The football player and his teacher

Chapter eleven - Playing games

Ashley's POV:

Soon our tests will start. I have to say that Avery is studying a lot. I never thought he could do that. I mean that Avery is not a typical student. Like a month ago, he didn't even want to hear about studying. I am glad he changed his mind. What I don't like is that football is not a priority. I know what having a dream is. That's why I don't want him to give up. This boy is the best player in the whole school, and I haven't even watched him play. Everyone knows he is the best. What he can do is show it to the people. That includes his parents. They judge him because they have never seen his skills. That's why I can talk with them, but I don't think they will listen to me. After all, I am a stranger. Also, they don't listen to their son. The chances of his parents listening to what I have to say are not high. I'm afraid that when our lessons finish, we'll act like strangers again. I don't want us to continue arguing. Well, I don't want us to be friends either. Everything is just business. We're using each other. It doesn't sound good, but this is the truth. He needs help, and me too. Somehow, I think we can work things out, but we are too different. The only thing we have in common is that we both chase something. Maybe our paths can cross again. Let's hope it won't happen. I have nothing against Avery, but his jokes are too much for me to take. He can tell them to someone else. I do get mad when he calls me a single lady, but for some reason, it's funny for him. It's better if I don't know. The thing is that after the tests, he might stop studying again. That means the teachers will ask me to help him again. No offense, but I don't want to do it. I waste enough time helping him. It helps me as well, but I want to focus on myself. I hope that he will study on his own.

I woke up and went to get ready for school. Honestly, I don't even want to go. Soon our tests start, and Avery wants to study with me. Let's say that he still wants to prove mister Fitz wrong. In his place, I wouldn't mess with a teacher. It's better if they don't argue. Everyone knows that arguing with a teacher will only make things worse. That's why it's better if you don't do anything and keep it quiet. I do this all the time.

When I was ready, I walked downstairs for breakfast. This time, dad was preparing the food. Sometimes, he likes to cook for mom. I wish I had someone who takes care of me the way dad takes care of mom. I'm sure boys like him exist, but they are probably older than me. Let's say that the boys in our school are not that mature.

- Hey, dad. The food looks great.

- Thanks. I hope your mom will like it.

- You know she loves when you cook, even if it's eggs with bacon.

- True, but sometimes I want to make something special.

- Then do it. Apart from eating your food, mom loves to get attention from you. Lately, I haven't seen you go out together.

- We don't have much time for this.

- Dad, you can't put your work in the first place. Why don't you go out with mom tonight? Take her to her favorite place.

- She has a lot of work to do today.

- That's perfect. Some rest will be good for both of you.

- Then what will you do alone?

- Watch movies and eat junk food. - I said, chuckling

- Ok, or you can go out with your student.

- Ew, no. Dad, we keep it professional.

- It's visible that you two can understand each other.

- Because we have to do it. That will benefit both of us.

- If you say so. All I'm saying is that you should go out with friends.

- Thanks, but I'm good.

- It's your choice. I hope the university will change you a bit.

- Why? Don't you like me?

- I didn't say that. I want you to socialize. That way, you will have people by your side.

- I have you and mom.

- We can't always be with you.

- Because you don't want it.

- It's better if I don't fight with you.

- Good choice.

- Will you set the table while I finish here?

- Yes, sure.

We had a peaceful breakfast. I know dad isn't wrong, but I don't want to do anything, especially with Avery. Somehow, we managed to understand each other, but it doesn't mean it always will be like that. I won't mind if he decides to change, but we talk about Avery. A boy with a dream who wants to do what he likes. It's not bad, but sometimes it's good to listen to what others tell you.

After breakfast, I walked to school. To my surprise, Avery was waiting for me in front of my locker. I bet he wants something. Lately, he has started asking for many things. I don't mind, but I have other things to do. I walked up to him, but he didn't notice me. Great. I took his phone and locked it in my locker.

- Hey, give it back.

- Why are you here?

- I need your help.

- I wonder for what.

- What do you mean?

- Lately, you have started asking for help often.

- You know what I want.

- I suggest you not fight with mister Fitz. Do your test and finish.

- He can't think I am that bad.

- Actually, he can. Don't expect teachers to believe that you have changed so fast. Some things take time.

- We studied together for almost a month.

- So?

- Whatever. Are you free today?

- Yes, I am.

- Ok, we'll go to your house. Don't be late.

- Won't you take your phone?

- No, you can keep it.

- Why?

- Because I will take yours. - he said and grabbed my phone

- Hey, come back.

- Bye, single lady.

- Avery!

At least my phone has a password. Avery can't unlock it. The only useable thing is my camera. I took his phone and walked to class. I won't lie that I want to check his camera roll. Maybe it's better if I don't do it. I have no idea what I will find there.

On the lunch break, I went to search for Avery. I want my phone back. I was searching for him after every class. For some reason, he decided to play games with me. It's not funny at all. I don't know what to do to make him understand it. There is one thing I can do. I walked to the cafeteria. Luckily, the boys were there. The problem is that Avery wasn't with them.

- Hey guys, do you know where Avery is?

- No, why? - Jason asked

- He took my phone in the morning, and I want it back. I have his phone.

- Why do you have his phone? - Rayan asked

- He was waiting for me in front of my locker. When I arrived, he didn't even notice me. I got mad and put his phone in my locker. I wanted to give it to him, but he said I could keep it. Then he took mine. I don't know what games he is playing, but it's not funny. Can you help me?

- There is one place where the football star can be. - Adam said

- I'm so dumb. Thank you, guys. - I said and left

I walked to the field, but it was empty. You have to be kidding me. Where is this boy? I don't have a whole day. I was about to go when someone grabbed my hand and made me face him. He finally showed up.

- Is this what you are searching for now? - Avery asked and pulled out my phone

- Give me my phone.

- Calm down. You will have your phone if you do me a favor.

- Which is?

- I want to stay for dinner with you.

- What? No way! You did it once. Wasn't it enough for you?

- Ashley, we need to talk. It's about business.

- Then talk here. I don't want to get close to you.

- Why? Am I that bad?

- You always make jokes. I have the feeling that you don't know how to treat people.

- Why are you so sure?

- Avery, please, give me my phone. I don't want to stay here with you.

- Do you hate me?

- I don't hate you. Let's say that you are not my favorite person.

- Am I on the list?

- No. I don't even have one.

- So, you want your phone back.

- Yes, I do. You can take yours.

- Why do you want your phone back so much? Do you have secrets?

- No, but it's mine. You can't take people's things like that.

- Yes, I can. I did it this morning.

- Avery, give me my phone!

- Kiss me, and I will give it to you.

- Ew, no. Gross.

- Then I have to keep it.

- I don't want to play games.

- When we go home, I will give it to you.

- Why will you give it then?

- Because I want to keep it for a while.

- You know I have a password.

- So? I don't want to unlock it.

- Then for what do you need it?

- To annoy you.

- What? Avery!

- I love it when you get mad.

- Do whatever you want. I am out of here.

- Not so fast, princess.

- What else do you want from me? I am not your play toy.

Avery got so close that I thought he would kiss me. Instead, I received a hug. That is surprising. I have never seen him do this to anyone. I don't know what is going on with him. I will keep my eyes open.

- Thank you for the help.

- Um, no problem. Will you let me go?

- Sure.

- Can I have my phone?

- Later.

- At least I tried.

- Yes, you did.

I went for the rest of my classes. I have no idea what the hug was for, but it made me feel better. Honestly, I never thought Avery could be good to people. All the time, he was the joker. I won't think about this.

After our last class, we walked home. This time, there was no one. I hope my parents will go out today. They deserve some rest. Also, mom loves it when dad puts all his attention on her. She doesn't want much, only for people to appreciate her. We walked into the living room. For some reason, I have a weird feeling. Let's hope studying won't turn into something else.

- Avery, are you ok?

- What?

- I asked if you were ok.

- Yes, I'm fine.

- If you want, we can start with the lesson.

- Yeah, sure.

- If you can't concentrate, we can do something else.

- I'm sorry. I have a lot of things in my head.

- I can see. You can share it with me if you want to.

- Thanks, but I prefer to keep it to myself.

- It's your choice. Can I know what that business is?

- What business?

- In school, you said you wanted to talk about business.

- I was hoping you could continue studying with me after the tests.

- What?

- Only if you want to.

- It's not like I don't want to, but I don't have that much time.

- I understand.

- Look, if you want it, I can find some time for you.

- Really? Will you do it?

- We won't study as much as now, but we can work it out.

- Thank you. I appreciate it.

- Will you stay for dinner?

- I already told you what I planned to do, so no.

- Oh, ok.

- Is there a problem?

- No, everything is ok.

- Are you sure?

- My parents might go out for dinner, and you can keep me company.

- It's better if we keep it professional. When the tests finish, we are over.

- But you said you wanted us to study together after them too.

- I changed my mind. Forget that I have said something.

- If you say so.

- With what we'll start?

- With whatever you say.

- How about science?

- Sounds good to me.

- Will you tell me what is going on? I see that you are not in the mood.

- Can't you stay here?

- I am here.

- Forget it.

- I can stay for dinner, but you have to cook.

- Why are you changing your decisions so often?

- I don't know. Let's say that I don't know what I want.

- I can see that. Let's study now. Otherwise, we'll never start.

- True. We can train later.

- We'll see about that.

- I won't t*****e you.

Avery and I studied until dinnertime. Mom and dad went outside. Finally, they can have some time for themselves. They need to go out more often. I made scrambled eggs for dinner. It's not something delicious, but that's what I can do. At least Avery is not complaining. Honestly, I liked his company. This time, he wasn't annoying at all. I feel like he wants us to be close, but at the same time, he wants to stay away from me. I am not that bad. Well, probably when it comes to girls, he has other standards. As long as we keep it friendly, I am good. I hope that we won't argue over anything.