Cutie Pi

2

A few weeks have passed and I can't believe how different college is. I feel so supported and included. It feels representative of real life here, the diversity is incredible and for the first time in a long time I don't feel isolated.

I sat down at my desk, rolling my eyes as the idiot at the front of the class told his daily 'fun fact'. He always made stupid comments or gave wrong answers purposefully, if asked to volunteer a number, 69, of course, was his choice. He was that kid basically.

One thing I did enjoy was Sir's reactions, his sarcasm level was unbeatable, and his lack of time for this kid was so funny. I could tell he enjoyed their disputes, often using it to link to whatever the college was promoting, values or charity or something.

Over the first few weeks of term, it has become more obvious how clever the seating plan in here was, on the front row were the people who struggle the most, maybe told the most pointless stories, and behind me were the geniuses, who finished all the exercises in half the time and didn't even have to try. I was envious of both honestly, attention and intelligence, I was stuck in the middle, mediocre again.

Something the kid said today triggered one of Sir's famous monologues, I refocused as he ranted about the price of the canteen food and how packed lunches were more economical. I loved pack lunches, I rarely had time to make them, but I could have dinosaur shaped sandwiches and juice boxes and cookies, the kind of food not normally available at a college.

"Right, now that's done, I'm going to hand out your test papers from last week, if you got a D or lower, you have to come to study group once a week,"

He began walking around the room and I subconsciously held my breath watching as he leant down, eyebrows furrowed in concentration and support as he commented to students. I watched as he smiled, finding myself smile too. I loved his smile, there was always a hint of knowing something we don't, childish almost.

He placed the girl next to me's paper down, an E written in red on the front, I turned to her, offering what I hoped was a supportive smile. I know she struggles with Maths, she only chose it because she didn't like any others. I had thought to myself that maybe picking an easier subject would have been a better choice, but she was getting there.

He placed mine down and I let out the breath I'd been holding. C. Could be worse. I'd always been told that my academic success was not due to natural intelligence but more my hard work. Feels like a back handed compliment in my opinion but I know it's true.

Things don't come easily to me, I don't have a strong suit, I'm kind of just average at everything. I don't remember the last time I felt smart in all honesty, probably primary school. I looked up and found Sir's gaze already on me, I felt a blush rising up my neck to the tips of my ears, I snapped my head back down to my paper as his smirk grew.

People began packing up their things and I looked at the clock, "What are you guys doing, I still have a minute and 23 seconds of your time, no packing up yet," the class half groaned, half chuckled. He's so unapologetically himself, and himself is very funny, kind, and crazy smart.

He told us to find a specific question in the textbook and I rushed to find the page, as the rest of the class continued packing up, just slightly quieter. Sir has crazy hearing, if I ever mumble about being confused, he immediately asks what question I'm on and goes through it with me, even from all the way at the front of the room.

"Okay guys, I'll see you all tomorrow,"

Students sped out of the class until, as usual, only I was left. I walked slowly toward Sir's desk, staring at my Mary-Jane clad feet. "Is everything okay, Isla?"

I looked up, "Y-yes, Sir, I was just wondering if I could come to the study group this week?"

"Of course you can, anyone is welcome, it's just only mandatory for people with a D or below,"

"O-okay, thank you, Sir," I nodded, heading to the door.

"You can call me Sam, you know,"

I blushed, "Sorry Si-Sam,"

He smiled kindly at me as I left the classroom.