The Bad boy's Secret Tutor

Tea on Saturday

The doorbell rang at exactly 3PM.

Mia was in the kitchen helping her mom set out cups. Her hands were shaking.

"Stop pacing," her mom said, pouring tea. "He’s just Jake."

"He’s just the boy who came to dinner last week," Mia muttered. "And now you’re giving him tea."

The doorbell rang again.

Mia opened the door.

Jake stood there. No hoodie. Button-down shirt. Hair combed. Holding a small box.

And Scout. On a leash.

"Hi," Jake said. "I brought... treats. For Scout. And for you guys."

Scout immediately ran inside and straight to Mia.

"Oh my gosh," Mia’s mom said, bending down. "You’re Scout."

Scout wagged his tail like he owned the place.

Jake looked nervous. "My dad said I shouldn’t come empty-handed."

Mia’s mom smiled. "Come in. Tea is ready."

---

The next hour was the most awkward and the most normal hour of Mia’s life.

They sat in the living room. Her mom asked Jake about school. About his grades. About his plans for college.

Jake answered every question. Politely. Even when her mom asked, "So what are your intentions with my daughter?"

"Mom!" Mia choked on her tea.

Jake didn’t laugh. He looked her mom in the eye. "I’m tutoring her, ma’am. She’s smart. She just needs someone to help her believe it."

Silence.

Then her mom nodded. "Good answer."

After tea, Jake took Scout to the backyard. Mia followed.

"He was scared," Mia said quietly.

"Of your mom?" Jake asked.

"No. Of being liked."

Jake stopped throwing the ball for Scout. "I get that."

They stood there. Quiet.

"You did good today," Mia said.

"You did too," Jake said. "You didn’t disappear."

Mia smiled. "I’m trying not to."

Before he left, Jake handed her a folder. "Homework. And chapter notes. For the test."

"Thanks, tutor," Mia said.

"See you Monday," Jake said.

As his car drove away, her mom came outside.

"He’s a good kid," her mom said.

"I know," Mia said.

And she did.