Chapter 6 The classroom door

Alex had just fed the soup to Sam who had went back to sleeping again. 9-year-old boys could really sleep like there's no tomorrow.

Lying down in his own part of the bed Alex looked around. They lived in a rented room. The house belonged to an old couple and there were two other tenants who lived with them. One was a college student whom Alex had met a few times in passing and the other was a drunk who sometimes liked to remind everyone just how drunk he was. Today was one of their lucky days. Alex wanted to provide Sam with a better living condition but this was all his job as a part time tutor could afford. Alex closed his eyes frustrated.

'You are doing great and it will get better' the words of the brown-haired girl echoed in his head. He didn't see that coming at all. After she said that he had mumbled an awkward thank you and excused himself saying he had to get back home. Damn it. He shouldn't have done that. But he was so overwhelmed with emotions hearing those words. She had no idea what it meant to him. A part of him wanted to hug her tight for saying the words he so desperately wanted to hear. That's why he left abruptly. He didn't want to come across as a creep..

Alex has never thought much about girls before. Sam had consumed all his time growing up. At 18 years old, he only ever had one girlfriend. But tonight, the last thing he thought about before falling asleep was a brown-haired girl who held his hand when he thought he was all alone in this world.

Addison stood before the classroom door dreading the idea of going inside. This time though, it wasn't because of the teacher who hated her gut for no reason. This time it was because of a certain boy called Alex Miller. What in the world was she thinking doing what she did yesterday? He must have thought she was a creep by the way how he left like he would rather be anywhere else. 'Not everyone has shitty parents like you Addy 'she reprimanded herself. How was she going to face him now? It's not like they were friends but still.

"I really hope you don't open the door and fall again, taking me along with you." a deep voice behind her said.

Addison turned around. Alex Miller stood in front of her an amused look in his eyes. Thank God she wasn't clutching the doorknob like last time. That would have ended up in a disaster.

" Oh hey. It's you. " Addison assumed he would already be inside. What was he doing here? She was embarrassed about yesterday as it was, she didn't need a reminder of what happened at this exact same place a couple weeks back.

"It's me. " Alex looked liked he was trying hard not to smile. "Is it your thing staring at doors before walking in?"

" Uh. Not really. I was just... "Addison did not know what to say. How could she tell him the whole reason she was standing outside was because of him?

"Not feeling like doing Calculus today?"

"Yeah. I don't think Mr. Montgomery is a fan of me "Addison replied.

"Mr. Montgomery isn't a fan of anyone. Period."

Addison looked at him and shrugged. She didn't know what to say to that.

"I know a place near campus that sell the best hot chocolates. I go there with my brother. I'm thinking I'm going there now instead of spending the hour with functions and formulas. Want to join?"