R.J Forever?

Chapter 51: Not a Tutoring Session

Ricky's POV:

It's April 24th, and yes, I am counting down the days until the prom that I cannot go to because I will be in Chicago for my mom's birthday that day. I guess that counting down to something that I am not going to is my negative but I have two positive to share with Marcus and that is always good.

And once again, I came to the library as soon as the last period bell rang because I am embarrassed about tutoring .

I am pretty sure that Big Red thought that I just want to skate home alone though. He told me not to skate alone until my injuries healed but I just told him that I would be fine instead of telling him that I had algebra tutoring with Marcus.

It turns out that I don't have a concussion or major injuries from falling off my skateboard and hitting my head and spraining my left arm. It was just another accident from being distracted while skating, I told Big Red that I was fine on Monday but he took me to the nurse because I was holding my arm weirdly in the hall.

"Hey Ricky, how has your day been?" I watch Marcus walk up to the table that I am sitting at with my textbook and notebook while I stop thinking about prom and my accident.

"Good I guess. I have a few negative things going on in my life but I have two positives," I smile at him since he is my friend not just my tutor.

"Oooh what are the positives?" I watch Marcus' eyes light up while he gets his books and materials out for tutoring.

While he sets up his materials, notebook, and textbook, I pull out a packet from my math folder and hand it over him.

"I got a B+ on my test yesterday on Algebra 1 test 5. I was so surprised since I've failed all of the other ones. Thank you for the help. That last tutoring session really helped me," I watch him look at my grade and look through the packet.

"This is great Ricky. I am so proud of you. I can help you with test corrections if you want so that you can get an A next time and then we can work on today's lesson. What is the second positive?"

I hesitate and take a deep breath for a moment, then look over at the librarian who called E.J out earlier in the semester to see if she is looking.

"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to. We can start on homework and then go to test corrections," I watch Marcus smile at me reassuringly.

"I went on a date," I whisper as quietly as I can to Marcus who is sitting a few feet away from me while feeling my heartbeat increase as I speak.

"That's cool. We don't have to talk about personal stuff if you don't want to. This time is for Algebra tutoring but if you need a friend I am here to listen too," I listen to Marcus speak while trying not to think about E.J right now because it is tutoring time.

I am not wasting Marcus time because he volunteered to do this for me to help me pass this stupid math class.

"Ok. Thanks I guess. I mean it doesn't really matter now. I ruined the dinner I invited him to because I was embarrassed to tell my family about dating. Let's just work on the homework, I need help with the second set of equations," I whisper to Marcus and hand him the homework sheet with my hand that is not in a brace while staring at the librarian to make sure that she isn't paying attention.

I have to wear this stupid brace for another two weeks or until my arm feels fine again.

"Ricky, the date matters to him. I just know it. He went on the date with you and he didn't ditch you or leave you. Did he? He stayed with you because it sounds like you had a follow up dinner too," I watch Marcus put his hand on my back trying to comfort me.