The football player and his teacher

Chapter sixteen - Science test

Avery's POV:

I can't believe that the people from the university liked me. I have the chance to go to New York. That is insane. Mostly I am glad that my parents came. I don't know how Ashley convinced them, but she did it. I needed a bit of time, but I stepped into my game. After all, I am training like crazy for a reason. We have two more games until the end of the season. Also, after a week, starts the spring vacation. Well, I planned to train again. My teacher will probably come for a couple of lessons. I own this girl a lot. I have no idea why she did all these things for me, but I'm happy. That's why I want to help her with something. I mean, except for PE. This week we'll have new grades. That means she has to show her best. Let's hope that training has helped her. I don't know what else I can do for her. The most important test for me is science. Ashley and I have studied a lot, but I know my teacher. He doesn't give an easy pass. I think I will do the test well, but I feel like he will fail me. Let's say that we don't like each other so much. Now I have changed and pay attention in class. It's not like he cares about that. For some reason, this man enjoys failing me. As if it's something funny. It's not, or at least for me. Ashley is helping me, which means if I fail, she will do it too. That is impossible. She is the best student in the class. There is no way I can have another D with her help. Otherwise, I will argue with the teacher. I probably won't do it, but that won't be fair. Also, I don't want to keep arguing with him. We have been doing this for too long. As long as he lets me pass, I am good. I don't want anything else. I hope that he will let me do it.

I woke up and went to get ready for school. I have to say that since the game last Friday, my parents have treated me well. We haven't argued for almost a week, which is surprising. Finally, they accepted the news that I would play football. It's not something new, but they never paid attention to it. Now, they are looking at it from the other side. I can be successful and earn tons of money. Well, it probably won't happen soon, but at least I can dream about it.

I got ready and walked into the kitchen for food. For some reason, I woke up hungry. Well, as a boy, I need a lot of energy. Also, I have a science test today. I need to focus and answer every question. Before, I was skipping most of them. I won't do this anymore. I have a great teacher to who I want to show that she did a great job. My parents were already at the table, eating.

- Good morning.

- Someone is in a good mood. - mom said

- I won't be so sure.

- Why? Did something happen?

- Not yet.

- What do you mean?

- I have a test with mister Fitz today. Ashley and I studied a lot for it, but I think he will find a way to fail me.

- Why would he do that? If you have studied enough and writhe the correct answers to the questions, he can't fail you.

- I wish it was that easy. Let's say that we don't understand each other well.

- Yes, but you have changed. On the other tests, you had better results. I don't see a reason for mister Fitz to write you a low grade.

- We'll see.

- When will you call the university? - dad asked

- I was thinking about my spring vacation.

- Do it as soon as possible.

- Why?

- Because if you wait too long, they might lose interest.

- Your dad is right.

- Ok, ok. I'll call the university next week. I don't have much time now.

I talked with my parents for a while. Later, I walked to school. I saw Ashley in front of my locker. Maybe she wants to talk to me. I walked up to her, but she didn't notice me. The phone is taking her time. I took it and put it in my locker.

- Hey, give it back.

- Can I know why you are here?

- I wanted to wait for you. We have a test today.

- I know. That is the hardest one.

- Why? You studied enough.

- Yes, but you know our teacher. He won't let me pass that easy.

- Hey, everything will be fine. If you want, you can sit with me.

- Thanks, but on the test, I won't do that. He might think that I am cheating. From you.

- You are crazy but ok. Will you sit with me now?

- Yeah, sure.

- Great. Let's go. I don't want to be late.

- Don't you want your phone?

- Oh, yeah. Thanks.

- You're welcome.

Both with Ashley walked to our class. This time, I was paying attention. It's not typical for me, but I will do it. Otherwise, Ashley will give me her mad look. That is not something I want. When I am not listening to the teacher, she looks at me. That happens only when we sit together.

After this class, there was a ten-minute break. It passed so quickly. Now, I have a test with mister Fitz. I am not excited about it. Ashley and I walked into the classroom together. I stopped caring if people would make assumptions. She is only a teacher to me. I sat two rows behind her. That way, the teacher won't say I am cheating from her. Before mister Fitz came, Ashley walked up to me. I wonder what she wants now.

- Do you want something?

- Only to say good luck. I know you will pass the test.

- I won't be so sure.

- Stop caring about him. You studied enough. He can't fail you.

- That's what you think.

- Ok, students. Take your seats. I will give you the test. Five minutes before the end of the class, check if you have answered every question. I mean you, mister Robinson.

Mister Fitz gave us the test. First, I checked the questions. They were thirty, and twenty-five of them were with options. For the other five, I have to writhe the answer. I started with the test and realized how easy it was. Studying helped me a lot. Before, I was struggling. Again, all of this is thanks to Ashley. After half an hour, I was already on the questions with free answers. I had fifteen more minutes. Five minutes and I was ready. Ashley had already finished her test. Well, she is better than me, for sure. I checked the questions and my answers. This time, I haven't skipped any of them. I got up and left it on the teacher's desk.

- You know there are questions at the back. - mister Fitz said

- I know. I did them all.

- You can't skip any of them.

- I didn't.

- Random guesses are not acceptable.

- I didn't guess any of them. Mister Fitz, you can't tell me anything. I studied and did my test.

- We'll see about that.

When the class finished, I waited for Ashley. On the lunch break, I invited her to sit with us again. I will say it. She is not that bad. I think it's time for us to stop arguing. There is no point, and we lose a lot of time. Let's hope that she wants the same. Both of us sat down with the boys. Some of them smirked at me, but when they saw my face, they faded away.

- How was the class with mister Fitz? - Jason asked

- Well, we had a test today. He tried to confront me, but it didn't work out.

- Does this mean you did well?

- That's what I'm hoping. The test was easy.

- I never thought you would say it. - Ashley said, and I laughed

- All of this is thanks to you.

- At least I did something right.

- You did way more than that.

- Ashley, are you ready for PE? - Ben asked, chuckling

- Please, don't remind me.

- Don't worry. I'll run slowly. That way, you can be faster. - I said

- Thanks, but no need to do it. I think I'll do well.

- I hope so. Otherwise, my effort will be worthless.

- What is going on with your parents? Are you still arguing with them? - Peter asked

Peter is one of the quiet boys on the team. Well, he is not the only one. They are a couple of boys who don't talk much. They only listen. That's why I like them so much. Sometimes, all you need is silence. Apart from that, they are great players and teammates.

- No. I haven't argued with my parents for almost a week.

- That's a new record. - Jason said

- It is. They even asked me when I would call the university.

- You owe a lot to Ashley.

- I know. I will make it up to her later.

- Don't you dare.

- Relax. I won't do anything to you.

- This is all business. When the tests pass, I am out.

- Why? - Adam asked

- Because I don't want an ex-bad boy as a friend.

- You just said he is an ex.

- Come on. I wasn't even that bad.

- I won't be with you in any relations.

- It's not like I want you.

That was a lie. I don't want to date Ashley, but I would love it if we could be friends. I know I have said and done many things to her, but now I have changed. She can trust me if she wants to. The rest of the lunch break we spent together. Later, everyone walked to their classes. I won't lie. I would love to spend my afternoon with her. We can chill and watch movies. Maybe we can do something else if she wants to.

After my last class, I waited for her. As usual, she was on her phone. I don't know what she is looking at so much. It's not like I care. Well, I wish she could pay some attention to me.

- Hey, are you busy today?

- One second.

- Can I know why you are ignoring me?

- I'm ready. What did you say?

- You are ignoring me.

- I'm sorry. I was checking universities in New York.

- Did you find one?

- I found a couple, but I don't know if I will get there.

- You will. After all, your grades are perfect.

- This doesn't mean anything.

- If you say so. Do you have plans today?

- No, why? Maybe except for studying.

- Can't you do something else?

- Like what?

- Be with me.

- What do you mean?

- I don't want to go out with you. We can watch something or do whatever you want.

- It's better if we don't do it. I don't want to say no, but we are not friends.

- Do you want to be my friend?

- I don't know. I prefer to keep it professional.

- I understand. Ok, then. I'll go home. Call me if you need something.

- Wait!

- What?

- Maybe I can make an exception.

- Really?

- As long as you keep your hands off me, I am good.

- No problem.

- Cool. Let's go home. My home.

Both with Ashley walked to her house. We went into the kitchen and soon came back with snacks. I don't know who can eat all of this. I need to come here more often. I got up and went to help her. Otherwise, Ashley would've fallen with the food.

- Can I know why you brought so much food?

- Boys need energy.

- Do you plan to take all my energy? - I asked, looking at her

- That's why I didn't want to invite you.

- I'm sorry. I will behave.

- I hope so.

- I want to ask you something.

- Go on.

- Why you don't want us to be friends? I have changed.

- Yes, for now. How can I know you won't become the same person as before?

- Don't you trust me?

- Nowadays, you can't trust anyone. Even yourself.

- I won't be so sure. Is there a way how I can prove it to you?

- Why do you care? After graduation, you won't see me anymore.

- True, but until then, I want us to be on good terms.

- As you can see, we are.

- Are you sure? What you are saying proves the opposite. You don't trust me and don't want me as your friend.

- I don't see a problem.

- Maybe I made a mistake coming here.

- You are the one who suggested it.

- True, but you could've said no.

- Look, I don't want to argue with you.

- Then don't do it.

- How am I not supposed to?

- Don't say anything.

- Fine. I'll be quiet.

- I didn't say that.

No answer. Please don't tell me Ashley got mad at me. That is not how I expected things to go. Maybe it's better after high school not to see each other.

- Ashley, I'm sorry. I didn't want to hurt you. Will you talk to me?

- I don't know.

- I won't argue with you. Please.

- Fine. It's better if we don't talk.

- Ok, I won't say anything.

- Thank you.

Both of us watched the movie silently. I wanted to hug Ashley, but I thought it might be too much. That's why I didn't do anything. Things between Ashley and me are not great, and I don't want to make them worse. Around dinnertime, I walked home. She offered me to stay with her, but I denied it. I know why she did that. Ashley only wanted to be polite. Maybe it's better if we keep a distance. It's visible that we'll never be able to understand each other. We always argue about something. That is not how one friendship should be. I don't want to argue with her all the time. I hope after I graduate, I won't have the same problem.