Alexander rolled his eyes. She would definitely get carded, no matter how old she thought she looked. Talking down a salesman was only a little more believable. "We have two different ideas of what 'interesting' is, little girl." He clenched his jaw for a second, irritated with himself for letting 'little girl' slip from his lips. She was getting to him, and he had to stop letting that happen immediately.
He watched with mild amusement when she yanked open the clock. "On my way," He muttered, with a sarcastic salute. He proceeded to gather his things and head downstairs. Her parents stopped him.
"How did things go?" Her mother asked, nervously. Based off of the tone of her mother's inquiry, Alexander assumed he wasn't the first tutor that Mary had given a hard time.
"Yes, please. Is there anything we can do to help you?" Her father added. Alexander smiled politely and shook his head. It was incredible how much her parents cared about her, and how little she cared about their dreams for her.
"You've raised a very assertive daughter," Alexander said. "She's quite stubborn," he added. Both of her parents looked at him with worried expressions. Alexander nodded gently. "It's good that she stands up for herself. I'll try my best to help her raise her grades."
"Thank you," Mr. West said with a polite smile as he retreated into the other room.
"I know how she is," Mrs. West said. "I know she didn't listen to you," she said with a soft sigh. "But you're a very sweet boy, I think you can actually - I don't know. I just want what's best for my girl."
"Of course," Alexander said with a gentle nod, "All parents do." Mrs. West smiled in agreement. Alexander continued, "Am I coming again at the same time tomorrow?"
"Oh yes, yes. I nearly forgot. My husband and I normally work at this time of day, so we won't be here, I was wondering if you could come at a later time?"
"No, I'm sorry, I have a class at night for most days out of-" Alexander began, only to be interrupted.
"It's fine, it's fine. I'm off to work right now, sorry, I'm in a rush," Mrs. West explained. She dolled out some cash from her purse and handed it to Alexander. "This is what we had agreed upon. And tomorrow, just come again at the same time. You're a good boy."
"Let me get out of your hair, Mrs. West, so you can leave for work. I'll be here tomorrow."
They said goodbye and both proceeded to leave the house.
When Alexander got home, he began the dinner that he had been looking forward to cooking. As he flipped the meat on the skillet patiently, he couldn't help but think about Mary. Her outfit, she was showing so much skin. The way she moves is just - no. I can't let myself be anything besides professional. And what was this ridiculous idea of going to a party? I don't have time to kill brain cells like she does. Alexander moved the chicken to the plate and stirred up the sauce, pouring it over the plate. He added spices almost mindlessly. But she said she would get her grades up. She said she would give me anything I wanted... Alexander squeezed his eyes shut.
Maybe he would play her little game. He knew she underestimated him.
Alexander ate, attended his class, and upon returning he stripped down for a shower. Running his hands through his hair, he closed his eyes and wondered if he could actually find himself going to a dumb high school party. He stepped out of the shower, dried himself, and fell into bed. He wondered if he would waste precious time around adolescents just to prove a point. Just to help her out, in the long run. He sighed softly as his cheek sank into the cool pillow.
The next day, Alexander woke and performed his routine. Soon, it would be time to go to Mary's again.
May 31st, 2015 at 07:57am