Chapter 10
1116 Words
Ashley didn't realize how fast time was until Vanessa's two-week suspension was over.
While Vanessa was away, every day in school was peaceful for her. She got used to seeing David around and made more friends.
She could see the hatred for her written all over Vanessa's face when she resumed school. She was sure Vanessa spent her break plotting the best way to deal with her.
"Vanessa looks so scary, Oh my goodness!" Ashley heard Lily tell her best friend, Grace.
"Tell me about it. She is not the type to accept defeat", Grace said, as they both walked to their seats.
Ashley sighed heavily because she knew they were right. Vanessa won't stop tormenting her life. She tried to stop thinking about whatever was about to come her way and focused her attention on her book.
"Do you like James?" A voice interrupted her reading, and she looked up from her book. It was Gabby, the girl that was with her best friend.
"Or does he like you?" She asked, rephrasing her question.
"Where did you get that rubbish from?" Ashley was flustered by her questions.
"Then why are you always around him like he is someone you can't do without?"
"Gabby! We are just best friends, okay? What have you been thinking?" She asked, defending herself. She never for once thought someone would think she liked James, not as a friend, but as something else.
"I'm sorry if I was too blunt with you, but you should understand me. I've always liked him since we were in tenth grade, and the thought of him liking someone else drives me crazy." Gabby sighed.
"Then tell him how you feel, instead of making wrong assumptions. I'm sorry to break this to you, but being around him is unavoidable because we are friends"
When she met Gabby, she thought she was a very cool person, but the way she talked made her think otherwise. She stood up from her seat and walked closer to Gabby.
"Trust me, I might not be able to help you get together with him, but James and I will always just remain friends."
"I….."
"Oh sweet Gabby! I hope your dream guy will not be taken away from you. It will be a real shame because she is nothing compared to you", Vanessa interrupted Gabby by saying what she wanted to say. Her two friends, Kelly and Victoria both laughed at Vanessa's words, before walking away.
Ashley wondered if those two had a life of their own. When Vanessa was away, the two of them were calm and didn't cause any trouble, but now that she is back at school, their behaviors changed too.
"I don't need you to interfere though," Gabby said after them. She knew Vanessa wasn't trying to support her, but just wanted to insult Ashley.
"I'll be counting on you. I'm going to believe your words", Gabby said before leaving.
"Hopefully, Jamie would like her back" she muttered to herself as she returned to her seat.
Mrs Johnson's office door creaked open, and Ashley stepped in. She was told by Ava, the class president, that Mrs. Johnson wanted to see her in her office.
She pulled out a chair after Mrs Johnson offered her a seat, and patiently waited for her to talk about why she was in her office.
"I think you will need a private tutor Ashley '' Mrs Johnson broke the silence in the room.
"Private Tutor?" She asked, confused.
"Yes. Luckily, your school provides private tutors for students who find it difficult to catch up", Mrs Jonson paused. "As you already know, we put new students on probation, and watch their academic progress. You are doing great in other subjects except for Mathematics."
"Trust me, Mrs Johnson, I'll be back on track in no time. I don't want a private tutor. It will be extra money for my Mom"
"It's already your first month here, Ashley. You don't have that time. That's why we are here to help you. Your grades might drop. I'm sure you know how important the academic performance of students is here. That's why it's one of the best."
"I know,but….."
"How about teaming up with a student who can help if you don't want a private tutor? You won't even have to spend money?"
"I think that will be better" she sighed "So who is it?" She asked curiously.
"I'm thinking David might be willing to help you. He is good" Mrs Johnson said and smiled softly at her.
"David? What of James? I prefer him"
Getting closer to David would be problematic for her. Vanessa wouldn't stand back and watch her crush get closer to her.
"James has a private tutor himself"
"Then someone else but David?"
"Ashley, I'm offering you the best right now. Okay? I'm sure David will be willing to help you out."
Ashley nodded in agreement. There was no point in arguing. Mrs Johnson had made up her mind already, and there was nothing she could do. At least, it would be a free lesson.
After hearing about David's newly assigned duty, Vanessa stormed into Mrs Johnson's office angrily. She wasn't going to allow it. Not Ashley of all people.
"David is not going to help Ashley, Mrs. Mrs Johnson," she said immediately after she got in. Her chest heaved up and down as she folded her arms across her chest.
"Why? He agreed to it already" Mrs Johnson asked calmly.
"Because he needs to help me instead. George could help her, you know" she suggested.
"Ashley" Mrs Johnson perched her elbow on her desk. "You had an A in your last mathematics exam. If we don't help Ashley, she might end up with a C or D". Mrs Johnson tried to make her reason with her.
"An A isn't good enough, because I want an A+" she protested defiantly.
"Hello," Mrs. Johnson pretended to have a call when she saw their discussion was going nowhere so that Vanessa could leave. She moved the phone away from her ear. "Would you excuse me while I answer this call?"
"Your phone didn't even ring" she pointed out.
"It was in silence," Mrs Johnson smiled at her. She was tired of trying to make Vanessa reason with her.
"I'm not a fool!" She yelled before leaving her office.
"Never said you were," Mrs Johnson sighed and dropped her phone.
Vanessa kicked her feet against the wall in frustration. She was angry there was nothing she could do to stop them from studying together.
"I'm going to crush you Ashley", she said between gritted teeth and clenched fist, and walked back to the class in anger.
- Writer
