The College Tutor

Chapter One

It was a beautiful sunny morning. I knew that I had to get up, get ready and make my breakfast. Since I didn’t want to eat too much, I went for a bowl of cereal and milk. One half of an apple slice to go with the milk was good enough for me.

Once I was ready, I hurried into my car and went straight to the bank to deposit my paycheck. I’m a tutor, and I work at Southwestern City College.

Fortunately, the line at the bank was not so long so I was able to get out and go to my work. Sitting in my desk, I knew I had lots to do—paperwork.

First item of business was to look at how my clients were doing. I’ve always told them that I don’t promise they’ll get an “A”, but I promise they’ll understand their subjects. Naturally, they appreciate me being that honest.

As I looked, I noticed that they were all making significant progress. In fact, just as I was about to log off my computer system, I hear a knock on my desk.

It was one of my clients, Alex.

“Hey, Mark. I want to say thanks for your help.”

Well, suffice to say, it felt so good to be appreciated. “Hey, Alex. So I taketh you did well on your math test”

“Yeah, man. I aced it.”

Wow, this was so much a pleasant surprise I had to smile. “Really?”

“Man, I wouldn’t lie to you”, he said with a laugh.

“No, you wouldn’t. I’m just happy that you were able to understand everything.”

“Hey, I admit I was nervous at first, but I remembered what you taught me and I relaxed. After that, it was easy.”

To see that confidence in his tone of voice was refreshing. When I first worked with Alex, he was discouraged. I raised my thumbs up, knowing that I was able to get this guy to tackle math problems with confidence.

“Well, all right, Alex. Your girlfriend Olivia is going to be happy. You owe her dinner, dude.”

“Yeah, I know. But it’s worth it. Thanks.” We shook hands and then he walked out with a swagger in his steps.

My cell phone rang. It was my manager, Rich Greyson. “Hey, Rich.”

“Mark, just checking to see how’s everything.”

“Well, one of my clients came to me to thank me, and he told me he aced his math test.”

“Excellent. Hey, listen up. You’ll be assigned someone who needs help in grammar. Can you handle it?”

“No problem, boss. After all, I’ve always been good at grammar and proper English.”

Rich started to laugh. “I know, and that’s why we’re giving you Jesse Martinez.”

“Okay, Rich. I can help this guy. What’s his need??”

“Well, the guy’s trying to be a writer, and he’s not very confident about his writing.”

“I see. Well, I know I can help this Jesse. What’s his number?” As Rich gave me his number, I jotted it down in my notepad, which I plan to transfer later to my spreadsheet program. “Okay, thanks. Bye.”

Obviously I was looking forward to contacting this new person, but then I heard some high heels clicking. It was Alex’s girlfriend Olivia, wearing a strapless red dress.

“Hello, Mark.”

“Olivia!! I just talked to Alex a few minutes ago, but I guess you know that.”Her smile was so pretty; I couldn’t help but smile back. She sat on top of my desk and said, “Yes, I do. But I’m really here to invite you to our house for a party.”

Suffice to say I was quite flattered. “A party-- oh. Is it your birthday or are we just celebrating Alex’s success?”

She laughed as she brushed back her long hair. “You’re half right”, she said as she winked at me. Knowing she’s Alex’s girl, I jokingly said, “Now I know you’re not trying to seduce me.”

Once again she laughed. “Alex trusts you. He told me you’re the best friend he’s had in this college. I, for one, want to thank you for that. That’s why I’m inviting you to our house party. And it’s actually my sister’s birthday.”

“How old is your sister?”

“Oh, she’s 20.”

“Too young for me, obviously” I laughed. She laughed, too.

“But she wants to meet you anyway, because of what you did for Alex. In fact, his whole family thanks you for what you did.”

“Well, I only promised that he’ll understand math better. Acing the test was because of his hard work.”

“So, will we expect you later tonight at 6pm? Please??”

Not wanting to turn down an invitation, particularly since she asked me in a voice that could entice anyone to do anything, I stood up and replied. “Do I have to bring anything besides myself? Perhaps I can bring a greeting card of congratulations.”

Olivia was happy I basically said “yes”, that she hugged me. “See you there,” she said as she left.

“Bye” I replied as I sat back down. I then called up the number Rich gave me of Jesse. I got a “Please leave a message after the tone.” Naturally I introduced myself and hung up.

After my call, I updated my spreadsheet program. It was great to see all the success I had with those I was assigned to help.

The hour was almost over, and one of the school staff members, Ms. Audrey Nisson, came up to me and asked, “Well, Mr. Tutor Man. Have any plans tonight?”

“Oh, yeah”, I replied as I was cleaning up my desk. “I’ve been invited to a party.”

“Do they know that you don’t smoke or drink alcohol?”

“Yes, they do. When I first tutored this guy Alex, his folks asked me if I wanted to drink some coffee. I told them no, but if you have soda or water, that’ll be fine. They said they have pineapple juice, and I was more than happy to drink some.”

“So when are you going to preach to them?” she asked in a friendly way.

“I’ll only do it if they’re curious”, I answered. “The last thing I need to do is force my religious beliefs down their throats.”

After a brief pause, she took a deep breath and then she said, “Enjoy the party.” After that, she walked out of the office. By then I finished cleaning up my desk.

With that done, I was ready to go to a nearby drug store to get two greeting cards. I found them and so I paid for it and then, taking a pen I kept in my glove compartment, I signed the cards.