Chapter 9: Once A Tutee

Vi POV

After I handed him an overview of topics, I closed my notebook and packed my things. It checked on my phone and realized that it is almost 5 o'clock in the afternoon.

"Before we end this session, I'd like you to know that you can always approach me if you have any questions or difficulties related to our Math subject. Okay, Dan? I could even help you with some of our assignments if you like. I'm also available in messenger, just message me anytime. Just don't message me too much every day, alright? There are some days when I become extremely busy," I insisted.

He thought of his next words carefully. I remembered our last encounter and was figuring out if he was trying to tell me something. "Okay, Vi. I have a question about something else. May I ask something not related to academics?"

Not related to academics? "Of course. We're classmates after all."

"I'm just curious, have you ever experienced being the tutee? Any place in particular?"

"Yes. That is why I am used to one-on-one sessions, I went through it with ease."

"Is that why you volunteer to be a tutor for our teacher's activity?"

"Ah no, it was someone from a tutorial center. It was Sir Mateo, my prior math tutor and science teacher for the past two to three years who convinced me to do it."

"How did he convince you to do it?"

"It's not like my teacher and I are really close friends, however, I consider him as one of the friendliest and kindest people you can imagine. He didn't know that somehow he gave me the motivation to carry on during the times my depression has worsened. His sincerity made me ask myself, maybe I can return the favor by helping others as well. "

"Well from what I've observed from grade seven that you are a hard-working, kind, and trustworthy person. You might not know it yet but I'm sure that you can inspire thousands of people just by being you."

I got flustered from his response. Vi, remember to act normal. "I hope so... Alright no more questions. You can leave now. See you again next week. Stay safe."

"Alright, also stay safe Vi. You can call me Dan instead."

"Sure."

I waited for him and the others to leave first. Frank and I started sweeping the floor and throwing out the trash and left together.

The sky was gradient orange the moment I gaze from the window. Frank and I went to an empty classroom where the other students will be trained. We waited together and I tried to listen to whatever he's saying. I didn't understand even a single word. He keeps on talking about some type of theory which seemed interesting starting from its history onwards.

Instead, the dream I had during my nap left me with some questions. Why was he calling me? What does he want? Is he going to apologize to me soon?

Frank waved his hand in front of my face. "Hey, Earth to Vi. It looks like you were having deep thoughts. Would you like to share it? Before my teacher arrives"

I shook my head. "It's nothing really. I'm just concerned with the upcoming quizzes this week. It's overwhelming."

"If that's so, I'll tell you something that will make you forget about all your worries."

"Really? Then tell me."

He went closer and whispered in my ear, "You look beautiful today Vi."

I punched him on the arm and laughed. "Those words won't work on me. I know that I'm pretty so you didn't need to say it. Unless it's one of your ninja moves of getting girls, is it?"

He replied, "It always works on the girls I'm flirting with. Yet for you, your heart is stone cold. Look, I'm just your friend and I'll never flirt with a girl like you. I just wanted to see your reaction when I say it."

"Your tricks are so clichè that it won't work on me. You can be the prince of Sleeping Beauty but the difference is that your kiss won't even wake her up."

"That was just too mean, you know. Why do you even act cold towards the people who want to court you?"

I sneered, "No one has courted me yet. And I don't plan on dating yet. I want to finish college and get a job before having one. That's my plan."

"Fine. It's your choice after all."

Ma'am Bea popped up behind my back. "Done talking with Frank?"

I stepped backwards after getting startled. "Yes ma'am. Sorry for interrupting."

She smiled, "I'm just kidding. Don't worry, you're not interrupting anything. Anyway, I have an announcement to make at our next meeting so listen carefully, okay? I think you all will like it."

We both replied back, "Yes po ma'am."

"Especially you, Vi."

"Me?"

***

After eating dinner, I immediately walked up the stairs and returned to our rooms.

I sat down on my bed and listened to some catchy pop songs. I took out my file case and looked for my notes from the previous session. Some of my other notes fell on the floor as I took some notes from the previous session. I picked up the notes from the floor and read what's written on it.

I couldn't help but smile, it was my previous tutor, sir Mateo.

He did believe in me, didn't he? Yet, I can't bring back time and fix my mistakes. He supported me but I made him disappointed in the end.

Flashback: Three years ago

Sir Mateo looked surprised with the topics given to me."You sure have advanced topics for your exams. I tackled this when I was in grade 7."

I replied back, "It has been like this before. Our topics may be advanced but there's nothing I can do. It's a fun challenge for me."

"I see. It's a good thing that you don't feel much pressured with it. We're almost done with our today's session, do you have any questions?"

I hesitated. "If it wouldn't be a hassle for you, could you please give me one more difficult problem to solve? I just want to be extra prepared for this math exam."

"Let me check the internet. Ah here, try to solve this."

He lent me his phone with the picture of the problem

"After you finish this, I'll dismiss you and we finally go home."

I nodded. I tried to answer it but I got confused with how I can arrange the polynomial expression with several literal coefficients and numerical coefficients.

He checked my solution and answers after I gave up. He started writing down the correct solution and answer. "Okay, this is the answer. The question is really tricky, especially when you have to arrange the literal coefficients in alphabetical order. But you understand the solution, right?"

"Yes sir."

"Then we are done. We can finally go home!" He said with an enthusiastic smile.

After I fixed my things, I suddenly heard my father's voice and eavesdropped on their conversation with my tutor. It was a lot but this is what I remember, "All I can say is that your daughter has exceptional skills. She isn't difficult to teach since she understood her lessons with ease. All I can recommend is that she continues solving practice problems during her free time so that she can flourish her skills."

I tried to reconfirm my tutor's words, however, the only statement my father said is that I was easy to teach.

.

Even if I'm not sure with my tutor's exact words, I know that in that specific moment I felt a surge of motivation which enabled me to pursue reaching higher scores in every assessment. For the first time, someone actually believes in my capabilities. And as long as someone believes, I'll do my best in every task given to me. My depression and anxiety nearly suffocated me to my last breath after being victimized from bullying. Thus, those words gave me a reason to do better in whatever I do.

At that moment, I realize that with the simplest words of motivation, you can make someone's life better. Even though he didn't directly tell me, at least I know that there's always that one person who believes that you are capable of anything.

End of Flashback

To be honest, math is my greatest pursuit ever since kindergarten. However, I wanted to improve my skills in Math because I am passionate about solving Math problems.

Sir Mateo became my science teacher, then a electrical engineer after a few years. I remembered how we first met. He was in college while I was in grade six. I never joined any Math competitions such as MTAP and MTG yet I became satisfied by how much I've improved and did my best every day. It wouldn't be possible without Sir Mateo's words of motivation.

I closed my eyes and wandered off into a calm slumber.

My vision showed me a teacher who was shaking my hand in joy, "Congratulations Vi! You are now officially qualified to be a participant for Asia's Math Youth Competition. I'm so proud of you!"