Chapter 6 A Conversation Won

Throughout the rest of the week in school, I tried to do what Catherine asked. But it wasn't as easy as I thought it would. Mark was almost everywhere I went. I knew it was mostly coincidence but why did fate have to be so cruel at a time like this. Whenever I saw him anywhere, I quickly left. How I wish this bumping into each other was Matthew. Instead Matthew was always nowhere to be found most of the time. It was only in classes we met and he was always reading so there was no way to start a conversation.

Matthew's seat in class was just next to mine so it was easy to observe what he was doing and admire him even more. After days of hoping for a conversation with Matthew, it was finally Friday. The week was ending yet we sat all day beside each other and had no conversation. So I decided to make up something. I wasn't going to end my week without a sweet moment with him to remember all weekend. I thought of a good pickup line but words failed me. Finally, I remembered a physics problem I had struggled with earlier on but finally solved it. I just wrote out the question in another note book and showed it to him.

"Hey Matthew, I was having issues solving this physics problem, I was hoping you could help me." I said.

Matthew left the book he was reading and looked at the problem. He immediately took out a note from his backpack and showed me his solution to that problem. I looked at it and knew he had it right. But he didn't say anything to me but just continued reading.

A failed attempt it was but I wasn't ready to give up yet. I took the note and acted like I was studying how he tackled the problem. He knew I was smart so there wasn't a way I could lie about not understanding any part. After I had finished going through it, I gave him back his note. He kept it back into his bag but his eyes never left the book.

"Thank you." I said, hoping to get a response but he just turned and smiled at me before returning to his book.

"You seem to be so focused on the book you're reading. Are you preparing for an exam?" I asked.

Matthew nodded. "But we just started the term, why are you studying so hard for an exam so far away." I asked again.

This time, Matthew dropped the book and answered. "It's not for our school exams. I'm preparing for a STEM program in one of the most selective universities in the country. Their screenings are quite rigorous, there are about five exams to take before you get accepted. The first exam is next Month so I'm preparing." He said.

"Is he going to be like this for a whole month? How would I survive not talking to anyone? He was my only friend here." I thought to myself.

I couldn't help but wonder if the program was introduced by our school in the previous term. But if it was, they would have announced about the first exam already. Also, Matthew was the only nerd in class who was immersed in books recently. Could he have been the only one interested in it? I wondered. So it led to my next question.

"Did the school introduce this STEM program to you all last term? And why are you the only one studying for it?" I asked.

"It wasn't our school. Mark's dad did. He got Mark and I enrolled." Matthew said.

"Mark? Then why isn't he preparing for the exams too?" I asked.

Then I thought, maybe Mark didn't feel the need because he knew it wouldn't be easy. "I guess Mark knew he wouldn't make it so he's not going for it right?" I asked immediately.

"No, he and I are taking the exams. He's even my partner in the exam." Matthew said.

"Partner?" I asked.

"Yes, the exam is taken in pairs. So he's my pair." Matthew said.

"I see, but why isn't he studying like you? You're working so hard for it but he's just busy causing mischief as usual." I said.

"Don't underestimate him Lucy. He's not studying like I am because he's already prepared." Matthew said.

"Already prepared, you seem to believe in him a lot Matthew." I said.

"Because I know how smart he is. To be honest, I feel so tense now the first exam is just a month away but his confidence is what assures me that we'd make it." Matthew said, with a smile.

"I know I shouldn't rely on him, even if I'm not as good as he is, I need to do my best." Matthew added.

While he spoke, I saw how anxious he was. It was obvious he was hiding the fact that he was scared. I didn't act like I saw the fear in his eyes, so I just thought of a way to ease his tense nerves a bit. I didn't know if he would agree with it, but I had to give it a try.

"Can we meet at the old basketball court tonight?" I asked shyly.

Matthew's eyes showed that he misunderstood, so I quickly cleared it.

"I'm not asking you out. I just want you to relieve yourself a bit. I go there to feel better sometimes." I said.

"Oh, sure. What time?" Matthew asked.

I was glad he accepted. "By 8pm. I'd be waiting for you there." I said.

"Alright, I'll be there." Matthew said before returning to his book.

I was glad that I got to spend time with Matthew aside from school. It was true he saw me as a friend now. I couldn't help but smile.

"What are you smiling about? You're daydreaming again. I hope it's...." Mark said as he came out of nowhere.

I quickly interrupted him before he could finish that statement "Mind your business Mark, why are you always interfering."

Matthew looked at us and just smiled. "What is it Mark? I know you came for me." Matthew asked.

"Yeah. Would you come over tonight? I got a new video game." Mark asked.

"New video game?" I thought. This was the person Matthew just said they both had an exam to take next month and he was playing games. Now he wants to get Matthew distracted too. I felt sad for Matthew, he had faith in this guy.

Matthew looked at me and turned to Mark, "I can't, you know I have to prepare for that exam Mark." He said.

"Exam? What Exam?" Mark asked, confused.

"Are you fucking kidding me?" I said to myself, stunned.

"The one we have next month," Matthew said.

"Oh, that exam. It's a month away. So we still have time. Are you coming or not?" Mark said.

"I can't Mark. Maybe tomorrow, I'll come over tomorrow. I have something to do tonight." Matthew said.

I blushed a little. Matthew was declining to play video games with Mark because of our meeting. I was overjoyed.

"Alright then. Seems you already made plans for tonight. Tomorrow then." Mark said.

But there was something about how he said it. It made me feel like he suspected something but I didn't really put it in mind.

After school, I made sure I didn't have anything to keep me occupied at night. I did all my chores and tried not to forget any. Thankfully, Veronica made a short business trip, if not I wouldn't have the boldness to ask Matthew to come.