A/N - I know it's really short, but it's an update, right? I'll get chapter 3 up soon (which will be longer). I've just been busy writing a research paper; also, I'm finally over my writer's block with another story of mine, Accent, so I've been focusing on that.
Chapter 2
One month later…
Allie Rafkin was sitting at her desk, watching the clock. Five more minutes until the bell would ring, effectively ending the torture known as math class.
She watched, discreetly listening to music on her I-Pod, as the teacher passed back their first test. The man slowly approached her and placed the test face-down on her desk before moving on. Eyes on the paper, Allie flipped it over and read a disappointing 45 written at the top. Grimacing, she noticed the dreaded sentence see me after class. The girl stuffed the paper into her bag and slumped in her seat, wondering how to get out of this.
All too soon the five minutes were up and the bell rang. The young Rafkin stayed in her seat, watching her peers file out and wishing she was with them. Once the classroom was empty, the teacher beckoned her to his desk.
Reluctantly, she stood and walked up to the front of the room. The first thing her teacher did was express his concern. "So far I've given two small quizzes and this test, all of which you've failed."
Allie flinched when he asked the classic "Is something wrong? Here at school or at home?" before moving on to "If there is, please tell me. I don't want to see you fail."
Staring at her feet, the girl mumbled, "No, sir. Nothing's wrong."
"Can you please tell me why you seem to be struggling, then?" he asked her. When she shook her head in the negative, Arthur Kriticos sighed.
"Right, well, all I can do is give you some suggestions. Perhaps you could spend a little more time reading the book and doing problems? If that isn't enough, you could always go to tutoring after school on Tuesdays."
Still refusing to look at him, Allie lied, "No, sir. I, I mean, I-I can't do tutoring on Tuesdays." The truth was that she just didn't want to. Plus, it meant someone could find out about her dyslexia and she was very private and very proud.
Arthur nodded slightly. "Well, if Tuesdays don't work, is there any other time you're free? I'd be happy to set up a private tutoring session if that's what you'd prefer."
Noticing that the bell was about to ring, Allie hurriedly said that she'd work from the book a bit more before asking to leave. She watched as her teacher sighed and nodded his approval and left quickly.
Walking down the hall, the girl couldn't help but think that the day couldn't get any worse.
She was wrong.
Arthur Kriticos was hurrying out to his car. School had let out an hour ago, and he was just now getting to leave. He couldn't wait to get home and see his kids.
The man was just unlocking his car door when he noticed a lone figure in front of the school. Upon closer examination, he came to realize that the figure was in fact Allie Rafkin.
Looking around, Arthur concluded that someone was supposed to pick her up, and was very late. Recognizing his chance, and because he's a good person, the math teacher jogged over to the girl. She must have heard him approaching, as she lifted her head.
Allie groaned inwardly when she saw who was standing before her. She took back her earlier statement, now the day couldn't get any worse. But, of course, the world loved messing with her.
"Miss Rafkin, what are you still doing here?" he asked, a bit concerned.
The girl stared at nothing in particular as she calmly replied, "My brother was supposed to pick me up. I guess he forgot. It happens."
Arthur realized that his original thought had been correct: Dennis must be her older brother. Seizing the opportunity, he offered his student a ride home.
Allie considered it. She could either A) accept her overly-enthusiastic about math teacher's offer and take the completely awkward ride or B) turn him down and walk all the way back to where she and Dennis reside in the chilly weather.
With a sigh, she said "Okay" and followed the man to his car.