Flying

I am flying when I show up for tutoring. I stand, swaying back and forth, in the middle of the library for what seems like an eternity. I close my eyes. Everything’s good.

“Zara?” It’s a boy’s voice but I still have my eyes closed.

“Mmmhhhmm,” just let me keep this feeling a little bit longer.

“I’m sorry. Are you Zara Anderson?”

I flick open my eyes. I can tell that he knows who I am already. Everyone does. Zara Anderson seduces teachers. Zara Anderson is a harlot. Zara Anderson will sleep with anything that moves. Zara Anderson is an addict.

“Yes. Who are you?” the feeling is gone. I’m just hovering now. I’m only a few inches above the ground. I’m not high enough to feel safe.

“I’m Sullivan, your tutor.”

He is one of those pretty, skinny boys. He’s got these red, full lips and sparkling blue eyes. He'd probably make a nice looking girl if his nose weren’t just a little bit too big and crooked. His arms look like pale twigs sticking out of his black t-shirt. Attached to them are surprisingly large hands. Piano fingers. He’s got hair the color of tree bark. It’s just a too long for my liking.

He talks a lot about math. I don’t really need his help. I don't care about math anymore, but I’m good at it. That’s one of the reasons why Kenneth liked me.

Zara x Kenneth = inappropriate

(Zara x Kenneth) + Principal Manning = trouble

Which simplifies to Zara – friends

Which simplifies further to Zara x pills

At the end of the session Sullivan puts his giant hands over mine and says, “it’s ok. We’ll get it all sorted out.”

I’m not quite sure what he’s talking about.