by C. A. Kunz
Sam chuckled, “creepy Crawley, that’s a good one Cat.” He flinched as Rachel gave him a love tap on the arm.
“Don’t encourage her Sam!” Rachel chastised. “Cat, why would he hate you? Teachers have always raved about you. They always say they wish they had a classroom full of students like you. I think you’re wrong about creepy, I mean Mr. Crawley.” Rachel glared at Cat and Sam as they giggled. “Anyway, as I was saying, I think you shouldn’t put the blame on others when clearly it’s your fault. You should be grinded until you bring up your grade,” she said crossing her arms angrily.
“Grinded? Don’t you mean groused?” Sam asked confused.
“It’s grounded! That’s the word you’re looking for!” she interjected, rolling her eyes at the fact that her parents, even though they were well educated, didn’t know the word grounded. In all their years of parenting they never had to use this form of punishment on her or Taylor.
“Well, whatever it is I think you should be it until we see improvement in your grade and that’s my final word.” Rachel stood up, “I knew public school was going to be trouble and I was right. Now, I’ve got a women’s meeting tonight so I’ve got to go get ready,” she announced leaving the room not making eye contact with either of them.
“Dad that’s so unfair! Even you said Mr. Crawley couldn’t get a teaching position anywhere else. He’s evil!”
“Now Cat, I’ll talk to your mom. Maybe you can be grou…grounded, right?” Cat nodded her head. “For this weekend so you can study ahead in the chapters. I’ll help you, as will this tutor person. I know you can do it. I believe in you. Your mom didn’t want you to go to school here in Astoria. So she’s just a little upset now. Run along and I’ll talk to her, okay?”
“Thanks dad,” she said bending down and kissing his cheek.
The next day, Cat made her way to the front office after her third period. Mrs. Starks, a rosy cheeked, portly woman smiled as Cat walked up to the counter. “Miss Colvin, Mrs. Brooks is on the phone right now, but as soon as she becomes available I’ll take you back.” Cat looked at her, confused at the fact Mrs. Starks knew who she was. “Oh yes, I know who you are. My daughter Shannon will be coming here next year and she loves to swim. So we attend every meet so she can watch and learn. You’re a wonderful swimmer, so graceful. You make it look so easy. She talks about you all the time,” she said peering at the phone. “Oh great! She’s off. Follow me.” Cat couldn’t have said a word if she wanted to, as Mrs. Starks continued talking about her daughter until they reached the end of the hall and knocked on the door.
“Come in!” Mrs. Brooks looked up. Her red glasses perched on the tip of her nose. “Thanks Joan. Hi Cat, have a seat. This shouldn’t take long, just waiting for your tutor to show up.” Cat sat down, just as someone knocked at the door. “Come in! Hello Ryan, please have a seat next to Cat.” Cat didn’t turn around. She felt Ryan’s eyes staring at her back, and then heard him move, sitting down beside her. “Cat, I’ve picked Ryan Beckford to be your tutor as he had Mr. Crawley last year. Surprisingly he was the only one who received an A. Which I’ve heard, is hard to do in his class.”
Cat kept her eyes on Mrs. Brooks. Oh great, the one person I wanted to avoid at all cost was going to be thrust upon me every day, she thought.
“Cat are you okay?” Mrs. Brooks asked.
Cat looked up, “Sorry, what…”
“I was just saying, that if Ryan could spare an hour after practice Monday thru Wednesday. And then maybe a few hours on other days, which you can work out amongst yourselves. We could get you back on track by the end of the semester finals.”
“But Mrs. Brooks, I don’t think that’s fair to Ryan! I’m sure he has a full schedule with practice, games and playoffs-”
“It’s no problem,” Ryan said interrupting her and forcing Cat to turn and look at him for the first time since he came into the room. “We can meet after our practices and on Thursday, after your meets. I try to make every one.”
Cat groaned inwardly. Of course he did, how could I miss him staring at me from across the pool? I need to get a different tutor? I just have to! I don’t like how I feel when I’m around him, Cat thought to herself.
“So it’s settled, today’s…Wednesday, so…maybe you two can have your first study session today?” Mrs. Brooks said looking at her calendar. “Where does the time go? Anyway, you kids skedaddle. I know we’ll get great results from this union. After all Astoria High can’t afford to lose one of our best swimmers now, can we?” Embarrassed, Cat stood abruptly and moved toward the office door. Ryan, grinning at her discomfort, stood to the side as Cat exited and then he followed closely behind. “Don’t forget to fill in that schedule I gave you! And when you have it worked out, drop it by the office and we will make a copy.” Her voice filtered down the hall.
What schedule? She didn’t give me a schedule! Turning and bumping into Ryan, Cat saw that he had a paper in his hand.
Steadying her, Ryan’s grin seemed to grow. “You forgot this.”
“Oh.” Cat’s legs felt weak at his touch. She caught herself gazing into his eyes and she blushed. Quickly glancing at the floor, she nervously brushed her hair over her ear and took the schedule from his hand. Leaving the office she noticed the hallways were empty. Ryan reached out and put his hand on Cat’s arm. Startled, she turned to face him.
“I get out of practice at five today, how about we meet in the library? It doesn’t close until seven.”
“Alright, well I guess I’ll see you later then,” she uttered quickly. He began to say something else but then decided to just walk away. Cat leaned against the lockers as Ryan walked in the opposite direction from her. What a fool Cat! You looked so dumb! Why didn’t I speak up and tell Mrs. Brooks I didn’t want him for a tutor? No, I just gave in! Well maybe after one session, he’ll get so frustrated with me he’ll quit. Yeah like that’ll happen. He enjoys watching me act like a total moron!
“Young lady aren’t you supposed to be in class?” Cat turned to face a teacher whose face looked familiar but she didn’t know his name. “Just came from the front office. Heading back to class now,” Cat replied striding down the hallway calling over her shoulder. “I wish I could run but I’ll only get in trouble for that,” she mumbled to herself.
Towel drying her hair and sitting on the bench in front of her gym locker, Cat thought about what transpired an hour ago. Her cheeks felt like they were on fire as she recalled the way she had acted in front of Ryan. Damn those baby blue eyes of his, damn them!
“Hey Cat, what’s up?” Hannah’s soft voice broke into her thoughts.
“Nothing much, just a little tired after all those laps.”
“Why were you late?” she asked, smiling at Cat as she began to pull her things out of her locker.
“I was getting a tutor for Math. Why does it have to be him?” she groaned.
“Him, who?” Hannah asked.
I didn’t say that out loud did I? Cat thought to herself. “Oh, Ryan,” she said trying to sound nonchalant. “Well anyway, Mr. Crawley is purposely flunking me, so my only option was to get a tutor. So I was given one,” she rambled.
“Oh, I hate Mr. Crawley! He’s so mean!” she said fiercely slamming her locker closed. “I was having a lot of problems with him, always picking on me, because he knew I hated being called on. So when I told Isaac, he went to talk to him, and I haven’t had any trouble since.”
Cat looked at Hannah with surprise. Wow, I’ve never seen Hannah mad before.
“Wait…Did you say Ryan is your tutor?” Hannah asked. Cat nodded. “Ryan Beckford?” She nodded again not making eye contact with her. “That’s awesome! Ryan’s really good at math, he’s very helpful. He’s such a great guy once you get to know him. He’s shy at first, but he grows on you,” she said noticing Cat rolling her eyes.
“Well I don’t doubt he’s a good guy Hannah. But the whole shy thing, I just don’t know. And he hangs out with your brother…no offense,” she s
aid quickly turning to face her.
“None taken. I know my brother and his group can be a little…much, but Ryan’s different. He hangs out with them mainly because they’ve been friends since they were in diapers,” she said with a smile. “And he is shy. Have you ever seen all the girls falling all over him? He avoids them, but they don’t seem to get the hint. I think it’s funny.” She giggled.
Good, well maybe I can get him to avoid me, Cat thought.
“So, I heard Isaac warned you again about speaking to me. I get lectured almost every day,” Hannah said with a sigh. “But, if he hasn’t convinced you otherwise, I’d like to continue being friends.”
“You are my friend Hannah, and your brother can just…go screw himself for all I care!” she declared, seeing the sadness in Hannah’s face. Grabbing their bags off the bench, Cat gave her a quick hug. “Let’s go to lunch, I’m starved.”
Lunchtime was a peaceful affair. Hannah followed Cat through the lunch line and then sat at the table with her and her group, blushing when Matt said hello to her. Looking around Cat noticed Isaac’s group was absent from their regular table. She kept an eye out during lunch just in case they showed up. She didn’t want to be blindsided.
Walking into Earth Science, Cat stood by her desk, closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. “Bad day, huh Cat? You look like you’ve got the weight of the world on your shoulders. And your aura’s not too happy either,” Miss Amaya said frowning at her.
“No, just creepy Crawley problems.” Cat sighed.
“Can’t be all that bad. I know Mr. Crawley is difficult to get along with. But I thought you of all people could handle him.”
“He’s failing me! And now I’m stuck with a tutor. Which just complicates things even more,” she replied, her shoulders drooping.
“Ryan’s a complication?” Miss Amaya asked.
“How do you know he’s my tutor?” Cat’s shocked eyes met hers.
“I just know,” she said smiling mysteriously. “Now how can I help?” Miss Amaya asked placing her hand on Cat’s arm.”
“I know you perform spells. Do you have one that can turn Mr. Crawley into a frog? Only just for 7th period of course?” she asked, noticing the amused look on her teacher’s face.
“Now Cat you know our creed is to harm no living creature, and that would be a little harmful don’t you think?”
“Well it was worth a try,” she replied laughing as the bell rang to start the period.
“Everyone take your seats. I’m going to have Steven pass out a little packet I put together on today’s material.” Steven stood abruptly and took the papers from her. He turned and the class could see the bemused look on his face. It was a look Cat had seen on many of her male classmates when they were called on by their beautiful teacher. She giggled to herself wondering if Miss Amaya knew of the effect she had on them. “Today, we’re going to learn a little about Mother Nature’s little natural wonders. Stones and crystals, their meanings and how they can be used in your daily life.” The hour seemed to fly by, filled with knowledge of agates, crystals, geodes, and their uses. The bell rang and the class collectively groaned. “Okay if you like what we did today, tomorrow I’ll bring in some of my stones and show you their magic!” Chatter filled the room, making it clear they definitely wanted to learn more.
Dreading her next class, Cat slowly collected her books and shoved them one by one into her bag. “Cat, your aura looked wonderful in class, now it’s a little off again. I want you to think positive, don’t let him get to you,” Miss Amaya said walking her to the door.
“Thanks, I’ll try, since I can’t count on the frog thing,” Cat murmured and then trudged down the hall, her teacher’s delightful laughter ringing in her ears. Miss Amaya sat in the chair behind her desk. Closing her eyes, she mumbled a few words then turned her head to watch her next class filtering in.
Walking into algebra, Cat ignored Mr. Crawley, who was standing at the front of the room. Dropping her books on her desk, she saw a pair of scuffed shoes and a multi pleated pair of pants standing next to her. Restraining herself from looking up, she opened her book and pretended to read. “What are you going to do with all your spare time, now that your swimming career is on the shelf?”
“Whatever do you mean Mr. Crawley?” Cat asked smiling innocently.
“Your inability to participate in your favorite pastime,” he said in a triumphant tone, as if he had just won a battle.
“I am at a loss Mr. Crawley…oh I see, you think I can’t swim anymore. Well apparently I can. According to school policy, a student who is failing a subject can still participate in school sports as long as they show they’re making an effort to improve. You’ll be happy to know I now have a personal tutor. I’ve been told he is one of the few students who have actually made an A in your class. Ryan Beckford. You must remember him from last year?” Cat said sweetly as she watched his eyes widen.
He narrowed his eyes angrily once more. “You haven’t won yet!” he whispered bending over so only she could hear him. He then turned abruptly storming back to his desk, filling the room with his anger.
I might enjoy today’s class, she thought as she watched Mr. Crawley grab the chalk and began writing furiously on the board.
Blow drying her hair after practice, something she hadn’t done before, Cat thought about why she was doing it now. Its cold out, I can’t afford to get sick this late in the swimming season. Okay so that explains why I’m drying my hair, but why am I putting on lip gloss too? I admit it. I don’t want to look too hideous when we study. I do have pride in myself. It’s not like I am doing it for him, but for me. Yes that’s it. Oh, who are you kidding Cat? She looked around to make sure she hadn’t said the words out loud. Good, no one’s looking in my direction. I’m safe. Grabbing her messenger bag, she said goodbye to the stragglers and left the locker room.
It didn’t take Cat long to reach the library. First thing she noticed was the absence of light behind the two huge glass windows. As she walked closer, she saw a sign taped to the door stating that due to a leak in the roof, it would be closed until further notice. Groaning, she turned and spotted a chair sitting off to the side. Tired from her rigorous practice, she plopped down on it. The hallway was quiet. In fact it was a little spooky. Looking out the window opposite her, she noticed the sun had all but set. All she could see was the outline of the forest at the back of the school. Tapping her foot, she looked at her watch. Where is he? It’s passed five. Maybe he’s forgotten. I’ll wait a few more minutes, then I’ll call Taylor’s cell to see if he’s still here. She knew Taylor often stayed late after practice talking to the coach. She heard a noise coming from the library, it sounded like someone shuffling around. Standing up, she walked toward the door, clutching her messenger bag tightly. You stupid fool! Cat, stop! You’ve had a dark figure stalking you and now you want to go investigate a strange noise? Go the other way! Her inner voice yelled. She hesitated, her curiosity getting the best of her. She began thinking about all the movies she had seen where people had gone to investigate a noise, instead of running the other way to get help, and ended up in trouble. A loud bang on the door startled her. Screw this! Enough weird things have been happening to me lately, I don’t need this too! Cat thought hurrying down the hall away from the library. Someone was ahead in the distance walking in her direction. Under the dim lighting she couldn’t make out who it was. For a second she panicked. Thinking it was the cloaked dark figure from before approaching her caused her to have a quick flashback to the hall of mirrors. The person came into view and she breathed a sigh of relief. It was Ryan.
“Sorry I’m late Cat.”
“Ryan, the library’s closed but I heard strange noises. They seemed like they were coming from inside! I think someone’s in there!” He took her arm and felt her shaking. She gazed into his eyes and her nerves began to settle.
“Okay, you stay here and I’ll go look,” he said in a calming tone.
“No, we should j
ust go!” She said tugging at his arm.
“It’s okay Cat, it’s probably the shaky pipes or something. This side of the school’s really old. It’s okay. Just stay here and I’ll be right back.” Cat watched apprehensively as he walked down the hall. Ryan pulled on the library door and to his surprise it was open.
“Hello? Is anybody in here?” his voice echoed through the vast room. He felt for a light switch and shielded his eyes as the bright fluorescents came on. Seeing no one, he turned off the lights, closed the door and walked back toward Cat. “Nobody’s there. Must be the old pipes. I saw a ladder in the middle of the room. They’re probably working on them or something.”
“I feel like such an idiot,” she said looking relieved, her fingers rubbing at her temple.
“You’re not an idiot. But we do have a problem though. Where are we going to study now?” he asked.
“Umm…we could go to my house. I bet you’re hungry. My mom wouldn’t mind you coming over, she always makes plenty of food,” Cat replied.
“I don’t know if that’s…”
“Well, do you have a better suggestion?” she interrupted him. “No? Then we’re going to my house. Feeding you is the least I can do considering you’re helping me,” she said walking down the hall. “Coming Ryan?”
The library door creaked opened, as Ryan and Cat disappeared down the hall. “Damn! I thought she’d come in,” Isaac growled in frustration.
“I guess your plan didn’t work. Damn it, I broke a nail!” Amelia whined, examining the damage that was caused from banging on the library door just moments ago.
“Quit complaining,” Isaac snapped at her. “What’s Ryan doing with her anyway? Flirting with the enemy, huh Ryan? We’ll see about that!” he murmured, walking angrily down the hall as Amelia struggled to keep up with him.
Sitting in Ryan’s sporty looking car, the plush leather seats surrounding her, Cat watched as he moved around to the driver’s side. She was surprised when he had followed her to the passenger door and opened it, waiting until she arranged herself, and then closed the door. Who says chivalry is dead? Cat thought, delighted he had performed the simple act.