ON HOLD CHERRY {Chérre}

Prologue: The Under Achiever

*3 months prior*

MONDAY.

“Most girls your age finish school buy 17 Cher. Now I’m not saying 19 is disappointing. Just, try and stick with your new teacher this time. Scaring them off doesn’t do you any good for college, work, or life.” My father smokes a very floral smelling pipe while we sit outside the school office.

“Most girls get their diplomas from an actual school. You can’t expect me to advance faster when when I’m shacked up in this cabin with every insufferable home school teacher in the world.” I kick the snowy dirt off the patio with my sneaker.

“Who is this person anyway?” I get up checking around to see if they were close to arriving. “Sit down.” He’s annoyed at me, and I could tell he wasn’t feeling my quirks today. I sit back down crossing my arms now fully annoyed as well.

Soon, a sleek blue car rolls up. “His name is Vincent. He’s been a private scholar teacher for 20 years. He’s much younger than the ones from before, but still a very well seasoned tutor..” he explains before I can even see him get out of his car.

“As much as it pains me to say this Cher, if you do not graduate by the time you’re 20, I’ll have to send you off where you have no choice but to get a proper education.” He gets up tapping his cane like he always does. My annoyance turns to anger, and the car door finally opens. As he gets out, I storm into the office not even wanting to formally greet him. I throw my bag of books on the loveseat while sliding into my desk. I keep my head down as I can hear murmurs amongst the two of them through the walls. I then notice all of his belongings were already decorated, and strewn across the office. I get back up, and approach his desk. I pick up one of his picture frames. I can tell it’s pretty old as he had bright blonde hair, and a clean cut smile. He was pictured with a woman, also blonde with bright blue eyes and an obnoxious boob job. I grab another and this one was fairly recent and of him on a boat with one of those captain hats and a cigar in his mouth. No blonde hair though. “Okay, Mr. Cool Guy.” I sit it down rolling my eyes. I get startled by a very deep voice clearing it’s throat. I quickly turn around as Vincent stands with his satchel thrown over him. He also has my school bag in his hands. We stare at each other as I wait for him to at least introduce himself. “AP literature. Page 394.” He tosses my bag into my arms as he walked around to his desk. I awkwardly, but still annoyingly sit at my desk pulling out my english literature book. I purposely take ages getting to the page just to gauge his patience. He cleans off the chalk board, before placing fresh chalk in the holder. I was on page 112 and started moving even slower. He progresses to pulling out his teacher guide literature book occasionally fixing the masculine trinkets around his desk. Now, I was on page 178, and he was writing something down.

“What page did you say-” before I can finish the question he points to the board, and I notice ‘page 394’ already written as a reminder. I don’t know why, but his indifference makes me want to be even more defiant. Then thought back to my dad’s warning, and finally skip to the page as to not ruin things so soon.

—

“It’s almost 11:50. So I’ll call this part of the lesson done. That way you can have your lunch or whatever.” Vincent takes his reading glasses off tucking his guide in his satchel. I put my book up zipping it in my bag. “Be back by 1.” He takes out a magazine crossing his legs. I look down to my wallet sticking out the front of my bag then approach his desk. I place my papers in front of him.

“You’re supposed to give me my lunch. Angelique and Mr. Daniel would make food at home and bring it. I don’t see any lunch in your ‘computer’ bag.” I tap my foot trying my hardest to dent his armor.

“Aren’t you 19? A little old to be having food made for you. There’s a diner 3 minutes away.” He didn’t look up front the magazine. I can tell my dad read him the riot act about me and my shenanigans. After making eye contact, he then gets up taking his keys before throwing his jacket on.

“Spoiler alert.” His demeanor goes softer, “I’m a shitty cook.” He opens the front door motioning his head. “I’m not supposed to leave with teachers.” I approach him not stepping foot outside the office. We have another stare off as his looks out to his car.

“Well knowing that you’ve been to 5 of Angelique’s house gatherings uninvited. Had your 9th grade teacher take you to Disneyland, or else you’d lie about them hurting you. I think lunch at a restaurant a few miles away will suit you fine. Come on, you’re an adult right?” He turns the light off before walking to his car.

“Fuck..” I cursed myself still unable to break him. I throw my bag on my shoulder following after.

—

I sip my ice water as Vincent intensely read a packet of what I assume were my study lessons. He has nothing but a barely eaten biscuit and coffee. Me on the other hand, I went out of my way to order an all star lunch with extra fries, extra bacon, extra onions on my burger.

“Can I get a milkshake?” I sloppily ask, and I finally got something out of him.

“Do not talk with your mouth full.” He tosses a napkin over to me going back into reading. He has the packet more propped, and I can’t see his face anymore. I quickly chew and swallow, sipping more of my water; now asking in a more polite manner. He reaches over to the electronic menu adding a vanilla milkshake to the tab. Before he could press order I stop him.

“I actually like toffee.” I reach over to edit the flavor. I sit back and he places it. The entire time he was still glued to the papers.

“Is that gonna get me through to graduating?” I flick the top causing it to fold over. He still looks sound as he drank more coffee.

“Actually, it’s your behavioral report. Ever since preschool.” He snapped it back up and I gasp trying to snatch it. He moves it away before getting up and sitting right next to me. “Did you really set your 4th grade teacher on fire for giving you an F?” He gives me an animated stern look, and I didn’t know how to react at first. I drive my fist into his arm, and he actually laughed for the first time.

“That’s not funny. Plus it was his car, not him. I didn’t think he’d burn himself putting it out.” I turn away from him taking the menu and requesting the check.

“Ah, it’s time for us to get back anyway.” He pats me on the back as my milkshake arrives, “Can we get that to-go?” He throws his coat on as he hands the waitress a $20 tip. He gives her a smirk rubbing his thumb over her hand as she took the money. I don’t know how to feel watching that, but can tell he was very sociable outside of his job.

—

“Turn in the rest of your work.” Vincent opens the curtains, and I wince at the bright sunlight. I finish up the last question before handing him the paper. He takes and grazes over it.

“Are you gonna grade it?” I lean back as he scanned it repeatedly. “72.” He turns placing the paper in his folder. I shrug, not caring, as I gathered my stuff.

“You can retake it Friday.” He starts packing his stuff up as well, and I stop in my tracks

“Retake? I passed.” I scoff ready to throw my bag down. He looks back unmoved,

“What I consider ‘passing’ is an 85 or higher to give you credit. You’ll get 1 opportunity to retake it, or else it goes on your permanent record.” He throws his satchel over his shoulder.

“That’s f*****g ridiculous.” I shake my head doing the same.

We come out the office to see Carol waiting to get me. “You’re really sure you’re 19? I would have just taken you home.” He holds his keys out unlocking his car. He waves at Carol, and she seems unsure of him. Maybe it’s because he’s a ‘younger’ teacher, or maybe it’s because she thinks he’s hot. I awkwardly walk to Carol, and for the first time I actually feel embarrassed to be a 19 year old still getting picked up from school by my nanny practically. I get in the passenger as I hear them exchanging a few words which I assume are about me. I sank in the seat, ‘I hate this so damn much.’

—

TUESDAY.

“Good Morning Vincent.” I salute him mocking his deep voice. I step in as he greets me back with a simple nod.

“Is today Pre Calculus, or is it Physics today? I sit my bag down sifting through my things.

“Actually it’s icebreaker day.” He tosses a bean bag to me, and I catch it impressively.

“Icebreaker day? Oh brother, am I back to being 12.” I groan and he was slightly more enthusiastic.

“I’ll make it fun. You can ask me any question, no filter, but please be respectful. I ask you questions back, and that’s your grade for the day. After lunch, you can go home early.” He holds his hand out as we stand center of the office. I was hesitant, but eventually complied.

“If I break something it’s your fault.” I toss it in the air playfully and he nods once more.

—

“How old are you?” *toss*

“45..I’m a cancer. July 7th.”

“What’s you’re least favorite subject?” *toss*

“Anything that isn’t lunch.”

“How much is my father paying you?” *toss*

He gets actually caught off guard, but I’m only following the rules.

“65,000 a year.”

“Why do you drive away all of your teachers?” *toss*

“Cause they’re boring.” I’m about to ask my question but he stops me, “Don’t give me that. Now I was joking about the behavioral report, but after talking with your father, it has to be more than just that.” He protests but I insist, “It’s the truth!” I’m defensive, yet also reluctant to be completely honest.

“Are you married?” *toss*

“I was once. All the way back when I was about your age.”

“What’s you’re favorite sport? Baseball?” *toss*

He lets out a chuckle, “Golf.”

“Do you have friends? This is a pretty old town.” *toss*

I catch it, but can’t bring myself to answer it. He immediately realizes and holds his palm forward. At this point my ego was at an extreme low, and I need to best this situation.

“Why did you tip that waitress $20? Was it because you like her?” *toss*

He bit the corner of his mouth realizing I was teasing him. “Like her? No. Did I think she was beautiful. Hell yeah.”

“What’s your favorite movie?” *toss*

“The Secretary.” I’m starting to leaning heavy into ‘make Vincent very uncomfortable’ territory, and am too prideful to not do it.

“Maybe we shouldn’t do this.” He tries taking the bean bag to put in his pocket, but I refuse.

“Hey, it’s only been 5 minutes. Plus I was kidding. It’s the Fifth Element.” I roll my eyes with smirk and he nervously scratches his head. “Fine.” He goes back to his spot.

—

This went only for about another hour as we finally concluded the game and found another restaurant for lunch.

“Now that we’re more aquatinted hopefully the rest of this school year can be enjoyable for you.” He picks at a plate of nachos, and I can tell something was on his mind as I tore apart my tuna salad.

“I think the bigger question is. Will this be enjoyable for you?” I almost in a way threatened him, but more so was hinting towards him being upset about something. He finally looks up at me, usually looking down or at some type of media.

“I, uh, got some news from back home while you were getting your food. Nothing too serious, just..frustrating.” He keeps averting his eyes barely looking me in the face. I check the time then grab my now empty plate. I get up and throw it into the trash which was followed by Vincent doing the same with his barely eaten food. As he goes to pay I walk over to the restaurant’s large fish tank to admire it.

—

WEDNESDAY.

“83.” Vincent sat my physics exam down.

“Are you serious?! I was actually trying this time.” I scoff and he gets up.

“Fine.” He takes his reading glasses off, “For extra points I want you to answer my question about not having friends. I’m serious Cher, do you really not have people your age to hang out with? Being homeschooled majority of your youth can mess you up socially.” He’s concerned as briefly rubbing my shoulder. I chew at the inside of my mouth not wanting to answer, but only did for my grade.

“I had a lot of friends ‘before’. It’s just most went to public school and it’s hard to keep up when you stay in a town full of dying old people and middle aged nurses. With my dad’s health getting worse, it’s just school, and home life for me.” I move my hair behind my ear looking down at my feet.

“Oh right. My dad wanted you to come over for dinner Saturday.” I change the subject feeling exposed opening up to him.

“I’ll be honest my dad put me up to it. He wants to have one of those ‘school meetings’.” I do air quotes, “It’s this Saturday. Hopefully you don’t have a date with that waitress.” I gather my things and he complains.

“You’re still on that? Don’t tell me you’re getting jealous or something.” He tries to pinch my cheek and I slap his hand away.

“Haha.” I twist my neck, but can’t help in sensing my cheeks get warm.

We made it out, and he takes note of Carol not being here. “Would it be possible for you to take me home. Carol has to host one of my dads poker game and probably can’t make it.” I lie through my teeth really just wanting Vincent to take me home instead getting picked up like a child.

“To think two days ago you couldn’t stand the sight of me.” He smiles as he hits the car button. He opens the passenger door for me and I get in as the cold leather meets my legs. The interior was cream with blue accents. “Some good teacher.” I look around, and he gets in starting it up immediately.

—

SATURDAY.

I threw on a simple t-shirt and jeans as the smell of chicken and mashed potatoes filled my nose. I leave my room b-lining to the stairs.

“Carol!” I shout like I always do before dinner, “Cher!” She shouts back walking to the dining table with a pan.

“Are you gonna make those cute little deviled eggs?” I ask as she places a stack of plates and utensils in my hands.

“Sure. Now dress the table.” She pinches my cheek. As I pass by the living room, one of the plates slam to the floor and I feel a kick in my heart. I turn to see Vincent, and my dad sharing a cigar.

“Are you okay love?” My dad cautiously gets up, but Carol stops him helping me instead. I move my unkept hair out my face not excepting Vincent to be here so early. Even then, why would I care? It’s just a dinner meeting, right?

I finish setting the table, and Carol places the finally pot of food down. “I need to go upstairs really quick.” I whisper to Carol as Vincent and my dad come to sit. I rush back to my room pacing the floor. ‘What’s wrong with you?” I light slap myself taking a brush to my hair. I smell my shirt then change it 2 or 3 times. I even spray a bit of perfume on my neck, and now I feel better. I make it back down stairs to see my plate already prepared and I thank Carol. I sit in my chair, digging in trying to seem non-chalant about things.

“So Vincent, now that your first week with Cher is over. What do you make of my little angel?” He was being serious, but in a sarcastic way. Vincent was back to picking at his plate like I’ve seen him do before, even though he ate a decent amount before I came back down.

“Well, uh, things started rocky as I’m sure you assumed, but surprisingly Cher did get her first 100 in 2 years judging by her record.” He explains and I look in shock. Carol and my dad light up at the good news. Before I can question, I feel Vincent lightly kicks me as to not say anything.

“That’s terrific news. Stay on track and you’ll graduate in May with the public school kids.” He takes my hand softly. I can’t help but feel embarrassment keeping my head down the rest of the time.

“Are there any colleges Cher is looking to go to? I have a 98% success rate with my recommendation letters.” Vincent sips his water while glancing at me.

“No.” I quickly shot, but Carol answered. “We’re looking at IVY League.” She rolls her eyes knowing it wasn’t realistic.

“It’s not a matter of what school. I don’t want to go to college at all.” I throw my napkin on my plate. My dad was silent in the discussion and I get up asking to be excused.

—

“Thank you so much for helping with the dishes. If only you could work your magic here and get Cher to do the same.” I watch as Carol and Vincent laugh in the kitchen as they clean up.

“Quite a charming fellow.” My dad comments lighting another cigar.

“Too charming.” My face is heated once again and I get up walking to the fridge. Their conversation got lower the closer I got which annoys me more. I sneakily grab one of the beers putting it under my sweater.

“I can still hear you two.” I loudly announce walking out of the kitchen.

“Don’t worry about her.” I hear Carol say to Vincent, and part of me wants to respond back. I go out and sit on the porch cracking the can open.

After making 2 more sneaky trips back to the kitchen, I feel tipsy while I finished a third can. I place my face in my knees trying to understand why I was feeling the way I do. All my previous male teachers were geezers that could barely even read my work. I then get up, and walk to put the can in the outside garbage just as Vincent is leaving out.

“Hey!” I sloppily stomp. “You lied to me about my grades?!” I push him as he walks to his car.

“The best way to get a student to do better is to make them think they’ve done worse. Yes, you did make a 100 on your physics work and an 82 on your literature assignment. I just gave you a little push to do better for your retake, and you did. A 95.” He opens his door, and I stand on the other side.

“I don’t think I very much like you anymore.” I turn up my nose, and he is enjoying every second of my anger.

“Sure, and in exchange for your good grades I won’t tell your father you’ve been drinking behind his back. See you Monday.” He gets in shutting the door. I walk back to the porch as the lawn sprinklers cut on. As he pulls off, I feel something strange in me. In a way, I was sad to see him leave. Yeah, I’d see him next week, but something about tonight made me wish he would’ve stay longer.

~~~~~