering all over her face. I nearly laugh, but her shriek of terror sends me running instead.

In the tutoring department, a familiar face greets me. It's Rodney's friend from the party. The one who I thought was trying to date him.

"You," she says, her tone shocked.

"You," I repeat, "You’re Rodney's friend."

"Yes."

She nods, her lips press firmly together.

“And you’re Andry Rykov, star player for the hockey team. What can I do for you?"

I point to her countertop where there are stacks of paper.

"I’m here for a tutor," I tell her.

She frowns, then goes through her paperwork.

"Oh, you are. I thought you were here for a different reason.”

The fact that she recognized me on sight and seemed hesitant to speak to me tells me what she’s thinking.

"Do you know why he won’t answer me anymore?" I ask her bluntly.

She gapes at me, then shakes her head. “It's not my story to tell. He has his reasons though, rightfully so.”

I take in her defensive stance. She's not going to give me any more information. Maybe if I tell her a bit of my side of things, she’ll help me.

I can always use someone in my corner.

Taking a moment to gather myself, I drop my normally icy mood, and I give her the truth.

“I think that Rodney is a victim of my team's ego. They have teased him and things like that, right?”

The girl bites her lip. She doesn't say a word.

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