Chapter 8 TUTOR 2

TYLER’s POV

After lunch, I got a note from the reception telling me to come to the Guidance Counselor’s office. What’s my violation again? I was there in the office yesterday because I got in trouble saving Stella ‘the nerd’ from Mark’s gang and now this.

“Why did you have to defend that nerd from them? We’re in trouble now!” Kevin said as we followed Mr. Clark yesterday in the Guidance office.

“It’s your fault, bro! You and Justin attack them first!”

As far as I could remember, Kevin and Justin attacked Mark and his friends when they saw Mark held me by the collar and I challenged him to punch me but I knew he won’t dare to do that to me because he knew who I am and what my dad’s contribution in this school.

But because my friends were assholes as I was, they lunged into Mark because they thought he’s gonna punch me, and that sent us in trouble and ended up in the office. Thankfully, the principal just gave us a warning and if this kind of situation will happen again, we’ll going to get a week of suspension.

Mark and his friends’ punishment was to clean the bleachers for a week. And that made him got furious at me even more. I really don’t have any idea why he got interest in bullying Stella because I remember I saw him one time helping Stella from getting up when she was tripped from my feet.

“You’re here again, Tyler.” Chris said as I sat down in the uncomfortable leather chair. He was our guidance counsellor and a good friend of our family. He preferred us to call him by his first name because he said he felt old when he was addressed as ‘Sir’ or ‘Mr.’ He’s fifty for pete’s sake!

“Yeah, care to tell me why?” I asked as I looked around the room that always gave me creeps whenever I was here.

He took out some papers from under his desk and placed it in front on me at the desk. “A lot of your teachers reached out for me.” he started.

“And?” I raised my brows provoking him to continue.

“And they told me you are failing in three subjects and your subject teachers on these have showed their concerns.” He explained and my eyes widened in disbelief.

Three? I was failing in three? What the fuck?! I thought it was only Math!

“Math, English and World History.” Chris continued. “You also have reports of multiple missing home works for English and History as well as several absences from Math. Mr. Clark sent me a serious note of concern, your Math teacher.” Chris finished with a sigh and looked at me. “I don’t want to tell your father about this, Tyler. So, you better tell me the truth or I don’t have a choice but to--”

“Please don’t…” I cut him off. I don’t know what was happening to me. School and I just didn’t see eye to eye. All I could think about was football Maxine, and Jenny. “Don’t tell dad about this. I don’t want them to worry about me, Chris. My parents have had enough.”

He nodded. “Okay, I won’t tell him. But please, work on this. Show me progress, Tyler. I know you’re one of the brightest students before, from Freshman and Sophomore year.” He said as he checked on his computer, showing me his records of the students from first year up to the last year. “See all of these? You’re second from the top.”

“That’s because Freshman’s subjects were easy.” I shrugged and looked away from his computer.

“So, because the classes have gotten harder, you seemed to give up in trying? “He asked, his eyes now burning in me.

“I’m not giving up, Chris.” I told him. “I’m still trying, and I know I can make it. Just give me time.”

“I want to know what’s your problem, Tyler. And I’m sure, some of your teachers would like to know too if anything was going on that was ether distracting you or unmotivating you from your studies. You can always talk to me.” he advised. But I don’t need him. I don’t need anyone.

“It’s just the football.” I answered. “I’m having more time in practicing.”

“So, football is more important to you, I see. Let me talk to your coach, then.” He sighed heavily and massaged his temples this time. “Maybe he would excuse you from the practice and give you more time to study.”

“Look, Chris, I’m not a naturally smart person so don’t expect me to get straight A’s like a nerd!” I sighed getting slightly irritated.

“We’re not asking that, Tyler! I just want to help you. I’m on your side, me and your teachers.” He smiled but I wasn’t buying any of it.

“Chris, listen here. I’ll try my best to pass all of my subjects but please, leave me alone.”

“And if you failed again?” he asked and I fell silent. “Then, I’ll tell this to your dad and I’m sure he won’t let you graduate.”

“What?” I stood harshly. I don’t want to be a repeater in high school. What will my friends think of me? My teammates? Maxine would get turned off. And Jenny? I was her inspiration, dammit! “So, you’re saying I’m not going in college?” I leaned forward on him.

“Probably. But I’m sure you want to go to college, right?”

“Of course! Who wouldn’t want to?” I said.

“Then I suggest, you get a tutor.” Oh no, not again! A tutor? “I know you are well committed to Football and so I think if you get a tutor, you can work your busy schedule and get efficient one to one attention.”

Why does everyone keep on insisting I have to get a tutor? My free time should be spent with Maxine, with football, and with Jenny! Ahh!

“Who would be my tutor, then?”

Chris chuckled. “Mr. Clark will provide one for you since he ran a great voluntary program in school and I’m sure he’s willing to help you out.” Great! I will spend my free time not with Maxine but with a nerd! A nerd? Shit! “I think it’s the best option for you, Tyler.”

I knew Chris was right. I hated it that he was right. I shut my eyes and exhaled deeply. “Fine. When will the tutor start teaching me?”