Life saviour

Chapter five - Disconcentration and problems

Zoe's POV:

Lately, I don't feel well. I'm tired all the time and can't focus on my lessons. I have tests, but I can't keep up with them. I used to be a straight-A student. Now, things are different. I'll be happy if I don't fail. I don't know what is happening. Learning my lessons used to be so easy for me. Mom is not helping me. She barely gets out of bed now. The woman doesn't want to show up since we made her go out that day. No one will judge her. I won't lie. She looks terrible. Mom stopped taking care of herself. I think her last shower was two weeks ago. I trying to make her do something else, but she doesn't want to. I have no idea what to do with her. That's why watching her like that hurts me. Getting a divorce is not the end of the world. There are many other men. It's not like she needs one. I will be happy if she finds a job and goes out again. That will take some time. I don't see it happening soon. Maybe I have to look for a therapy. I don't understand how she fell so low. Her life used to be so different. I don't know what went wrong. The problem is that I can't help her. There must be something that will make her feel better. First, I need to make her go out again. This is the hardest part for me. I hope that something will happen so she can get better.

I went to school an hour ago. We'll receive our test results today. I don't think it will be an A this time. I wasn't ready for this test at all. Sadly, I'm afraid it will only get worse. I have no idea what is going on. I can't concentrate even in my classes. Hopefully, the teachers haven't noticed this. They don't bother me because they know I know the answer. That was before. I don't feel like that anymore. The only people I can talk to about this are my grandparents. They know what is going on.

I went to class to wait for my teacher. The truth will come. I don't want to be here, but I have no choice. I feel drained, even if I don't do much. It's only a few hours. I can survive that. Once I graduate, all this will be gone. I wish this had been sooner. I'll try to keep up with my good grades, but it won't be easy. Soon, the teacher came. She doesn't look happy. It's not like I am. She sat down and checked if everyone was there. Then, she pulled out our tests.

- Students, your tests are graded. Some of them surprised me. I mean, in both ways.

- Did someone fail? - Austin asked

- No. That is one of the good news. Austin, you have a B. I don't know if you have studied, but it paid off.

- Nice. Now, my parents won't t*****e me.

- Ally, you have a C+. I know you can do more, and I expect it on the next test.

- I'll work on that.

- Kevin. I wrote you a C-, but you were nearly a failure. Let's say some of your answers surprised me. Others weren't correct but weren't entirely wrong. I have given you half a point for them.

- It's still a C for me.

- That is not enough.

- It is for me. I'm a genius.

- If you believe that. Ashely, B. You keep getting the same grade. I know you can have an A.

- I'm trying everything. It's not working.

- Don't stress out. I suggest clearing your mind for a few days and start studying again.

- Thanks. I might try it.

- The other students got the same grade as their previous test.

- A solid C. Let's go! - Ben said

- I don't know what you are cheering for.

- But I know.

- One of the surprises was Austin. The other one is Zoe.

- Me?

- Yes. You have a B.

- No way. She can't have a B. - Ally said

- Trust me. I checked her test multiple times. I wanted to write her an A, but I couldn't. Otherwise, I had to raise everyone's grades.

- No one will complain. - Kevin said, and everyone laughed

- This won't happen. Zoe, how?

- I didn't study much for this.

- Why? You are an excellent student.

- I know, but lately, I had other things in my head.

- You can share if you want.

- Thanks, but I prefer to keep this for myself.

- I know you are a good student, so you will have a chance to score a better grade. We'll have tests again.

- I'll try my best.

- No matter if you are happy with the results, the lesson should begin.

I expected to have a lower grade. I need to fix it, but it can't be only with a test. Maybe I can write something or talk with the teacher. Having good grades means a lot to me. After the class, I went to my locker. I can see the looks. Even good students fail. I can't have A's all the time. Well, everyone expects this. I'm tired, but I can't go home yet. I have a few more hours. Hopefully, I won't fall asleep in class. That won't be good.

- Zoe, are you ok? - Ally asked

- I'm tired.

- No offense, but what are you doing at night?

- It's not what you think. I wish it had been.

- Then? If you have a problem, I can help you.

- Thanks, but I'm fine. You don't have to worry about me.

- I don't know what it is, but it affects your grades. Do you want it to be like that?

- No, but it's hard.

- It's hard what?

- Look, I don't want to talk about this.

- My parents argue as well.

- What? It has nothing to do with my parents.

- Are you sure?

- Yes. Can you keep a secret?

- Sure.

- My parents are divorced.

- I'm sorry. I had no idea.

- It's ok. I'm telling you because they are not the problem.

- Don't worry. I won't tell anyone about this.

- Thanks.

- If you want, we can have lunch together.

- Why not?

- I have a question for you.

- Which is?

- Do you miss Zach?

- What? Why would I miss him? He was making fun of me every day.

- It looked like there was something in this.

- Like what? I'm sorry, but no. I don't miss him.

- You two look cute together.

- Ally. Stop with this.

- Ok, ok. Let's go for food.

I should get mad at her. This is a common thing in high school. If a boy and girl hang out together, they are dating or siblings. I understand that, but there is nothing between me and Zach. I haven't seen him in a while. I don't have time for this. After school, I went home. Mom wasn't in the living room. I don't know what happened. She barely goes out of her room. I left my things and went to check on her. She was staring at one dot.

- Mom, are you ok? What happened?

- Nothing.

- You can't lie to me. I know when something is wrong with you. Will you tell me?

- You want me to go out more, don't you?

- I would like it, yes.

- How can I do it? Look at me. I look terrible. No one goes out with ugly women.

- Mom, you are not ugly. Your confidence will come if you get up, shower, and start taking care of yourself.

- No one will go out with me. There is no point in doing all this.

- Yes, there is. There are many fish in the sea. The trick is to choose the right one.

- How? No one will replace him.

- Have you ever asked yourself why he left?

- He was the problem!

- I didn't say the opposite. A change might be good for you. Let go of the past and move on. Many people are in such situations, but they don't give up. I think you should do it, too.

- It's too late.

- No, it's not. Think about all the good things you can have. Why don't we go out? The mall isn't my favorite place, but we can go.

- No, I will take a nap.

- Mom, you can't stay in bed all day. Do something else.

- Fine. I'll watch something in the living room.

- This is not what I meant.

- Don't you have homework?

- Yes, but I'm worried about you.

- I'm fine. Go and have fun.

- How am I supposed to do it?

- Simple. You can go with your friends.

- What about you?

- I'll stay here.

- I won't leave you alone. I'm sorry. - I said and went into my room

I tried to focus and finish my work. It didn't work. Grandma wants a daily update on my mom. I sent her a message. I don't know who can help her. Mom gets worse day by day. No matter what I tell her, she doesn't listen to me. I decided to go out. This time, it will be only a walk. I like to get drinks, but my mom is not working. I don't want to keep using my grandma's money. I'm buying cheap drinks and food, but I better save something.

- Hello.

- Hi. I have the honor of speaking with?

- Logan.

- Logan, who?

- I'm one of Zach's friends.

- Oh, yeah. I remember your face. - I said, and he chuckled

- Mind if I join you?

- You don't know where I'm going.

- Does it matter?

- No. It's only a walk. I'll go home later.

- Can I send you?

- No.

- Stubborn.

- Why such interest in me?

- There is no interest, sweetie. I saw you and decided to talk to you.

- Ok, you did it.

- Zach talks a lot about you.

- I'll believe it when I hear it from him.

- It's true. Do you want me to call him?

- If you will call him, why the recording app is open?

- I.

- Maybe you need to play another game with someone else.

- You are a dangerous kitty.

- They leave the best scars.

- Interesting. What else can you tell me?

- I won't tell you anything.

- Zach misses you.

- Can you stop talking about someone who is not here?

- You don't look much in the mood.

- Good guess, Sherlock.

- I'm trying to be nice to you.

- If that is your attempt, you better don't try again. Spoiler. It's not working.

- Now I know why he was bugging you all the time.

- Who?

- Zach. He likes people who fight back. Otherwise, there is no interest.

- I don't fight back. Yes, I know what you mean.

- But your responses are good.

- I say what I think. I'm honest. You are annoying.

- It's not the first time I have heard this.

- Maybe you should listen to the people who tell you this.

- Will you do it?

- I don't have problems with anyone. Now, I'm leaving.

Why all his friends are like him? Honestly, I'm not surprised. People with equal personalities always find each other. The talk with this guy was pointless and a waste of time. I don't think he cares about that. Me neither. On my mind is my mom. I should do something for her. She can't leave herself like that. The problem is that she doesn't want to do anything. I can give her a relaxing day at home, but she will keep complaining. There must be something else I can do for her. She needs to start going out again. Staying at home is not a solution. I hope that one day, she will listen to me.