Dear Diary

Chapter 14

In my seventeen years and nine months of living, I've heard and read many incidents that have brought two people together in such a way that forces them to talk. But I have never ever heard of a case where the bad-boy of a school has to teach the good girl maths. It just doesn't seem possible. The good girls are always the ones that are brilliant and the bad boys are the idiots ... 

Apparently anything is possible.

"Elizabeth?"

My eyes snapped back to Mr Tuttle. I hadn't even realised I had spaced out and he was giving me a look of concern.

"Sorry," I muttered and ducked my head, shifting my weight to my right leg.

"I was busy asking you if every day of the week will suite you." Mr Tuttle repeated and my brain panicked. 

Everyday doing maths ... with Cole. My heart pounded at the thought, but forced myself to try and remain calm. It's just maths tuition. It's not like anything's going to happen. I was about to nod that it would be fine, when I suddenly remembered what day it was.

"Oh, wait, I can't. Not on Mondays, at least. I have running," I answered.

Which I'm late for, but anyway...

"Well, every day other than Monday? You will be able to use my classroom and it will be an hour session at a time right after school ends," Mr Tuttle said.

"That's fine with me," I replied, trying to keep my voice even and not anxious-sounding.

An hour, four days a week ... four hours a week with Cole. Alone.

"Is that fine with you, Cole?" Mr Tuttle asked and I almost jumped when I realised that Cole stood right next to me. I hadn't even heard him get up and walk to us.

He shrugged, causing Mr Tuttle to sigh. "Well, I won't keep you any longer, Elizabeth. Thank you for waiting. Cole, I would like to speak to you though."

I barely heard the soft sigh escape Cole's lips.

"Thank you," I muttered to both of them before basically sprinting out the classroom. 

I had to rush to the bathrooms to change into my running gear and, by the time I finally arrived at running, I found that they had already finished their warm-ups. Well, I had just run like a maniac around the school to get here so I suppose that was my warm-up then.

"Alright guys, today we are just going to do a simple jog around the neighbourhood. It's not a race, it's to build stamina so pace yourselves well," Mr Jacobs said and I sidled next to Richard.

"Hey," I muttered and he looked down at me, his eyes widening momentarily.

"Lizard! I was wondering where you were," he said and I tried not to cringe at the nickname. Thankfully he only called me that when we were alone or only with very close friends.

"Yeah, Mr Tuttle asked me to stay behind after class to discuss my tuition times," I explained as we followed Mr Jacobs, who was going at a medium pace.

"Right. Who's your tutor by the way?" he asked and I bit the inside of my cheek. I don't know why I was suddenly so nervous to tell him about Cole, but I suppose he will find out either way.

"Cole."

It was quiet between us for a moment as we began jogging up a hill. "Cole? As in, the bad-boy Cole?" Richard's voice gave away nothing.

"Yeah," I uttered and chanced a glance up at him. Due to out height difference I had to cram my neck to see his eyes. They were guarded and thoughtful.