“I want to find someone who can help you properly.”
“A teacher?”
“Not exactly.” I see Anya approaching with Carter, and gesture for her to let him in. He takes two steps into my office and stands behind Skylar.
“This is Carter.”
Skylar turns to look at him, and he waves.
“He’s going to tutor you.”
Skylar spins suddenly back around to face me.
“Maths, Chemistry, Physics and Biology.”
“Are you kidding?”
“He can come to your house, or you could meet in the school library. What do you think?”
“I’m happy with anything,” Carter says. “Whatever works best for you.”
Skylar turns to look at him, again.
“I’m not stupid,” she tells him, her voice hard. She gets to her feet. “I don’t need anyone to tutor me.” She seems offended.
“I don’t think you’re stupid, honey.”
“Don’t call me honey.”
“Sorry, you’re right.” I take a deep breath. “I’ve asked Carter to help you because I want to give you a chance to make up for the year you’ve missed. I thought that studying alone might be too much.”
She crosses her arms. “I don’t want to study with him.”
Carter lowers his gaze in embarrassment.
“Just give him a chance. If you’re still not comfortable with it, then we can always find a new solution later on.”
She scoffs and faces him. “I’m not an idiot, okay? And don’t try to treat me like one.”
“Oh, I… No, I would never do that.”
“Or I swear, I’ll beat you up in that car park out the back.”
“I didn’t need to hear that.”
“I don’t… I wouldn’t…” Carter starts to panic.
Maybe this wasn’t the right decision. Maybe an adult tutor would’ve been better. I thought that she’d feel less intimidated by someone her own age; but, judging by her reaction, that may not have been the right call.
“Why don’t you try getting to know one another, first? Maybe you could use one of the classrooms after school to have a chat and decide how you’re going to organise everything.” I attempt. I can’t go back on my idea without at least giving it a try.
“That works for me,” Carter says. “I can stay behind for an extra hour.”
“If I have to…” Skylar says, not at all impressed by my suggestion. But she accepts, albeit begrudgingly.
“Good.” I let out a sigh of relief.
“Jordan?” Anya says, appearing in the doorway. “Someone’s here for you. He says he called earlier. It’s Tyler Hayes.”
