Conditioning The Heart

C h a p t e r 5.Rain and Random Ideas 🌦 💭

" Okay, we're actually doing this," I say.

Zeke and I came up with this after he transferred into my math class on Thursday and now it's Friday. I know since we're teenagers we should be partying or something but nope. We're studying, #studentathlete things. But, I also might be trying to get 2 of my friends to fall for each other.

Typical teenager things I know.

"Don't worry, it will be fine. Even if it doesn't work at least I get a free tutor session with my favourite girl" He says while helping me put a bulb back in kneeling on the spare bed. His shirt rides up a little while he's twisting the bulb back in, but of course, I'm not gonna tell him that.

I'm just gonna admire the view of his abs.

I push him slightly, and he almost falls. " Hey do you want these put in or not," he asks indignantly.

" Just put it up, Zeke"

We're in my basement, waiting for Ellis and Sam to come. I told him to come earlier so he can help me set up. I have snacks for stress-eating and a small guest bedroom off of the main room, that us two will go into after Zeke fake complains that he needs peace and quiet to work. Effectively leaving Ellis and Sam alone.

I know. We're geniuses.

Clarke would have come but her mom wants her family all together to go to a corn maze on a farm. Clarke did not sound so excited when we were calling each other earlier. But then I reminded her that there might be a cute farm boy working there and then she got a little bit more excited than she was before.

Justin couldn't come because his family was doing a movie night, seemingly excited for it.

I'm called out of my thoughts when Zeke starts butting me with his shoulder. Of course, due to my extremely random competitive nature, I have to nudge him back harder. So he lets go of the bulb and full-on tackles me. I'm trying to push him off me and he's trying to keep his body on top of mine.

Naturally, my mom walks in then with Sam and Ellis and we're just there. I'm lying down on the bed and Zeke is practically lying on top of me.

I awkwardly say " Hey mom". Zeke turns his head and realizes my mom is in the room and practically becomes the flash, getting off me as fast as he can.

Ellis bursts out into laughter and Zeke just says " Don't start". My mom's looking at all of us amused, " Ash, what exactly was happening" she asks.

" Umm Zeke was just helping me put the new bulb in. I know you've wanted me to do it forever. So I got him to do it instead, and then we got into a wrestling match" I explain

She just laughs at me " Okay, have fun studying. No funny business". She looks straight into the guy's eyes as she says that and I swear Zeke and Ellis look like they are going to pee themselves.

She leaves and I and Sam burst into laughter. My mom is scary, with her African accent. But, I know she was just joking.

I have a feeling she likes the boys. Especially since they both called her Mrs. Lawrence. I know she appreciates it, one of her pet peeves is my friends or kids my age calling her by her first name.

"Okay, should we get started? Zeke and I are working on math since we both have it this semester. What are you two working on?" I ask.

" Oh, I was planning on working on my English presentation I have coming up. Do you want to work on yours and then we can edit each other's?" Sam asks Ellis.

" Sure, though I'm sure yours will be much better. I've seen your work in class sometimes, it's amazing!" Ellis raves.

Yeah, they have English together but sit at opposite ends of the classroom, so they don't talk often. But it does happen. It doesn't help that Sam is shy around him. I pried all of this information out of her like a good best friend.