The Spirit Seer

Chapter 13

Spencer is waiting for me in front of my house when I get home. I kind of wish he wasn’t. I know that we are going to talk about Heath. That’s all we ever talk about. I’m still feeling a little unsure about his attitude earlier. I wanted a little time to dissect it before discussing it with the ghost.

"So, what did I do to deserve the honor of your presence?" I'll admit it, there was "some" sarcasm in that question.

"I wanted to make sure that we were okay. I hope that the stuff with your friends today isn't going to affect you helping me."

"Don't worry, I got them to back down, and Chad was very understanding. I am going to keep trying to get through to Heath. In fact, we talked for a little while after school."

His face lights up. "How did it go?"

I'm not really sure. Something's been bothering me since our conversation. Why was Heath acting so down on himself? And why was he saying that stuff to me?

"I'm not sure he likes me. He made this comment about how he didn't understand why I was slumming it. I feel like maybe it was a dig at me."

"Do you think it was meant to be malicious?"

I sigh. "I don't know, it seemed like he has a bit of a chip on his shoulder."

"You’re popular"

"Yes, I know that."

He rolls his eyes. "Would you let me finish please?"

Now it’s my turn to roll my eyes. He can really be aggregating. But I nod my head to let him know to continue.

"BECAUSE, you are popular, people think things about you. They make assumptions that you are stuck-up. Think about your friends. They would easily without hesitation use someone.

Heath is a loner, and he would be easy prey. It's possible he might think that you could be playing him."

I hadn't really thought of that. I would never do those things to him, and I love my friends, but they aren't the kindest people around. They might do something like that, not to be cruel, but just because they don't realize the way their actions affect others.

"I'm not saying he's right, but maybe give him a break about it. He will get to know you and then understand that you're not like that."

That's true. We are still getting to know each other. I know I'm not like that and eventually he'll see that too. We are very different and it’s not like he was really mean. I just have to let things play out for a while and hope that he gets to know me for who I am.

"Are you okay with continuing this? His attitude hasn't soured him for you has it?"

"Yeah, I'm OK with going forward. We went our separate ways on good terms. I think he just needs some time to see I'm not trying to hurt him."

Spencer looks relieved. "Ok so when will you see him next?"

I roll my eyes. "I can't rush it or force it. If I want to genuinely gain his trust, then I need to let it happen how it happens."

~~~~~

The next day is my first tutoring session. I'm pretty nervous about it. Hopefully, I will learn what I need to learn, and my grade will come right up with only a couple of sessions. It will be one less thing for me to worry about.

"Bailey, do you want to go shopping after school? I could use a new outfit for my date tomorrow." Rachel asks.

We're at lunch. I'm eating with them since we had such an issue over my lunch with Heath. But I do plan to eat with him again. I enjoyed our lunch. There's something different about being around him. I don't know how to explain it, but I like it.

"I can't I have something to do."

She eyes me suspiciously. "What do you have to do that’s more important than helping me look totally hot for my date?"

"I have tutoring in Math."

She looks confused. "Don't you have like a B in math?"

B+ actually, I know most people would consider that a good grade. But I need to do better.

"Yeah, but I want to bring it up."

"My parents would throw me a party if half of my grades were as good as yours."

I know it seems silly, but if I want to reach the future I've always wanted, then I have to do better.

"I think smart girls are hot. It's sexy how concerned she is with her grades." Chad says as he squeezes my hand.

He is such a sweetie. I'm glad he's my man and that he understands me.

"I don't think it's just about the grades. I know I'd do anything to spend a little alone time with Mr. Echols." Rachel says deviously.

I can admit that it's a perk. But that's not why I want tutoring. But maybe I can let my friends think what they want. Who am I to correct them?

"Hey, I can't help it if the tutoring comes with a little eye candy."

"I knew it. You naughty girl. I can't believe it...I can't believe that I didn't think of it first." Rachel says laughing and the rest of us quickly join her.

"I can totally get behind you using tutoring for some special alone time with Mr. Echols."

"So, what are you going to wear on your date?" I ask in an attempt to change the subject away from me.

Now that she has a reason she believes. I'm leaving it at that. They don't need scholarships and can't understand why I'm so obsessed with my grades.

"I can probably find something in my closet. I'm sure there are a few things I haven't worn before."

"I'm sure you'll find something. You have a great sense of style."

We continue to talk, and my mind thinks about the tutoring session tonight. I just hope all goes well.

~~~~~

After school, I take a deep breath to get the courage to go into my tutoring session. I've been in this class a bunch of times before. But this is different. There aren't going to be any other students in there, just me and him.

I'm not delusional I know even though I think he's totally hot that nothing is going to happen with him. He probably just thinks of me as any other ordinary student. I know this objectively, but I'm afraid I'm going to do something to make a fool of myself. I really don't want to do anything foolish.

I'm sure I'm making way too big of deal out of this. It's not going to be a “thing” at all...Probably.

I guess I have to get this over with sometime. So, I pull the door open and walk in.

The class looks a lot different when it's totally empty. I don't know what it is. Maybe just the wide-open space. I'm used to it being filled with other students being loud and obnoxious. It's a whole different vibe.

"Bailey, right on time." He says glancing at his watch. "Prompt, very good. It shows me that you're eager to learn. So, let's get started."

He points to a chair on the side of his desk. "You can sit here. I have my tutees sit close, so I can help without getting up for every question"

I walk up and sit in the chair he indicated. He smiles at me. I try to relax. It's a very laid-back thing and I want to just go with the flow, but unfortunately, I'm not a very "go with the flow" kind of person.

"Is there anything specific from this week’s studies that you need special help with?"

"I think maybe I just want to go over it and make sure I know how to do the equations, so I'm not lost on the test on Monday."

"Okay, I think that's doable. We'll start with a couple of practice equations and the ones you miss I'll explain them to you in more detail."

"Great, that sounds perfect."

He gives me the equations and as I work I finally relax. Mr. Echols makes tutoring fun and not stressful. It's a huge relief. My grade should be up in no time. And I also get the bonus of sneaking peeks at Mr. Echols. What could be better?

Tutoring was a lot better than I feared. It was so nice to have him on hand whenever I got confused. It was also so nice to have a quiet place to work. I was able to focus more than I ever could at my house. There weren’t a bunch of loud ghosts invading my space and talking and distracting me from my focus. If the tutoring continues to go this smoothly I should be able to learn and do better on my tests.

A huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I have to start to understand things now. How can I not with this special one on one teaching. Now my school life can get back on track.

Without so much math stress, I can help Jayne and Spencer, and then things will be back to normal and I can plan my future and live a normal life like I always planned.