It's Simple. I use you. You use me.

Chapter 24

I closed my eyes. I didn't want to think about it anymore.

My heart was broken. Ethan hurt me with his words yesterday... yet I still felt the need to protect him. He had a life that needed to be protected and I... I'm just here crying. I was dumb.. so dumb because no matter how much he hurt me, I couldn't let him get hurt. I would gain nothing back, but more tears...

"We're still going to school tomorrow," my mom said.

I looked up at her in surprise.

"I'm not letting you tutor Ethan anymore. I can't. I would fail even more as a mother. I don't want him anywhere near you. I don't want you near him, either. Got it?" 

I nodded

"I'm going to spend less time at work also now. I don't want to leave you alone again. Emotionally or physically, I don't want to see my daughter hurt again."

I was relieved by her promise, yet I was worried. 

The next day

"You ready?"

I nodded. 

My mother and I were in the car. She took me to school today. She was really going to talk to the counselors about taking me off the tutor list. She was even really serious about Ethan not being near me. She repeated about a thousand times this morning. 

I myself was afraid to see Ethan. I knew as soon as I saw him, I would probably break. I still have not recovered from his words, but I was still Lucille, the good student. I couldn't miss more than a day of school in a week. I took a big breath and got ready to embrace this dreadful day. 

We got out of the car and walked to the counselor's office. 

"Hello, Ms. James and Lucille. I was told this was urgent, therefore, you needed to see me right away. What can I do for you?"

"I would like to take my daughter off as Ethan Collin's tutor," my mother spoke bluntly. 

"I'm sorry?" Mr. Railey responded in surprise. 

"I said I would like for you to take my daughter off as Ethan Collin's tutor."

In disbelief, he asked, "Is there a reason why...?"

"It's for personal reasons. I just do not feel good as a mother for her to continue tutoring someone like Ethan Collins."

"Ms. James, I'm sorry to say this, but Ethan Collins is an exceptional student to our school. Whatever it is--"

"I know that, but again, like I said I don't feel good as a mother to let my daughter tutor him, therefore, please, take my daughter off!"

He sighed and nodded.

"Okay, I will take her off as soon as I find a new tutor for him."

"No, I want her off right now."

I turned to my mother in shock. I had never seen my mother so aggressive with her tone.

"Okay, okay..." Mr. Railey said warily. "I will send an email out as soon as possible today."

"Thank you." mMy mother nodded. She shook his hand and we walked out. 

"Mom...thank you," I said.

She softly smiled.  "Of course. I'm here now. I will protect you." 

I smiled back until my eyes caught Ethan's figure. I quickly turned back to my mother. She saw my change of expression. She then turned around. I tried to stop her, but it didn't work. She saw Ethan also...She was about to walk towards him, but I held tight onto her arm.

"Mom...you promised."

She turned back to me.

"Fine...but you stay away from him, okay? If he gets close to you, you just walk away. Do I make my words clear?"

I nodded. There was no chance of us talking, therefore, my mother's command was easy.

My mom kissed my forehead and said goodbye before she left to work. I took one more glance and I saw Ethan look at me. I quickly looked down and walked away. 

Ethan's POV

I saw Lucille with her mother. I wanted to run to her and apologize. I just wanted to take back all my words and hope that she forgave me, but I knew all of that was just lost hope.

I messed up so bad. As soon as her mother left, I saw her looking at me and quickly look away. I sighed.

Lucille's POV/ At Lunch

"Hey, where were you yesterday?"

I looked up to see Theo.

"Umm... at home," I said. 

"Oh, you ditched school. Rebel alert," he teased.

I softly smiled back at him, however, I had too much on my mind to laugh at his comment. 

"Are you okay?" he asked, concerned.

"Yeah, of course!"

He gave doubtful look.

"Its nothing, really." I tried to reassure him.

"I haven't known you for that long, but trust me, I've dated enough girls to know a nothing means something in girl language."

"Enough girls?" I looked to him.

"Yes... a ladies' man, you could say."

This time, I really giggled.

"Okay... ladies' man... I think player suits more."

"Woah, woah, "player" is a little harsh, don't you think? I actually date my women for at least a month," he argued.

I shook my head. He smiled at me. I smiled back.

"So tell me.. is it your "complicated" relationship?"

I was surprised. 

"It is!" he rejoiced happily. "Sorry... got a little excited."

"No... its okay," I responded. 

"What did the douche do?"

I gave a glance to Ethan who sat next to Heather from across the room. 

"Exactly what I didn't want..." I sighed.

"And what was that....?"

"Nothing." I gave a tight-lipped smile.

"It hurt, didn't it?" he gave a sad look.

"What...?" I asked, astonished.

"I could tell... I'm a "player" remember?" he smiled. 

I looked down at my hands. 

"By the way, you were approved to be my tutor. Congrats!" he said. 

He showed me the paper.

"Told them you agreed," he said. 

"Wait, but..."

"Thanks, Luce!" he said before he took off. 

I shook my head, but laughed it off. Maybe this would take my mind off of Ethan. I could just focus on tutoring and work because there would be no Ethan in either. 

I felt a deep stare and looked up. My eyes met with Ethan, but I quickly looked away. 

Stop Lucille, it's over.