Usually girls want way more with me than I am often willing to give. I have to be careful because of my family name, which can be a real burden at times. I never know if a girl likes me for me or because I’m a Bancroft. It’s not easy, although I’m sure nobody feels sorry for me. All the guys envy me. They think it’s so easy for me to get laid. Although lately, I don’t care about any of that, all I want to do is spend time with Clarissa, any chance I can get. Unfortunately, she limits her time with me because of this mystery lover she chooses to spend her nights and weekends with. Who is this guy? Deena and I are so curious. It’s nagging at me, I need to get a look at this guy, my competition, that has her so captivated and secretive, it’s weird. She claims he goes to school here but I never see her with him. When I asked her about him while we were studying tonight she was secretive as usual and then I said I wished I was in his shoes, it just came out of my mouth. She went on to explain why we can only be friends. In other words, I was shot down. After an awkward silence she wants to leave.
“I’m so done studying for this Bio test. I hate science, it’s so boring and irrelevant,” she sighs out, closing her laptop.
“What’s your favorite subject?” I ask.
“I would have to say English, I love to write,” she beams.
“Wish I could have read your juicy ‘First Love’ paper,” I tease her.
“That’s a very personal paper,” she replies with an adorable blush.
“You earned an A for that paper. I bet Professor Montgomery got all worked up while he was reading it,” I continue teasing her. Her face turns even redder, and she squirms in her seat. “It must have been some paper, look how you’re blushing.”
“Hey, I’m calling it a night,” she says hastily, as she starts packing up. It’s as if she can’t get out of here and away from me fast enough. Must have been something I said.
“I’ll ride you back to your apartment,” I offer, it’s what we always do when we study late together.
“You don’t have to,” she answers, not looking at me.
“No, I’m done here too,” I say, like I would let her ride home in the dark alone in this neighborhood. We’re quiet riding home tonight, as if she’s mad with me or something. Once we get to her building she just starts walking right in.
“Goodnight,” I say.
“Goodnight,” she replies, and walks into her building without a second look back. Once I get home I text her.
Jason: Are you mad at me?
Clarissa: No, I’m not mad at you.
Jason: Was it pressing for more or the English Paper comment?
Clarissa: Don’t worry, we’re fine. See you in English tomorrow.
Why do I freaking care so much? Maybe I’ll text one of my friends with benefits for a booty call. Nah, not in the mood…
In English the next morning I walk in and she’s sitting next to Alex and they’re talking about the Bio test they have later today.
“We need to start studying together, I need motivating.” I overhear Alex saying to Clarissa when I sit down in front of her. Oh brother, another guy using the old let’s study together angle.
“Yeah sure,” Clarissa replies. Don’t tell me this guy is going to horn in on my time with her? I’m not happy about hearing this and just turn around in my seat and face the front of the classroom. In walks Professor Montgomery and all the girls up front perk up. He hands back our latest paper and I still get another damn C. What’s up with that? I am talking to him about it after class today. Clarissa thought it was a solid paper. Does this guy have something against me? I turn around, feeling exasperated, to glance at Clarissa’s paper. Uhhh, she got an A of course.
“What’s wrong Jason,” she asks with a look of concern.
“I got another C on this paper. I’m talking to him after class.” She just sits back and doesn’t say a word. When class is over she walks out with Alex as I approach the front of the class and wait behind some girl who is flirting with the Professor using the pretense of asking about her paper. Giggle, giggle is all I hear, oh brother.
“Hi Professor Montgomery.”
“Hello Mr. Bancroft, what can I do for you?” he says.
“I put a lot into this paper and was wondering what I need to do differently to bring my grade up in this class?” Professor Montgomery scrutinizes my paper for far too long as I shift back and forth uncomfortably.
“You need to work on your point of view and your verb tense. Your paper should be written in the first person, present tense. Rewrite it and I will regrade it.”
“Alright, thanks Professor.” When I walk out Clarissa is waiting for me.
“What did he say, how did it go?” she asks anxiously.
“He was somewhat cool. He said I could do a rewrite and he would regrade it.”
“That seems pretty fair,” Clarissa agrees.
“Meet for lunch today?” I ask.
“Sounds good, see you later.” I watch her head to her bike and ride off to her next class. When I turn to walk to class I catch a glimpse of Professor Montgomery watching me and he turns away. What’s up with this guy?
NINE
DEENA