Adelaide hummed to herself and went back to reviewing her notes.
You’ve done it now, mate. Now she thinks you’re a weirdo. Way to go.
The rest of the hour passed quickly as Adelaide quizzed me, getting a sense of the areas we would need to focus on and creating a plan for future sessions. She never did seem to relax and kept a good bit of physical space between us, but I managed to get through it without saying anything else odd or embarrassing, at least as far as I could tell.
We packed up our bags, agreeing to meet in a few days for our next session. As I opened the door to the study room, I turned to her and, without thinking, said, “Do you want to meet somewhere else next time?”
She stepped through the door, glancing around uncertainly. “I suppose we can, but why?”
I cleared my throat nervously. “I’m not exactly inconspicuous. We can keep meeting here if you’d like, I completely understand if that’s what you’re most comfortable with. But my flat would offer more privacy. I can’t imagineyou’re thrilled with the prying eyes”—I nodded almost imperceptibly toward two underclassmen peering at us from the stacks—“and truthfully, I could use a bit less distraction if I am to stand a chance at learning the subjunctive. But only if you’re comfortable with that! It’s your call.”
Adelaide paused, considering my words. I saw her eyes dart toward the two students who were now ducking behind a cart of books and whispering.
“Okay,” she said. “That’s fine. You should have my number from the information Dr. Shariq gave you. Just text me the address and I’ll see you then.”
I waved goodbye as we turned our separate ways, my heart thudding. I pulled my phone from my pocket and texted Knox. He had been my closest friend since his family moved to Wexstone from the States when we were ten, but after his parents died and my parents became his guardians, our bond had only grown. Despite his decision to stay at home in Altborn instead of attending university with me, I still relied on his advice on a regular basis. Surely he’d have some words of wisdom for me now.
You remember Adelaide Levy?
Knox
Vaguely. She was pretty quiet I think? Cute tho
Down boy, I chided myself as a monster in my chest opened one eye.
She’s my spanish tutor this semester
Knox
Shit, really? I remember her being pretty smart, maybe she’ll actually help your dumb ass pass
Fuck you
I don’t think she likes me much
That would be a first. What makes you say that?
Her body language. She seemed pretty uncomfortable and tense. Maybe nervous? IDK, maybe I’m misreading it, but seemed kinda like she would have rather been anywhere else
I bet she comes around. Everyone loves you, man. Just don’t show her your band tshirt collection yet, that might scare her off
Again, fuck you
One thing was for certain: This was going to be a very interesting semester indeed.
Dash
Have fun with princy-poo this evening
Just going on record again that I did not tell you who I’m tutoring
It’s not my fault I’m just really good at annoying you with questions until you cave
I didn’t cave! I never said a word!
LOL your mouth didn’t but your face sure did I’ve known you long enough to know that your nose gets all red when you’re trying to hide something. But ok ok prepared to testify in court that you are innocent and I’m the devious one who just knows you too well
I hate you
