Chapter 14
FOURTEEN
For the most part, college is simple. Go to class, do your work, and try your best to not get distracted. Rinse and repeat.
But here’s what they don’t tell you: planning your own class schedule is a bitch and a half. It’s an entire math equation and—apparently—it’s one that I didn’t completely think through.
Spoiler alert: I can’t.
Statistics is kicking my ass. That’s how I end up here, at the library, forcing myself to ask for help. Not only that, but there’s only one program at Bensen U that supplies free tutoring and it’s hosted by Alpha Xi Fraternity.
I’m going to be getting help from a frat guy . Someone who is probably equally as clueless as I am.
This program is talked about very highly by students and professors alike, but seriously ?
Maybe I’m being a total cynic, but I don’t see how someone who spends the entire weekend drinking beer and hosting parties can do anything for me.
Still, I need the help and I can’t afford to hire someone else, so it looks like I’ll be getting firsthand experience on what the hype is all about.
I follow the signs leading the way and come upon a section of the library that’s full.
There’s definitely a ton of frat dudes but there’s also other peers of mine occupying the space.
I see someone else from my Statistics class sitting with a shaggy blond guy.
They both lean over a textbook, and he’s pointing out things with the tip of his pencil while my classmate follows along.
Just like them, many pairs focus intently on their work, causing the area to feel strangely productive.
“Hey, man,” I hear from someone behind me.
When I turn around, there’s two more guys standing there.
One holds a clipboard while the other relaxes against a podium.
I can’t tell whose scent is whose but the aroma of sweet honeyed tea and green apples hit my nose.
“You’re a new face. Are you here for tutoring? ”
I give a weak smile. “If you can fit me in.”
The dark haired guy against the podium shifts so he’s standing completely and gives me a genuine grin. “We’ll do our best. I’m Atlas, and this is our president, Sam.”
I nod my head in greeting. Now that I’ve heard the name, recognition falls over me. He’s the alpha of Rory’s friend. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen him in the dining hall with them before. Sam, however, is a complete stranger, but the dominance rolling off of him lets me know he’s a serious alpha.
“Jett,” I answer, reaching out to shake their hands. “I’m a bit of a newb at this, so I apologize ahead of time if I’m not the best tutee.”
They both smile, but it’s Sam that responds.
“That’s fine. Most of us try to keep this as informal as possible.
Go at your own pace, let us know what works or what doesn’t.
All the guys are on board to help any way they can.
” He looks down at the clipboard. “Just let me know what subject you’re here for and I can pair you with the best man for the job. ”
“Statistics. I’m the only junior and it seems like everyone else gets it but me.”
Both Sam and Atlas look over at the tables, but the latter points to someone. “Everett’s free. He’s definitely your best bet.”
I try to look in the same direction he’s pointing, but there’s just so many freaking frat guys taking up the space. Sam nods in agreement and smacks Atlas’ shoulder in thanks before turning back to me. “Let me introduce you.”
I trail behind him all the way to the back of the room.
It’s cozier back here so I can already feel myself relaxing.
At the back table sits a guy with a paperback opened in front of him and his hoodie nestled up on his neck.
He rests against the wall as his eyes trail over the words, looking completely content and comfy in this corner.
The calming scent of fresh rain swims in the space, and I realize it’s his pheromones sitting in the air like smoke.
“Ev,” Sam starts, getting the alpha’s attention. “This is Jett. He needs help with Statistics.”
He looks up and acknowledges his friend with a nod. “Cool. Thanks.” Sam walks away while this guy stands up, reaching out his hand. “I’m Everett. ”
I return his gesture and fight the urge to scrunch my brows together. He doesn’t give off the vibes that I was expecting and that confuses me. “Hi, man. I really appreciate you helping me. I get the basics, but there’s some equations that throw me for a loop.”
That earns me another nod. “Alright, let’s get started then.” He points at my textbook. “Show me what chapter you’re on.”
Time flies by quickly.
Not only am I finally understanding some of the more advanced formulas, but I haven’t felt bored since sitting down.
I don’t know if it’s Everett’s pheromones causing me to relax more than usual or if I’ve just been this severely stressed over my Statistics grade, but I feel better than I did when I walked into the library.
“Looks like our time is over for today,” Everett comments, pointing to the rest of the room. During our session, we both failed to notice our classmates getting up one-by-one to leave the room. Besides us, only a few other pairs are still here and they seem to be packing up as well.
“At least we got a lot done,” I reply, looking down at my notes. There’s little tricks and notes sprinkled all over the page, in every possible margin. “Thank you so much, man. This is the last common core class I have and I really don’t feel like wasting a credit to retake it next year.”
Everett chuckles. “I’m guessing your major doesn’t involve heavy math?”
I shake my head. “Definitely not. Cinematography with a concentration in acting. I think it’s crazy that I even have to figure out math anymore.”
“You and I both. I’m glad I got all my math credits done early.”
“Wait.” I give him an incredulous smile. “You’re not in a math-centric major?”
He laughs when he sees the teasing look on my face. “I thought I wanted to go into sports medicine, but social work fell into my lap. I’ve just always been good at math. It’s hilarious, too, because my best friend is studying kinesiology and needs all the help he can get with math.”
“I have no idea what that word even means.”
He grins. “Studying the function of the body. He wants to be a physical therapist.”
Social work and physical therapy? Damn, for a couple of frat dudes, they definitely have some high ambitions.
I huff jokingly. “Well, damn. Those are some admirable jobs. I just want to pretend to be somebody else for the rest of my life.”
He waves off my self-deprecating joke. “Hey, that’s very needed, too. It’s an art. One that I certainly couldn’t do even if you held a gun to my head, so kudos to you.”
There’s a calmness as we sit there talking. Small talk normally feels like pulling teeth, but this doesn’t feel like that. I don’t mind what we’re talking about. We could go back to looking at math equations and I’d be perfectly content. It leaves a strange feeling in my gut.
“Yeah, uh…” I start to pile my books into my bag. “Thanks again. I really needed this.”
“No problem. I’m here every time Sam asks us to be, so feel free to come back if you continue to struggle. It was good to meet you.”
A genuine smile appears on my face as I stand up. “You too, man. I’ll see you soon.”
As I walk away, his rain aroma falls away and the anxiety that had dissipated somehow cascades back into my body.
I feel a shiver at the sensation, looking back for just a moment to see Everett packing up his own stuff.
He catches my eye and waves, sincerely jolly in his mannerism.
I return it, but as I leave the library and walk into the sunshine of the quad, the heat burns a bit too much on my skin.